Butter-Braised Corn on the Cob

Sometimes called butter-bath corn (thanks to a generous amount of butter) or milk-boiled corn, this genius cooking method of boiling corn in a mixture of milk, butter, and aromatics hails from the Midwest and delivers corn on the cob with big flavor and tender kernels.

Butter-Braised Corn on the Cob
Photo: Carson Downing
Total Time:
25 mins
Servings:
4
Yield:
8 pieces

Ingredients

  • 4 cup water

  • 1 cup milk

  • ½ cup unsalted butter

  • 4 large garlic cloves, smashed

  • 2 tablespoon chili powder

  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin

  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt

  • 4 ears corn, husks and silks removed

  • Cheddar cheese. sliced green onions, and/or thinly sliced jalapeno pepper (optional)

Directions

  1. In a large pot or Dutch oven bring 4 cups water to boiling over medium-high. Add milk, 1/4 cup of the butter, two of the garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon of the chili powder, 1 1/2 teaspoons of the cumin, and 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt. When butter is melted, add corn, arranging ears to keep them submerged; cover. Reduce heat to a simmer; cook 5 to 8 minutes.

  2. Meanwhile, soften remaining 1/4 cup butter and mince remaining two garlic cloves. In a small bowl stir together softened butter, minced garlic, the remaining 1 tablespoon chili powder, and 1 1/2 teaspoon cumin, and 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt.

  3. Serve corn with butter mixture and a spoonful of the cooking liquid. If you like, top with cheese, green onions, jalapeno slices, and/or additional chili powder. Serves 4.

Herb Butter-Braised Corn on the Cob

Prepare as directed, except omit the chili powder, cumin, and jalapeno. Add 1/4 cup chopped fresh herbs to the cooking water and 1/4 cup chopped fresh herbs to the butter mixture.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

191 Calories
13g Fat
19g Carbs
4g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 4
Calories 191
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 13g 17%
Saturated Fat 8g 40%
Cholesterol 31mg 10%
Sodium 213mg 9%
Total Carbohydrate 19g 7%
Total Sugars 6g
Protein 4g
Vitamin C 9.9mg 50%
Calcium 22mg 2%
Iron 1.4mg 8%
Potassium 313mg 7%
Folate, total 34.2mcg
Vitamin B-6 0.2mg

*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

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