Baby corn takes 3-5 minutes to cook. Boil or steam whole baby corn for 3-4 minutes until just tender with a bite, stir fry for 3-5 minutes over a high heat, or roast at 200C for 12-15 minutes. Tinned baby corn is already cooked and only needs 1-2 minutes to heat through.
Last updated: 30 June 2024
How to Cook Baby Corn
Baby corn, a miniature version of sweet corn that has been used an Asian cookery for centuries , has gained popularity in the West as a delicious and nutritious addition to various vegetarian culinary delights. With its tender texture and mild flavor, baby corn offers a unique touch to salads, stir-fries, and lots of other dishes.
In this article, we will delve into what baby corn is, discuss its nutritional benefits, explore the cultivation process, highlight its versatile applications in all kinds of dishes and provide some delightful, but easy to prepare, recipes for you to try.
What is Baby Corn?
Baby corn is essentially an early-harvested, immature cob of corn, typically harvested within 2-3 days after pollination when the corn is still young and small. It is characterized by its petite size, tender kernels, and a sweet, mild taste.
Unlike regular sweet corn, which is harvested when fully matured and ready to eat, baby corn is appreciated for its delicate texture and versatility in cooking.
Nutritional Benefits of Baby Corn
Despite its small size, baby corn offers numerous nutritional benefits. It is low in calories and fat while being rich in dietary fiber. Baby corn is also a good source of essential vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, folate, potassium, and iron. Additionally, it contains antioxidants that help combat free radicals and promote overall health.
How To Prepare Baby Corn
There are lots of ways that you can prepare baby corn:
How to Steam Baby Corn
Steaming baby corn is a simple and healthy cooking method that helps retain its natural flavors and nutrients. Place the baby corn in a steamer basket over boiling water and steam for about 5-7 minutes or until tender. Steamed baby corn is great for adding to salads, stir-fries, or enjoying as a standalone side dish.
How to Stir Fry Baby Corn
Stir-frying baby corn in a hot skillet or wok is a popular cooking method that allows you to cook it quickly while retaining its crunch. Heat some oil in the pan, add the baby corn along with other vegetables or proteins, and stir-fry over high heat for a few minutes until cooked but still crisp. Season with your preferred sauces and spices for a flavorful stir-fry.
How to Boil Baby Corn
Boiling baby corn is a straightforward method that requires immersing the corn in boiling water until tender. Bring a pot of water to a boil, add the baby corn, and cook for about 5-7 minutes. Drain and use in salads, soups, or as a side dish.
How to BBQ Baby Corn
BBQ baby corn adds a delightful smoky flavor and charred texture to the kernels. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and brush the baby corn with a little oil or marinade. Place them directly on the grill grates and cook for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until charred and tender. Grilled baby corn is perfect as a side dish, appetizer, or as an ingredient in salads and skewers.
How to Roast Baby Corn
Roasting baby corn in the oven is a fantastic way to bring out its natural sweetness and create a slightly caramelized exterior. Preheat the oven to 200°C. Toss the baby corn with some olive oil, salt, and pepper, then spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast for about 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through, until tender and lightly golden. Roasted baby corn can be enjoyed as a side dish or used in various recipes.
How to Air Fry Baby Corn
Air frying baby corn is a healthier alternative to deep-frying while still achieving a crispy texture. Toss the baby corn with a little oil and your preferred seasonings, then place them in the air fryer basket. Cook at around 200°C for about 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. Air-fried baby corn makes a delicious snack or appetizer.
Baby Corn Recipes to Try
Honey-Sesame Baby Corn Stir-Fry:
Ingredients:
- 125g baby corn, sliced diagonally
125g snow peas, trimmed
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon sesame oil
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: sliced green onions for garnish
Instructions:
- Heat sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for a minute until fragrant.
- Add baby corn, snow peas, and sliced bell pepper. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are crisp-tender.
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the sauce over the stir-fried vegetables and toss well to coat.
- Sprinkle sesame seeds over the mixture and stir for an additional minute.
- Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions if desired.
- Serve hot as a flavorful side dish or over steamed rice for a complete meal.
Creamy Baby Corn and Mushroom Soup:
Ingredients:
- 125g baby corn, sliced diagonally
125g mushrooms, sliced
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 cups vegetable or chicken broth
125g unflavoured almond milk
2 tablespoons vegan butter
2 tablespoons flour
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until translucent.
- Add baby corn and mushrooms to the pot, stirring occasionally until they start to soften.
- Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir well to coat.
- Gradually pour in the broth while stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
- Add dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
- Stir in the unflavoured almond milk and let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
- Use an immersion blender or transfer the soup to a blender to puree until smooth and creamy.
- Adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley. Pair with crusty bread for a satisfying meal.
Grilled Baby Corn Skewers with Chili-Lime Plant Based Butter
Ingredients:
- 8-10 baby corn cobs, husks removed
2 tablespoons plant based butter, melted
Zest of 1 lime
Juice of 1 lime
1 teaspoon chili powder
Salt to taste
Chopped cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- In a small bowl, combine melted butter, lime zest, lime juice, chili powder, and salt.
- Brush the prepared butter mixture onto the baby corn cobs, ensuring they are evenly coated.
- Thread the baby corn onto skewers, piercing through the center of each cob.
- Place the skewers on the preheated grill and cook for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the baby corn is tender and lightly charred.
- Remove the skewers from the grill and place them on a serving platter.
- Sprinkle chopped cilantro over the grilled baby corn for added freshness and color.
- Serve the skewers as a delightful appetizer or side dish, allowing the chili-lime butter to melt and enhance the flavors of the baby corn.
Baby Corn FAQ
Baby corn is the early-harvested, immature form of corn, picked within a few days of pollination. It is smaller in size, with tender kernels and a mild, slightly sweet taste. Unlike regular corn, which is allowed to fully mature on the cob, baby corn is harvested before reaching its full size.
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While baby corn can be eaten raw, it is most commonly cooked or prepared in some way before consuming. Cooking methods like steaming, stir-frying, boiling, grilling, or roasting bring out its flavors and enhance its texture. However, if you prefer a crisp, fresh crunch, you can enjoy baby corn raw as part of a salad or as a crunchy addition to sandwiches and wraps.
Yes, baby corn offers several nutritional benefits. It is low in calories and fat, making it a good choice for weight management. Baby corn is also a good source of dietary fiber, vitamins C and A, folate, potassium, and iron. It contains antioxidants that help fight free radicals and promote overall health. Including baby corn in your meals adds a nutritious boost to your diet.
While baby corn can be substituted for regular corn in some recipes, it’s important to consider the differences in texture and cooking time. Baby corn is tender and requires less cooking time compared to mature corn. It works well in stir-fries, salads, and appetizers. However, for recipes that require the sweetness and juiciness of fully matured corn, such as corn on the cob or cornbread, it is best to use regular corn.
To store baby corn, remove any husks or packaging and place it in a perforated plastic bag in the refrigerator. It can stay fresh for up to a week when stored properly. If you want to extend its shelf life, blanch the baby corn briefly in boiling water, then cool and freeze it in airtight containers or freezer bags. Frozen baby corn can be used for up to six months and is convenient for future use in various recipes.
Cooking times at a glance
| Method | Preparation | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boil | Fresh, whole | 3-4 min | Drain immediately so it stays crisp |
| Steam | Fresh, whole | 4-5 min | Keeps the most flavour |
| Stir fry | Whole or halved lengthways | 3-5 min | High heat, add last with the sauce |
| Roast | Whole, oiled | 12-15 min at 200C / 180C fan | Turn once, finish with lime and chilli |
| Air fry | Whole, oiled | 8-10 min at 190C | Shake halfway |
| Griddle / BBQ | Whole | 4-6 min | Char marks on both sides |
| Tinned | Drained | 1-2 min | Already cooked - just heat through |
Tips that make a difference
- Baby corn is eaten whole, cob and all - there is nothing to strip or discard.
- Do not overcook it. Past about six minutes it goes soft and loses the snap that makes it worth using.
- It pairs naturally with soy, ginger, garlic, sesame and chilli, which is why it turns up in so many stir fries.
- Frozen baby corn can go straight into a stir fry from frozen - add two extra minutes and keep the heat high.
Frequently asked questions
Do you need to cook tinned baby corn?
No. Tinned baby corn is cooked during canning. Drain, rinse and heat it through for a minute or two.
Can you eat baby corn raw?
Yes, fresh baby corn can be eaten raw in salads and crudites. It is crunchy and mildly sweet.
Is baby corn just young sweetcorn?
Yes. It is corn picked very early, before the kernels develop, which is why the whole cob is tender enough to eat.
Is baby corn vegan?
Fresh, frozen and plain tinned baby corn are all vegan. Check the label on flavoured or pre-dressed packs.
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