Simple Tutorial: Cook Corn in a Rice Steamer
Cooking corn in a steamer, a seemingly ordinary operation, actually requires attention to some details. From the selection of corn to the use of the steamer, every link may affect the taste of corn.
Can I steam corn in a rice cooker?
Sure. I often do this. First, peel off most of the outer skin of the corn and leave one or two layers of inner skin. This can help the corn retain moisture and nutrition during steaming. Put the corn in the inner pot of the electric rice cooker and pour in some water. The water should not exceed one-third of the height of the corn. The water is mainly used to generate steam to steam the corn. If there is too much water, the corn will taste too wet.
Cover the pot and press the cooking button. When steaming, the electric rice cooker emits steam to make the corn heated evenly. Generally, according to the size and quantity of the corn, steaming for 15 to 20 minutes is fine. If the corn is large or there are many, it can be extended to 20 to 25 minutes. After the corn is steamed, dont rush to open the lid. Let it simmer in the pot for a few minutes, and the taste will be more glutinous.
How much water should be added to steamer to cook corn?
First of all, the amount of water should be able to cover the corn, but don't exceed too much. Generally, the water level should be at least half the height of the corn. Only in this way can the corn be heated evenly when steaming. If you use a steamer, pay attention that the water should not touch the steaming grid. Otherwise, if the corn directly touches the water, it will affect the taste.
If you use an electric rice cooker to steam corn, the height of the water is about one-third of the height of the corn. Because the electric rice cooker mainly steams the corn by steam. Too much water will make the corn too wet and soft, and the taste will not be good; too little water may not be able to generate enough steam to steam the corn.
How long does it take to steam corn in a steamer?
Take a 20-centimeter-long corn as an example. After the water boils, turn to medium heat and it takes about 15 minutes. Due to the structure of corn, steam penetrates slowly and it takes a long time to steam thoroughly.
For a slightly larger corn, such as one longer than 25 centimeters, or if there are more corns. After the water boils, turn to medium heat. Then it takes 20 minutes to steam. Larger and more corns require more heat to be fully cooked.
Do I need to wash corn before steaming?
The corn should be washed before steaming.
During the growth, transportation and other processes of corn, it is very easy to be contaminated by some dust and impurities. Washing with water can remove these dirt and make the corn cleaner.
When washing, place the corn under running water. Gently rub the corn with your hand, focusing on areas such as the gaps between corn kernels to thoroughly wash off stains.
If you are still not at ease, you can soak the corn in light salt water or rice washing water for 10 to 15 minutes, and then rinse it clean with running water. Then it can be steamed.
Is it better to steam or boil corn?
Steaming corn is relatively better. It can be compared from several aspects:
In terms of taste: Steamed corn can retain the original flavor and nutrition. It is relatively tender with less water and more chewiness. Boiled corn has a soft and glutinous taste with more water and is suitable for people who like softness.
In terms of nutrition retention: Steaming corn has less loss of nutrition and good retention of water-soluble vitamins. Boiled corn will have some nutrition dissolve into the water and there will be a loss of some nutrition.
In terms of convenience: Steaming corn requires a special steamer or steamer basket but the operation is simple. Boiled corn only needs a pot and enough water, which is very convenient.
How can cooked corn be stored?
If there is cooked corn left uneaten and you plan to eat it in a short time, put it in the refrigerator's chilled compartment. Take a fresh-keeping bag, put the corn in it, squeeze out the air, and put it in the chilled compartment. But the refrigerated corn will not taste as good as when it was just cooked the next day. You need to eat it quickly.
If you want to store it for a long time, freeze it. First, drain the water from the corn, wrap it in several layers of plastic wrap, and then put it in the freezer.
When eating, either thaw it at room temperature or thaw it with a microwave oven, and then heat it up.
