Home
How to
Guide
How to cook baby corn

How to cook baby corn

Esther Clark

Learn how to cook baby corn with our top tips and recipe suggestions. Use it to add some crunch to a spicy stir-fry or try it steamed and finished with butter.

Baby corns are smaller and sweeter due to being harvested at a premature stage. They are delicious in stir-fries, lightly steamed and finished with butter or even eaten raw.

How to prepare baby corn

When prepping baby corn, make sure you thoroughly rinse and dry them. Baby corn is generally small enough to cook whole. Trimming the tops off isn’t essential but does leave you with a neat finish. For stir-frying, it's best to halve the corn lengthways or chop it into chunky rounds.

How to cook baby corn

You’ll want the corn to be tender with a little bite. Overcooked baby corn will turn mushy and lose its flavour. Baby corn is delicious eaten hot and tossed with a flavoured butter – smoky chipotle chilli works well, or try garlic & herb or a simple salted butter.

Boiling baby corn

Bring a pan of lightly salted water to the boil.
Reduce the heat to a simmer, tip in the corn and cook for 4-5 mins.
Drain and toss with a flavoured butter.

Steaming baby corn

Fill a pan with a 4cm depth of water, then bring to a simmer and top with a steaming basket. Tip in the corn.
Steam for 5-6 mins.

Frying baby corn

Heat a knob of butter and ½ tbsp olive oil in a non-stick frying pan set over a medium heat.
Add the corn and fry for 2-3 mins.

Raw baby corn

With its sweet, nutty flavour and crunchy texture, baby corn can also be eaten raw. Try thinly slicing and tossing it into a salad or through cold noodles, or keep it whole for crudités to be dunked into hummus.

Our best baby corn recipes

1. Veggie noodle pot

Get two of your 5-a-day with our easy veggie noodle pot. This simple salad makes a great packed lunch for kids and adults alike. It's a genius 20-minute meal that uses strips of omelette to add bulk and texture. You can even make it the night before, then dress it in the morning before popping in your lunchbox.

2. Salmon noodle soup

If you're after a wholesome, filling dish, try our salmon noodle soup. This simple family-friendly recipe is packed full of tasty ingredients and warming spices. A dollop of Thai red curry paste transforms this basic broth into something special.

3. 10-minute stir-fry

Baby corn, broccoli and pak choi in bowl

Our easy 10-minute stir-fry is the perfect accompaniment to grilled fish or chicken, but it's also veggie- and vegan-friendly. Use a handful of storecupboard ingredients to whip up this colourful side dish. It's wonderfully versatile and great for using up stray veg from the fridge.