How to Cut Corn Off the Cob: Tips for Cutting Corn off the Cob

Explore some of the best ways to get corn off the cob without making a mess.

1. 1. The two-bowl method: Set a small bowl upside down inside a larger bowl. Place the tip of the cob on top of the small bowl. Grip the opposite end of the cob and use a sharp knife to slice the kernels off each side of the corn cob. The kernels will collect inside the large bowl.
2. 2. Using a bundt pan: A bundt pan provides the perfect vessel for catching corn kernels. Place the tip of the cob in the center hole of the bundt pan. Hold the end of the cob with one hand and use a sharp knife to carefully slice down the sides of the cob.
3. 3. Using a sheet pan: Place a rimmed baking sheet or baking dish on the counter. Place the tip of the cob directly on the sheet pan. Hold the corn at a slight angle. Using a sharp chef's knife, cut the corn off the cob on all sides. The kernels will collect in the dish.
4. 4. Using a cutting board: This method requires a little more skill with a knife than the others but can be an effective method for experienced home cooks. Lay the corn flat on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to cut the corn horizontally. Once you've got one side cut, roll the cob onto the flat side and continue cutting all the way around.

Consider some additional helpful tips for getting corn off the cob.

1. 1. Use a sharp knife. When it comes to cooking, few things are more dangerous than a dull knife. A dull blade will force you to apply extra pressure to the cob while cutting, which can lead to unfortunate accidents. A sharp chef's knife will do most of the work for you.
2. 2. Go for the gadgets. The corn stripper was invented specifically to remove corn kernels off the cob without the risk of using a sharp knife. If sharp chef's knives aren't your thing, consider picking up a corn stripper.
3. 3. Don't completely shuck the corn before cutting it. Shucked corn can be hard to hold. Instead, peel back the husk and clean the corn cob, but leave the husk attached to the end of the cob. The husk will make it easier to grip the ear of corn while cutting off the kernels.

Freshly cut summer corn is an extremely versatile food and the star ingredient of many summer BBQ side dishes. Consider a few ideas for how to use freshly cut corn in corn recipes.

1. 1. Grill it first. Grilled corn is excellent eaten straight off the cob, but grilled and cut corn can take a corn salad to the next level. Try using grilled corn in a Mexican corn salad.
2. 2. Sweeten things up. Sweet corn delivers the perfect amount of sweetness to cornbreads and corn chowders.
3. 3. Freeze it for later. Fresh sweet corn may be a farmers’ market staple during the summertime, but freezing it allows you to enjoy the veggie all year long. Simply spread the cut corn in a single layer on a baking sheet and leave it in the freezer for a couple of hours. Then remove the flash-frozen corn from the baking sheet and store it in an airtight container or zip-top bag in the freezer.

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