Double The Flavor Of Corn On The Cob By Adding This Ingredient To The Water - Tasting Table

"Butter and salt aim to enhance corn's rich taste, but lemon juice is an ingredient that really makes the vegetable stand out. The citrus adds a zesty quality to corn, brightening the juicy kernels. Lemon's tart taste has an undercurrent of sweetness to it, so it doesn't reduce corn's honeyed flavor. Instead, it enhances it while providing the veggie with an acidic boost."

"Aside from brushing on some lemon juice, there are plenty of ways to infuse corn with the tart liquid. If you're a fan of buttery corn but want something with a tangy twist, whip up some lemon compound butter. You can keep it simple by whisking lemon juice and zest into the butter, or add the citrus components to garlic herb butter for an earthy, bright addition to corn."

"For a rich flavor that doesn't include butter, take a page out of Bobby Flay's corn on the cob approach and whip up a vinaigrette for the vegetable. A silky salad dressing featuring olive oil, black pepper, thyme, shallots, lemon juice, and zest brings a classic flavor to corn in a creative way. For a bold, fiery take, add minced ginger, chilis, and plenty of peppery Dijon mustard."

Fresh lemon juice brightens corn by adding zesty acidity that enhances the vegetable's natural sweetness without diminishing its honeyed flavor. Lemon can be applied before grilling by brushing the kernels or squeezed over buttered hot corn for a chilled finish. Lemon compound butter—made with juice and zest or combined with garlic and herbs—adds tangy richness. A vinaigrette of olive oil, black pepper, thyme, shallots, lemon juice, and zest offers a butter-free, silky option. For bolder profiles, include minced ginger, chilis, and Dijon mustard to introduce heat and pungency.

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