Geoffrey Zakarian Has The Easiest Hack For Cutting Corn On The Cob

Nothing beats devouring fresh, juicy, and sweet corn on the cob in the summer. This excellent picnic addition sets the perfect base for other exciting foods on the menu. That's why we can't dare imagine a cookout without eating the pearl-like kernels straight from the cob. And whether you like boiled corn or grilled corn on the cob recipes, one thing we can all agree on is how summer can feel incomplete without this irresistible veggie. But let's admit it: this summer treat is not that fun when it comes to cutting corn off the cob (we've all been there). 

Many delicious recipes — sweet corn soup, corn casserole, creamed corn, corn salad, and on the list goes — necessitate cutting the plump, milky kernels off the cob. While there's nothing wrong with using highly convenient canned or frozen corn, they cannot deliver the delightfully sweet flavor of freshly cut corn. However, stripping the corn kernels away from the cob isn't as straightforward as it seems. The primary obstacle is preventing the kernels from flying all over your kitchen counter and floor. 

Turns out, Geoffrey Zakarian has shared the easiest hack to remove corn kernels and collect them in one place without causing a mess in your kitchen. And if you're not elated enough after reading that there's a hack to cut corn off the cob, you should know that there's no need to buy any new gadgets.      

Cut the corn in a downward motion

On July 15, Geoffrey Zakarian shared an easy-to-follow, no-fuss hack to cut corn kernels from the cob with a quick Instagram video from his kitchen. He captioned the post, "Pro tip: use the top of your knife to cut corn and always slice inside a bowl. We don't want any flying corn!!" 

Many of the chef's fans complimented the smooth technique and expressed their mutual love for corn. One particular fan noticed that Zakarian forgot to mention the genius move of using "the upside down little bowl in the bowl." While you can use a Bundt cake pan to serve as a base on which the corn cob can stand upright, you can also invert a small bowl within a bigger bowl. The sloped sides of an inverted small bowl will neatly catch all the kernels. 

You'd need a sharp chef's knife to make long downward strokes on the cob. A small knife or paring knife won't be too effective, and make sure not to angle the blade into the corn cob itself.  There are other mess-free ways to cut corn off the cob. For instance, you can use a sheet pan as the rimmed sides can keep the corn kernels neatly contained. Moreover, you can opt for the fuss-free approach of laying the ear of the corn flat and slicing off corn one side at a time (per The Kitchn).