Effortless Trinidadian Corn

Featured in: Delicious Meat-Free Meals for Every Taste

Grab corn and simmer it in lush coconut milk, toss in herbs, and some heat from habaneros. The sauce gets rich as it cooks down, soaking into the tender corn for big flavor.

Lily chef cooking Cookingwithmee blog.
Updated on Tue, 13 May 2025 17:08:46 GMT
A pot full of corn on the cob covered in smooth creamy sauce with fresh cilantro on top. Pin it
A pot full of corn on the cob covered in smooth creamy sauce with fresh cilantro on top. | cookingwithmee.com

I picked up this Trinidad-style boiled corn trick from my friend's grandma. She swore that a rich coconut milk broth makes the magic. After simmering corn with coconut milk, herbs, and garlic, you'll see what she meant. Now, it's how we jazz up corn—everyone always wants to learn how it's made.

Why This Shines

Each mouthful is packed with creamy coconut goodness, mouthwatering corn, fresh herbs, and a cozy pepper kick. The broth’s so tasty you might just gulp it straight. It comes together with simple stuff from the store but hits with island street market vibes.

What To Grab

  • Main Players: Whole garlic cloves, juicy corn on the cob, coconut milk (go for good stuff).
  • All About Herbs: Bright chives, culantro or cilantro, a few sprigs of fresh thyme for extra zing.
  • Heat and Richness: Butter for that silky finish, a scotch bonnet or habanero pepper (your call for spicy).
  • Simple Seasonings: Fresh black pepper and sea salt, that's plenty.

How To Make It Awesome

Broth Comes First
Pour coconut milk, toss in water, herbs, garlic, and chili into a big pot.
Bring In The Corn
Lay in your chopped cobs so most are under the liquid.
Simmer Away
Once bubbling, drop to a gentle heat and cook slowly for about 40 minutes.
Wrap It Up
Drop in some butter at the finish if you like, then take out the chili if you kept it whole.
Corn on the cob in creamy sauce, topped with herbs in a bowl. Pin it
Corn on the cob in creamy sauce, topped with herbs in a bowl. | cookingwithmee.com

Insider Tricks

Only use fresh herbs—dried ones just don't cut it here. Leave your hot pepper whole for a mellow warmth, or chop it small if you want serious heat. Grab corn that's plump with tight, lively husks—those are the freshest.

Time To Dig In

Killer for snacking or as a side with grilled fish, chicken, or roti. Ladle that dreamy broth on everything. Want it hotter? Hold up—try it first! A lot of folks skip extra hot sauce because it’s already just right.

Stash The Leftovers

Stick any extra corn in broth in your fridge—they’ll be tasty up to three days. Warm slowly on the stove to keep the flavors spot-on. The broth actually gets richer overnight so leftovers totally win.

Switch Things Up

No habanero? Use whatever chili you have. Big garlic fan? Bump it up. Sometimes I toss in pimento or a bay leaf too. This dish is happy to play—you can totally make it your own.

Creamy corn with parsley in a pot. Pin it
Creamy corn with parsley in a pot. | cookingwithmee.com

All Yours Now

Switch the chili up till you love the spice. My kids want it mellow, but my buddy cranks up the heat. That’s what’s great—put your spin on a classic, make it yours, and still show respect for the original.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How spicy does it get?

Change up the heat by what you do with those habaneros. Leave them whole for mellow spice, poke holes for more fire, or just take them out early to keep it mild.

→ What can stand in for culantro?

If you can't find culantro, just grab cilantro instead. Double up the cilantro because it's softer than culantro's punch.

→ Is frozen corn okay?

Fresh corn is your best bet since it soaks up all the good flavor while cooking. Frozen is okay but won't grab the sauce or have that signature texture.

→ How do I know if the sauce is ready?

You want that coconut milk to reduce down thick so it hugs the corn. No runny stuff—aim for a sauce that really sticks.

→ What should I eat it with?

Throw it beside grilled chicken or fish, or just snack on it straight up. Makes a tasty appetizer too.

Effortless Trinidadian Corn

Juicy corn cobs bathed in creamy coconut milk, spiced up with herbs and hot peppers. Classic Trini comfort, perfect for snacking or a tasty side.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
40 Minutes
Total Time
50 Minutes
By: Lily

Category: Vegetarian Dishes

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Trinidadian

Yield: 5 Servings (5 servings)

Dietary: Low-Carb, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 5 corn cobs, husks removed and cut in half.
02 2 cans (13.5 ounces each) of creamy coconut milk.
03 1 cup of plain water.
04 1 tablespoon of salted butter.
05 6 garlic cloves, chopped up finely.
06 8 sprigs thyme, use only the leaves.
07 2 culantro leaves or 4 cilantro sprigs, finely sliced.
08 20 chives, minced.
09 2 small habanero chilies, stems removed.
10 ½ teaspoon of salt, adjust if needed.
11 ½ teaspoon of ground black pepper.

Instructions

Step 01

Wash the corn after peeling off husks and silk, then cut them in half.

Step 02

Combine water with coconut milk in a big pot and let it come to a boil.

Step 03

Mix in the butter, garlic, herbs, habanero, salt, and pepper, then simmer for 10 minutes.

Step 04

Put the corn in and let it cook for 30 minutes on low heat, flipping occasionally, until the liquid thickens up into a sauce.

Step 05

Spoon the corn and flavorful sauce into serving bowls.

Notes

  1. Poke peppers to add more spiciness.
  2. Stays good in the fridge for 1 week.
  3. Heat leftovers again with a splash of water.

Tools You'll Need

  • A deep large-sized pot.
  • Tongs for grabbing.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy from butter.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 409
  • Total Fat: 36 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 24 g
  • Protein: 6 g