Active Time

　　15 min

　　Total Time

　　25 min

　　If you want to eat this entire menu with your fingers, the corn can be served hot on the cob, brushed with the butter mixture and sprinkled with cilantro. To save space on your stovetop, you can boil the corn first, then boil the crabs in the corn-cooking water.

　　

Ingredients

Makes 6 servings

　　6 ears fresh corn, shucked

　　1/2 stick (1/4 cup) unsalted butter

　　1 1/2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice

　　1/2 teaspoon salt

　　1/4 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper

　　1/8 teaspoon cayenne

　　1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

　　Garnish: fresh cilantro leaves

　　

Special Equipment

a wide 6- to 8-qt heavy pot with a tight-fitting lid

　　

Step 1

Bring 1 1/2 inches water (do not salt water) to a boil in pot, then add corn. Cook corn (water may not cover it), covered with lid, turning occasionally, until tender, 3 to 5 minutes. Transfer with tongs to a large platter.

　　

Step 2

While corn cooks, melt butter in a 1-quart heavy saucepan, then remove from heat and stir in lemon juice, salt, black pepper, and cayenne.

　　

Step 3

When corn is just cool enough to handle, cut kernels off cobs in long, wide strokes with a large heavy knife, leaving kernels in clusters. Transfer to a serving bowl.

　　

Step 4

Add butter mixture and cilantro to corn, stirring gently to keep kernel clusters intact. Serve warm or at room temperature.