Step 1

Preparation Stand 1 ear of corn upright, pointed end down, in a large bowl and cut kernels from cob using a sharp paring knife. Scrape any remaining corn with its milk from cob into bowl using back edge of knife and discard cob. Remove kernels from remaining ears in same manner.

Step 2

Cook bacon in a 12-inch heavy skillet (2 inches deep) over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until crisp, about 8 minutes, then transfer with a slotted spoon to paper towels to drain. Cook onion in fat remaining in skillet over moderately low heat, stirring occasionally, until softened, 2 to 3 minutes. Add corn, garlic, and water (skillet will be very full) and cook over moderately high heat, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until corn is tender, 10 to 15 minutes. Stir in scallion and salt and pepper to taste, then sprinkle with bacon.

Step 3

Cooks' note:Corn can be cooked 6 hours ahead and chilled, covered (without scallion or bacon). Reheat in skillet or a 4-quart heavy saucepan over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, then stir in scallion and salt and pepper to taste. Bacon can be kept at room temperature, then reheated on a small baking sheet in a preheated 400°F oven until hot, about 2 minutes.