How To Microwave Corn On The Cob (Fast, Simple & Easy)

Whether you’re preparing a quick family dinner or hosting a summer barbecue, juicy, tender corn on the cob is always a crowd-pleasing side dish. But bypass boiling a big pot of water or firing up the grill – the fastest, easiest way to microwave corn on the cob. In just minutes, you can have perfectly cooked corn with minimal effort.

Microwaving is an underrated technique for corn that deserves more attention. It’s speedy, convenient, and lets the natural sweet flavor of the corn shine through. The results are consistently moist, tender kernels bursting with flavor. So grab a few ears of corn and your microwave – you’re about to discover a new favorite cooking method!

Why Microwave Corn on the Cob?

Compared to boiling or grilling, microwaving corn is hands-down the quickest and easiest route. All you need is a microwave-safe dish, a few ears of corn, and a couple minutes. It eliminates the time and hassle of heating up pots of water or dealing with hot grills. You can have delicious corn in practically no time at all!

Microwaving also locks in moisture and flavor. The direct heat from the microwave penetrates deep into the corn, steaming it from the inside out. This results in super tender kernels and a wonderful juicy crunch with each bite. The sweet corn flavor really sings without being diluted by boiling water.

The convenience factor cannot be overstated. Even the busiest families can fit microwaved corn into hectic weeknight dinners. No need to watch pots or vigorously turn ears of corn – just pop it in the microwave and dinner is ready. It’s one less thing to worry about when putting food on the table.

The Best Corn for Microwaving

Fresh corn just picked from the garden or farm stand is ideal. The sugars are at their peak in fresh picked corn, leading to top-notch flavor and texture when microwaved. Make sure husks are green and plump and silk ends look slightly damp.

Frozen corn is a good alternative when fresh corn is unavailable. Opt for plain frozen corn on the cob without any seasonings or added sugar. Thaw the corn first before microwaving for the most even cooking.

Whether using fresh or frozen, you can microwave corn with the husks on or off. Husk on helps retain moisture as the corn cooks. But for more even cooking, microwaving shucked corn is recommended.

How to Microwave Corn On The Cob

Follow these simple steps for perfect microwaved corn every time:

If cooking husked corn:

• Remove any dried or discolored silks.
• Rinse the corn under cool water and shake off excess.
• Place shucked ears of corn in a microwave-safe dish. Add 2 tablespoons water to the dish to help steam the corn.

If cooking unhusked corn:

• Pull back the outer husks but do not detach from the base. Remove and discard the silk.
• Replace outer husk back over the corn and tie shut with kitchen string or a small strip of husk.

Microwave corn for 3-4 minutes per ear at full power. Cooking time may vary based on wattage. For a 1000 watt microwave, cook a single ear for 3 minutes, 2 ears for 3 and a half minutes, and so on.

Check doneness by piercing a kernel with a knife tip. It should release liquid when punctured. Cook longer in 30 second increments if needed.

Allow microwaved corn to rest 1-2 minutes before serving. Be careful when removing dish or ears – surfaces will be very hot!

Tips and Tricks for Delicious Microwaved Corn

Adding water to the microwave dish is key for extra moist, juicy corn. The liquid helps steam and cook the corn from the inside. A tablespoon or two is all you need.

For husked corn, wrapping each ear in a damp paper towel seals in steam and moisture as it cooks. Tuck towel ends under corn.

A pat of butter and a sprinkle of salt are all you need, but get creative with spices and herbs! Chile powder, lime juice, grated parmesan, or chopped fresh herbs are all tasty additions.

Serving and Enjoying Your Microwaved Corn

Microwaved corn is best served immediately for maximum hot, crisp texture. But let cool slightly before eating to avoid burns.

Beyond eating corn on its own, try slicing kernels off the cob and adding to salads, pasta dishes, or soups. Or simply serve alongside grilled meats or fish for an easy side.

Don’t discard those cobs after cutting off the kernels! Simmer in chicken or vegetable broth to make corn stock.

FAQs: Microwave Corn On The Cob

How do you cook corn on the cob in the microwave without shucking it?

To cook corn on the cob in the microwave without shucking it, leave the husks on and wrap each ear of corn in a damp paper towel. Microwave for 3-4 minutes, turning halfway through. The husks and paper towel will steam the corn.

What’s the best way to heat up corn on the cob in the microwave?

The best way to heat up corn on the cob in the microwave is to place each ear in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and microwave for 2-3 minutes, checking occasionally and turning as needed. The towel helps steam the corn evenly.

Is it better to microwave or boil corn on the cob?

Both microwaving and boiling are good options for cooking corn on the cob. Boiling takes longer (5-8 minutes) but evenly cooks the corn. Microwaving is faster (2-4 minutes) but can lead to uneven cooking. So boiling may result in more consistently cooked corn, while microwaving is quicker.

Why is corn not popping in the microwave?

If corn kernels are not popping in the microwave, likely the corn is not quite mature enough or there is not enough moisture inside the kernels. Popcorn needs a moisture content around 13-14% to properly pop. Try using popcorn specifically grown for microwaving or add a drop of water before microwaving to provide more internal moisture.

Conclusion: Microwave Corn On The Cob

Microwaving makes cooking tender, juicy corn on the cob simple and fast without compromising taste or texture. For best results, opt for fresh corn and cook shucked ears in a dish with a bit of water. Three to four minutes is all you need for perfectly cooked corn any night of the week.

Give this easy microwave method a try – you may never go back to boiling or grilling corn again! The speed, convenience and foolproof results are hard to beat.