Microwave Corn On The Cob

Corn On The Cob In The Microwave is the fastest way to cook corn and the easiest way to shuck it! Or you can microwave corn without the husk.

When we need a quick side to go with our dinner, we stick some corn on the cob in the microwave! It’s hot, tender, and ready in just a few minutes.

Why We Love Cooking Corn In The Microwave

I was very hesitant to try cooking corn on the cob in the microwave because it seemed too good to be true! But I’m here to tell you that it lives up to the hype. I wondered if microwave sweet corn would have a different flavor or texture, but it turns out so good!

While boiled corn on the cob is my favorite, this microwave corn on the cob is going to be my new go-to way of making corn on the cob when I only have a couple of ears to make or when I’m in a hurry. No boiling water, no turning on the oven, no lighting the grill, and no dishes to wash!

Ingredients and Supplies Needed

There is really only one ingredient in this recipe: fresh corn on the cob! Of course, you’ll also want some butter and salt to put on the corn before eating, but corn is the main ingredient. Here’s what to look for when buying fresh sweet corn.

• If possible, try to purchase corn on the cob as directly from the source as you can. Check farm stands and farmer’s markets. The freshest sweet corn is the best!
• Look for husks that are bright green and still closely wrapped around the cob.
• The silks should be brown and sticky. Avoid ones with black, dry silks.
• Check to see if the husks and stalks are still moist.
• Peel back a bit of the husk to peek in at the top of the corn cob to see how the corn looks.

As for the supplies, there is only one you really need: a microwave! But a couple of other tools will help make the process easier.

• Microwave: You can use any microwave you want to as long as the corn will fit in it. The cooking time varies depending on the microwave you use.
• Oven Mitt: An oven mitt is helpful for removing hot corn. You can also use large tongs to remove it.
• Cutting Board and Knife: There is a trick for shucking corn and removing the silks; you’ll need a cutting board and a knife to do it.

Microwave Corn On The Cob Instructions

Place two ears of corn on the cob with the husks in the microwave. You can also cook corn on the cob one at a time or up to four at one time.

Microwave two ears of corn on the cob for 3-4 minutes on high. Start with three minutes. Check the corn and continue cooking it in 30-second intervals until hot. Remove the hot corn from the microwave with an oven mitt or tongs.

How Long To Microwave Corn On The Cob

First of all, it’s important to remember that every microwave is different. There are different wattages, brands, and ages of microwaves, so the times may vary. Start with the lowest time and continue microwaving in 30-second intervals until hot.

• One Count: Microwave one ear of corn, in the center of the microwave, on high for 2-3 minutes.
• Two Count: Microwave two ears of corn evenly spaced out, on high for 3-4 minutes.
• Three Count: Microwave three ears of corn, laid out in a triangle, on high for 4-5 minutes.
• Four Count: Microwave four ears of corn, laid out in a square, on high for 5-6 minutes.

Place the hot corn on the cob on a heat-proof surface and allow it to cool long enough that you can pick it up.

Peel the corn on the cob. Microwaved corn on the cob is super easy to shuck, and the silks come right off along with the husks!

Easiest Way To Shuck Corn

Did you know that cooking corn in the microwave is also the easiest way to shuck corn? Here’s a bonus tip: cut the end off the cooked corn, and it will slide right out of the husk, silks, and all! This works best when the corn is hot, so use an oven mitt to hold the hot corn while you cut it.

You can also use the microwave just to help with shucking! After removing the husks, you can then cook the corn however you want to cook it.

• Cut the stalks off above the first row of kernels.
• Place up to four at a time in the microwave and cook them on high for 45-60 seconds.
• Hold the corn on the end that wasn’t cut and squeeze/shake the corn out of the husks. You may need to use an oven mitt if the corn gets too hot.

Other Ways To Make It

Microwave Corn Without Husk

You can also microwave corn on the cob without the husks if that is easier for you!

• For the first method, you can use a damp paper towel in place of the husks. Wrap the damp paper towel loosely around the shucked corn on the cob. Microwave for the same amount of time as directed in the recipe.
• The second method is to microwave corn on the cob in a Pyrex dish or other microwave-safe container. Shuck the corn, cut it in half if necessary, and place it in a dish. Add 1/2 inch of water to the dish and microwave for 3-6 minutes, depending on how much corn you are cooking.

Steamed Corn On The Cob

To make steamed corn on the cob, you’ll need a microwave-safe steamer. But if you don’t have one, we will share an alternative method that will give you similar results.

• Shuck the corn, cut them in half, and place them in the steamer basket.
• Put water in the steamer, add the basket, and cover the container.
• Alternative method: Put the corn in a microwave-safe casserole dish, add 1/2 in of water to the dish along with the corn, and cover the dish with microwave-safe plastic wrap.
• Microwave on high for 3-6 minutes, depending on the amount of corn you are steaming.

Flavored Corn On The Cob

Another option is to add butter and seasoning to the corn before microwaving it!

• Mix together two tablespoons of butter and 1/4 teaspoon of your favorite seasonings, such as garlic powder, Italian seasoning, southwest spice blend, or cajun seasoning.
• Peel back the husks of two ears of corn without removing them and discard the silks. Spread one tablespoon of the seasoned butter over each cob and replace the husks.
• Place the seasoned corn on a microwave-safe plate with space between them, and cook on high for 3-4 minutes.

What Others Want To Know

How To Use Leftover Microwave Corn On The Cob

Turns out you weren’t as hungry as you thought you’d be, and now you have leftover corn on the cob? Cut it off of the cob and store it in the fridge or use it to make freezer corn. Then, you can use it at a later date in one of these recipes:

• Corn Salad is a creamy mixture of corn, diced bell peppers, and tomatoes.
• Corn Dip, served with corn chips for scooping, is the perfect party appetizer!
• Corn In A Cup, known as esquites, is Mexican street corn in a cup.
• Deep-fried Corn Nuggets have melted cheese and corn on the inside!

Similar Recipes

• Oven Roasted Foil Wrapped Corn On The Cob is an easy way to roast corn!
• Bought too much corn? Here’s how to freeze corn on the cob.
• Grilled Corn On The Cob In Foil is full of buttery goodness!
• Crock Pot Corn On The Cob is the perfect method to use when hosting!