Do you love the taste of fresh corn on the cob, but don’t want to go through the hassle of boiling water on the stovetop? Cooking corn on the cob in the microwave is a quick and easy alternative that doesn’t sacrifice flavor.

Step 1: Start by choosing your corn. Look for ears that have bright green husks and firm, plump kernels. Peel back the husks slightly to check for freshness. Avoid corn that has dry or discolored husks.

Step 2: Once you’ve selected your corn, remove any silk by peeling back the husks slightly and brushing them off with your hands. Rinse the corn under water to remove any remaining silk.

Step 3: Place the corn on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel. This helps to create steam, which will cook the corn evenly. If you’re cooking multiple ears of corn, leave some space between them on the plate.

Step 4: Microwave the corn on high for 4-6 minutes, depending on the wattage of your microwave. Check the corn for doneness by carefully touching one of the kernels. It should be hot and tender.

Step 5: Using oven mitts or a towel, carefully remove the plate from the microwave. Be cautious as the plate and corn will be hot. Let the corn cool for a minute or two before serving.

Tip: If you prefer a slightly charred flavor, you can also cook the corn on a grill or under the broiler for a few minutes after microwaving.

Now that you know how to cook corn on the cob in the microwave, you can enjoy this summertime favorite anytime you want, without all the fuss!

How to prepare corn on the cob in the microwave

Corn on the cob is a delicious and versatile side dish that can be enjoyed all year round. If you’re short on time or don’t want to heat up your kitchen, microwaving corn on the cob is a quick and easy way to enjoy this tasty treat.

Here’s a simple method to prepare corn on the cob in the microwave:

  1. Prep the corn: Start by removing any husks or silk from the corn. Rinse the corn under cold water to remove any dirt or debris.
  2. Wrap in damp paper towels: Take a damp paper towel and wrap it around the corn. This will help to keep the corn moist during the microwaving process.
  3. Place in microwave: Place the wrapped corn on a microwave-safe plate or dish and put it in the microwave.
  4. Microwave on high: Set the microwave on high heat and cook the corn for 2-4 minutes per ear. Cooking time may vary depending on the wattage of your microwave and how tender you like your corn.
  5. Check for doneness: Carefully remove the plate from the microwave using oven mitts or a towel. Unwrap the corn and check if it’s cooked to your liking. If it needs more time, you can microwave it for another minute or so.
  6. Serve and enjoy: Once the corn is cooked to perfection, carefully remove it from the microwave and let it cool for a minute. Serve it hot with butter, salt, and pepper, or any other seasonings you prefer.
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Microwaving corn on the cob is a convenient and hassle-free way to enjoy this classic side dish. Give it a try and savor the delicious flavor of perfectly cooked corn in just a matter of minutes.

Choosing the right corn

When cooking corn on the cob in the microwave, it is important to choose the right corn to ensure a delicious and flavorful result. Here are some tips for selecting the best corn:

1. Look for fresh corn: Fresh corn is essential for a tasty and tender dish. Check the husks for freshness by ensuring they are green and tightly wrapped around the corn.

2. Consider the color: Different varieties of corn offer different flavors and colors. Yellow corn is the most common and has a sweet flavor, while white corn is milder. There are also bicolor varieties, like the popular yellow and white combination.

3. Check for plump kernels: The kernels should be plump and firm when you press against them. Avoid corn with shriveled or dried-out kernels, as they may not be as juicy.

4. Feel the weight: The corn should feel heavy for its size, indicating that it is filled with moisture. Lighter corn may not be as juicy or flavorful.

5. Smell the husk: Give the husk a gentle squeeze and sniff it. Fresh corn will have a slightly sweet and pleasant smell. If there is no aroma or if it smells unpleasant, the corn may not be fresh.

6. Avoid damaged husks: Look for corn with intact and green husks without any signs of damage or browning. A damaged husk may indicate that the corn has been exposed to air for too long.

By carefully choosing the right corn, you can ensure that your microwave-cooked corn on the cob turns out delicious and full of flavor.

Preparing the husk

Before cooking corn on the cob in the microwave, you will need to prepare the husk. The husk is the green outer layer that surrounds the kernels. Preparing the husk involves removing any loose or dry leaves and silk from the corn.

Here are the steps to prepare the husk:

  1. Start by selecting fresh corn on the cob. Look for husks that are green and tightly wrapped around the corn.
  2. Gently peel back the outer layers of the husk, but do not remove them completely. You want to expose the corn kernels but keep the husk intact to help trap steam and moist heat during cooking.
  3. Remove any loose or dry leaves from the husk. These can be easily pulled off by hand.
  4. Use a soft-bristle brush or your fingers to remove any silk from the corn. Silk is the fine thread-like strands that run between the corn kernels and the husk.
  5. Once you have removed the silk, fold the husk back over the corn and gently press it back into place. Make sure the husk covers the corn completely.
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Now that you have prepared the husk, you are ready to cook the corn on the cob in the microwave.

Cooking in the microwave

Cooking in the microwave is a quick and convenient way to prepare meals. It can save you time and effort, especially when you need to whip up a meal in a hurry. Here are some tips on how to cook in the microwave effectively.

1. Use microwave-safe containers: When cooking in the microwave, it is essential to use microwave-safe containers. Avoid containers made of metal or those with metallic elements, as they can cause sparks and damage the microwave.
2. Cover your food: When cooking in the microwave, it is beneficial to cover your food. This helps retain moisture and prevents splattering. You can use a microwave-safe lid, microwave-safe plastic wrap, or a microwave-safe plate as a cover.
3. Stir and rotate: While cooking in the microwave, it is essential to stir and rotate your food regularly. This helps ensure even cooking and prevents hot spots. Stirring redistributes the heat and promotes uniform cooking.
4. Adjust cooking time and power settings: The cooking time and power settings may vary depending on the microwave and the type of food you are cooking. It is essential to adjust the cooking time and power settings to avoid undercooking or overcooking your food.
5. Let your food rest: After cooking in the microwave, let your food rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the heat to distribute evenly and helps the food finish cooking.

By following these tips, you can make the most out of your microwave and enjoy delicious meals in no time!

Serving and seasonings

Once your corn on the cob is cooked to perfection in the microwave, it’s time to serve and season it. Here are some delicious serving suggestions and seasonings to enhance the flavor of your corn:

Butter and salt: The classic combination of butter and salt is always a hit with corn on the cob. Spread a generous amount of butter over the hot corn and sprinkle with salt to taste.

Herb butter: Elevate the flavor of your corn by making herb butter. In a small bowl, mix softened butter with chopped fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or basil. Spread the herb butter over the corn for a fragrant and flavorful twist.

Cheese: For cheese lovers, sprinkle grated Parmesan, cheddar, or feta cheese over the hot corn. The heat from the corn will melt the cheese, creating a gooey and delicious topping.

Lime and chili: Give your corn a zesty and spicy kick by squeezing fresh lime juice over it and sprinkling chili powder or Tajin seasoning. The tanginess of the lime and the heat from the chili will bring a whole new dimension of flavor to your corn on the cob.

Garlic and herbs: For a savory and aromatic twist, rub the cooked corn with a clove of garlic, then sprinkle with your favorite herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano. The garlic and herbs will infuse the corn with a delicious savory flavor.

Remember to serve your corn on the cob hot, and enjoy it while it’s still warm and tender. With these serving suggestions and seasonings, you can take your microwave-cooked corn on the cob to the next level and impress your friends and family with a delicious side dish.

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Tips and variations

  • Try seasoning the corn with different spices or herbs before microwaving to add additional flavors. Some popular options include garlic powder, paprika, chili powder, or dried herbs like rosemary or thyme.
  • If you prefer your corn to be more on the crispy side, you can brush it with a little bit of oil or melted butter before microwaving. This will help to give it a nice golden color and a slightly crunchy texture.
  • If you are cooking multiple ears of corn at once, make sure to place them in a single layer on a microwave-safe dish. If they are stacked on top of each other, they may not cook evenly.
  • If you want to cook larger ears of corn, you may need to increase the cooking time slightly. Check the doneness of the corn by carefully touching a kernel. It should feel tender and easily come off the cob.
  • For a Mexican-inspired twist, try brushing the cooked corn with a mixture of mayo, lime juice, and chili powder. Top with crumbled cotija cheese for a delicious and flavorful side dish.
  • Feel free to experiment with different toppings and seasonings to customize your corn. Some other ideas include grated Parmesan cheese, fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley, or a squeeze of lemon juice.

Questions and answers

What is the quickest way to cook corn on the cobb?

The quickest way to cook corn on the cobb is in the microwave. It only takes a few minutes to cook and you don’t have to wait for a pot of water to boil.

Can you cook corn on the cobb in the microwave?

Yes, you can cook corn on the cobb in the microwave. It is a quick and easy method that results in tender and delicious corn.

How long does it take to cook corn on the cobb in the microwave?

Cooking corn on the cobb in the microwave usually takes about 4-5 minutes per ear. However, cooking times may vary depending on the wattage of your microwave. It’s best to start with a shorter cooking time and check the corn for tenderness before adding additional time if needed.

Should I wrap the corn on the cobb in plastic wrap before microwaving?

No, you do not need to wrap the corn on the cobb in plastic wrap before microwaving. Simply place the ear of corn on a microwave-safe plate and cook it as directed.

Is microwaving corn on the cobb as good as boiling?

Microwaving corn on the cobb can be just as good as boiling. It retains the natural flavor and tenderness of the corn and is a quick and convenient way to cook it. Some people prefer the taste of boiled corn, but microwaving is a great alternative if you’re short on time or don’t have access to a stove.