Cooking corn on the cob in the microwave is a quick and easy way to enjoy this delicious summer treat. Whether you’re short on time or simply want a hassle-free cooking method, the microwave can come to the rescue.
So, how long does it take to cook corn on the cob in the microwave? The answer may vary depending on the wattage of your microwave, but generally, it takes about 4-6 minutes per ear of corn. Cooking times may also vary depending on the size and freshness of the corn.
While cooking corn in the microwave is convenient, it’s important to take certain precautions to ensure the best results. Firstly, make sure to remove the husk and silk from the corn before cooking. Next, place the ears of corn in a microwave-safe dish and cover them with a damp paper towel. This will help to lock in moisture and prevent the corn from drying out.
Once you’ve prepared the corn, it’s time to cook it in the microwave. Set the cooking time based on the number of ears you have and the wattage of your microwave. After the time is up, carefully remove the dish from the microwave using oven mitts, as it will be hot. Let the corn cool for a few minutes before serving, and enjoy!
How to cook corn on cob in microwave
Cooking corn on the cob in the microwave is a quick and convenient method. It allows you to enjoy delicious and tender corn without the hassle of boiling water or heating up the stove.
Here are the steps to follow:
Step 1:
Remove the outer husks and silk from the corn. Rinse the corn under running water to remove any dirt or debris.
Step 2:
Place the corn on a microwave-safe plate or dish. If you are cooking multiple pieces of corn, make sure to arrange them in a single layer with a little space between them.
Step 3:
For one or two ears of corn, microwave on high for 3-5 minutes. If you are cooking more ears of corn, you may need to microwave them in batches to ensure they cook evenly.
Step 4:
After microwaving, let the corn sit in the microwave for a minute or two. This will allow the steam to redistribute and ensure the corn is fully cooked.
Step 5:
Carefully remove the corn from the microwave using oven mitts or a kitchen towel. Be cautious as the corn and plate may be hot.
Step 6:
Let the corn cool for a few minutes before serving. Optionally, you can season the corn with butter, salt, pepper, or any other desired toppings.
Note: Cooking times may vary depending on the wattage of your microwave and the size of the corn. It’s best to start with the minimum recommended cooking time and adjust accordingly.
Now you can enjoy delicious corn on the cob cooked in the microwave in just a few minutes! Faster and easier than ever before!
Preparing the corn
Before cooking the corn on the cob in the microwave, it’s important to prepare it properly to ensure optimal taste and texture. Here are the steps:
1. Selecting the corn
Choose fresh corn on the cob from the grocery store or farmer’s market. Look for ears with bright green husks and brown silk. The kernels should be plump and tightly packed.
2. Shucking the corn
Remove the outer husks and silk from each ear of corn. Start at the top of the ear and peel downwards, removing all the husks. Gently remove the silk by running your hands up and down the ear. Rinse the corn under cold water to remove any remaining silk.
3. Trimming the ends
Using a sharp knife, trim about 1/2 inch off the top and bottom ends of each ear of corn. This will create a clean edge and help the corn cook more evenly.
Once you have completed these steps, you are ready to proceed with cooking the corn on the cob in the microwave.
Removing the husk
Before cooking corn on the cob in the microwave, it is important to remove the husk. Here are the steps:
Gather the necessary materials:
- A fresh corn on the cob
- A sharp knife
Step 1: Prepare the corn
Start by trimming off the excess silk from the top of the corn. Leave some of the husk intact at the top to act as a handle.
Step 2: Peel off the husk
Hold the corn by the handle and use a firm grip. With the knife, make a shallow cut through the husk along the length of the cob. Be careful not to cut into the kernels. Slide your fingers between the husk and the corn, separating and peeling off the husk completely. Remove any remaining silk strands by rubbing the corn with a paper towel.
Note: Removing the husk not only allows the corn to cook more evenly in the microwave, but it also makes the corn easier to handle and eat.
Now that the husk has been removed, you can proceed with cooking the corn on the cob in the microwave.
Seasoning the corn
After cooking the corn on the cob in the microwave, it’s time to add some seasoning to enhance its flavor. Here are a few ideas:
Butter and salt
A classic way to season corn on the cob is by smearing it with butter and sprinkling some salt on top. The melted butter adds richness and the salt enhances the corn’s natural sweetness.
Lime and chili
If you prefer a tangy and spicy flavor, try squeezing some fresh lime juice over the cooked corn and sprinkling it with chili powder and a pinch of salt. The lime adds a refreshing acidity, while the chili brings a kick of heat.
Garlic and herbs
For a savory twist, mix minced garlic with melted butter and brush it over the corn. Sprinkle some chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley, cilantro, or basil, on top for added freshness and aroma.
Parmesan cheese and black pepper
If you enjoy cheese, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese and freshly ground black pepper over the cooked corn. The salty and nutty flavors of the Parmesan complement the sweetness of the corn, while the black pepper adds a hint of spice.
Experiment with different combinations of seasonings to find your favorite. These suggestions are just a starting point, and you can adjust the amounts to suit your taste. Enjoy your flavorful corn on the cob!
Wrapping the corn
One method to cook corn on the cob in the microwave is by wrapping it in a damp paper towel or plastic wrap. This helps to create steam and prevents the corn from drying out as it cooks.
Here are the steps to wrap the corn:
1. Dampen a paper towel
Take a paper towel and dampen it with water. Make sure it is not soaking wet, but slightly moist.
2. Wrap the corn
Place the corn on the damp paper towel and wrap it up, ensuring that the entire cob is covered. Alternatively, you can also use plastic wrap to wrap the corn.
By wrapping the corn, the steam created will help to cook the kernels evenly and keep them moist. This method is quick and convenient for cooking corn on the cob in the microwave.
Microwaving the corn
In order to cook corn on the cob in the microwave, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 to 4 ears of corn
- Water
Here are the steps to microwave the corn:
- Remove the husks and silks from the corn.
- Place the corn in a microwavable dish.
- Add about 1/4 cup of water to the dish. This will help keep the corn moist during cooking.
- Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape.
- Microwave the corn on high for 3-5 minutes per ear. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the wattage of your microwave and the size of the ears of corn.
- Use oven mitts or a towel to carefully remove the dish from the microwave, as it will be hot.
- Let the corn cool for a few minutes before serving.
It’s important to note that microwaving the corn may result in slightly different taste and texture compared to other cooking methods, such as boiling or grilling. However, microwaving is a quick and convenient way to cook corn on the cob, especially when you’re short on time.
Serving the corn
Once the corn on the cob is cooked to perfection in the microwave, it’s time to serve and enjoy this tasty treat. Here are a few serving suggestions:
Butter and salt
One classic way to serve corn on the cob is to slather it with butter and sprinkle it with a pinch of salt. The combination of the creamy butter and the savory salt complements the sweetness of the corn, creating a delicious and satisfying flavor.
Cheese and herbs
If you want to take your corn on the cob to the next level, try adding some grated cheese and your favorite herbs. Cheddar, Parmesan, or even feta cheese work well with corn, and herbs like parsley, dill, or cilantro add a fresh and aromatic touch.
Spicy mayo
If you prefer a little kick to your corn, consider spreading some spicy mayo on top. You can make this by mixing mayonnaise with your choice of hot sauce or chili powder. The creamy and spicy combination pairs wonderfully with the natural sweetness of the corn.
Grilled corn salad
If you have leftover cooked corn on the cob, you can easily transform it into a tasty grilled corn salad. Cut the kernels off the cob and mix them with chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and a simple vinaigrette dressing. This refreshing salad makes a perfect side dish for any meal.
Remember to serve the corn on the cob hot, as it tastes best when enjoyed immediately after cooking. Whether you choose a classic butter and salt combination or get creative with unusual toppings, corn on the cob is a versatile and delicious treat that can be enjoyed in many different ways.
Questions and answers
How long should I cook corn on the cob in the microwave?
The cooking time for corn on the cob in the microwave can vary depending on the wattage of your microwave and the size of the corn. A general guideline is to cook the corn on high for 4-6 minutes, but it’s always best to check for tenderness. If the corn is not yet tender, you can continue microwaving in 1-minute increments until it reaches the desired consistency.
Can I cook corn on the cob in the microwave without the husk?
Yes, you can cook corn on the cob in the microwave without the husk. Simply remove the husk and silk from the corn before cooking. Place the corn in a microwavable dish with a lid, add a few tablespoons of water, and microwave on high for 4-6 minutes, or until tender. Be sure to cover the dish with a lid or microwave-safe wrap to help trap in the steam and cook the corn evenly.
Is it better to cook corn on the cob in the microwave or on the stove?
Cooking corn on the cob in the microwave is a quick and convenient method, but it may not produce the same grilled or roasted flavor as cooking on the stove or grill. However, microwaving is a great option when you’re short on time or don’t want to heat up the kitchen. It’s a personal preference and depends on the desired taste and texture. If you prefer a slightly charred or smoky flavor, cooking on the stove or grill may be the better choice.