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September 20, 2024
Are you craving delicious and tender corn on the cob, but don’t have access to a grill or stove? Don’t worry, you can still enjoy this summertime favorite by cooking it in the microwave. Cooking corn in the microwave is quick, easy, and requires minimal effort. In just a few minutes, you can have perfectly cooked corn on the cob that is bursting with flavor.
The microwave method for cooking corn on the cob is great for those times when you need a fast and convenient option. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re hosting a barbecue and need to cook a large batch of corn. Plus, microwaving corn on the cob helps retain its natural sweetness and juiciness.
To cook corn on the cob in the microwave, all you need is a few simple ingredients and a microwave-safe dish. Simply place the corn in the dish, add a small amount of water, cover with plastic wrap or a microwave-safe lid, and cook on high for a few minutes. The exact cooking time will vary depending on the wattage of your microwave, but it typically takes around 3-5 minutes per ear of corn.
Once the corn is cooked to perfection, carefully remove it from the microwave and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. You can enjoy the corn on its own, or you can slather it with butter and sprinkle it with salt and pepper for an extra burst of flavor. So the next time you’re craving corn on the cob, don’t hesitate to reach for your microwave. You’ll be amazed at just how quick and delicious it can be!
Preparing the corn
Before cooking corn on the cob in the microwave, it’s important to prepare the corn properly for the best results. Follow these steps to get your corn ready:
Husk the corn
Start by husking the corn. Remove the outer leaves and discard them. Peel off any remaining silk strands from the corn. Rinse the corn under cold water to remove any dirt or debris.
Trim the ends
Using a sharp knife, trim the ends of the corn. This is not necessary, but it can help the corn fit in your microwave-safe dish more easily.
Alternatively, you can keep the ends intact if you prefer. Some people like to keep the husk intact as well, for a more traditional cooking method.
Note: If you decide to keep the husk on, make sure to remove the silk strands before cooking.
Now that your corn is properly prepared, it’s time to move on to the cooking process.
Cooking methods
There are several different methods you can use to cook corn on the cob. Here are some of the most popular options:
Boiling: Boiling is a common method for cooking corn on the cob. To boil corn on the cob, fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Place the corn in the pot and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the kernels are tender. Remove the corn from the water and serve.
Grilling: Grilling corn on the cob is another delicious option. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and place the corn directly on the grill grates. Cook for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the kernels are tender and slightly charred. Remove from the grill and serve.
Microwaving: Microwaving corn on the cob is a quick and convenient method. Place the corn (husk and all) in the microwave and cook on high for 3-4 minutes per ear of corn. Carefully remove the husk and silk, as it will be hot, and serve.
Steaming: Steaming corn on the cob helps to retain its natural sweetness. Place the corn in a steamer basket over boiling water and cover. Steam for about 5-7 minutes, or until the kernels are tender. Remove from the steamer and serve.
Oven-roasting: Oven-roasting corn on the cob can give it a slightly smoky flavor. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the corn directly on the oven rack. Roast for about 20-25 minutes, turning occasionally, until the kernels are tender. Remove from the oven and serve.
Slow-cooking: Slow-cooking corn on the cob can result in incredibly tender and flavorful corn. Place the corn in a slow cooker with a little bit of water or broth. Cook on low for 2-3 hours, or on high for 1-2 hours, until the kernels are tender. Remove from the slow cooker and serve.
Each cooking method has its own unique advantages and can result in delicious corn on the cob. Choose the method that best suits your preferences and enjoy!
Using a microwave-safe plate
One simple and convenient way to cook corn on the cob in the microwave is by using a microwave-safe plate. This method is quick and requires minimal preparation.
Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Husk the corn: Start by removing the entire husk and silk from the corn. Make sure to clean it thoroughly.
- Place the corn on a microwave-safe plate: Put the corn on a microwave-safe plate. You can place multiple corn cobs on the plate as long as they do not touch each other.
- Add water: To help steam the corn, pour a small amount of water onto the plate, spreading it evenly.
- Season (optional): If desired, you can season the corn with butter, salt, pepper, or any other preferred seasonings.
- Cover the plate: Use a microwave-safe cover or microwave-safe plastic wrap to cover the plate. This will help retain the steam and cook the corn more evenly.
- Microwave on high: Cook the corn on high power for about 3 to 5 minutes per ear of corn. The exact cooking time will depend on the wattage of your microwave and the size of the corn.
- Rotate halfway through: Carefully flip the corn over or rotate it halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking.
- Check for doneness: After the suggested cooking time, use oven mitts or a towel to remove the plate from the microwave. Carefully uncover the plate, as hot steam will escape. Check if the corn is cooked to your desired tenderness. If needed, you can microwave it for an additional minute or two.
- Let it cool: Allow the corn to cool for a few minutes before handling. It will be hot, so use caution when removing it from the plate.
- Serve and enjoy: Serve the microwaved corn on the cob with your favorite toppings or enjoy it plain.
Note: Cooking times may vary, so it’s always recommended to start with a shorter cook time and adjust as needed.
Adding water and covering the corn
Adding water and covering the corn before cooking it in the microwave is a great way to keep it moist and delicious. To do this, follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Prepare the corn
Start by shucking the corn, removing the husks and silk. Rinse the corn under running water to remove any remaining silk.
Step 2: Place the corn in a microwave-safe dish
Place the corn in a microwave-safe dish that is large enough to hold the corn without overcrowding. Make sure the dish has a lid or can be covered with microwave-safe plastic wrap.
Step 3: Add water
Add about 1/4 cup of water to the dish. The water will create steam, which will help cook the corn and keep it moist.
Step 4: Cover the dish
If your dish has a lid, simply cover it. If not, you can use microwave-safe plastic wrap to cover the dish. Make sure to leave one corner of the dish uncovered to allow some steam to escape.
By adding water and covering the corn, you’ll ensure that it stays moist and retains its natural sweetness. This method is quick, easy, and results in perfectly cooked corn on the cob every time!
Using the microwave timer
If you want to ensure that your corn on the cob is cooked perfectly in the microwave, using the microwave timer is essential. The timer allows you to time your cooking process accurately, ensuring that your corn is not undercooked or overcooked.
Here’s how you can use the microwave timer to cook corn on the cob:
- Place the corn in a microwave-safe dish and add a tablespoon of water to the dish.
- Cover the dish with microwave-safe plastic wrap or a microwave-safe lid.
- Set the cooking time on the microwave timer. The recommended cooking time is around 3-5 minutes per ear of corn.
- Start the microwave and let it cook the corn on high power.
- Once the microwave timer goes off, carefully remove the dish from the microwave using oven mitts or kitchen towels, as it will be hot.
- Uncover the dish and check the corn for doneness. The corn should be tender and cooked through.
- If the corn is not cooked to your liking, you can always return it to the microwave for an additional minute or two.
- Once the corn is cooked to perfection, carefully remove it from the dish and serve it hot with your favorite toppings.
Remember to exercise caution while handling hot dishes, and always use oven mitts or kitchen towels to protect your hands. Enjoy your perfectly cooked corn on the cob!
Checking for doneness
Once the cooking time is up, it’s important to check if the corn on the cob is cooked to perfection. To do this, carefully remove the dish from the microwave using oven mitts or a towel to protect your hands from the heat.
First, uncover the dish and give it a quick smell. Cooked corn on the cob will have a sweet, slightly nutty aroma. If it smells off or has a sour scent, it may not be cooked properly.
Next, use a fork or tongs to carefully pick up one of the corn cobs from the dish. Be sure to hold it by the ends to avoid burning yourself. The kernels should be tender and plump when touched, and easy to pierce with a fork or knife. If they still feel hard or undercooked, they may need a bit more time in the microwave.
Testing for doneness visually
If you’re not sure about the doneness of the corn on the cob, you can also visually check by looking at the color and texture. The corn kernels should be bright and yellow, indicating that they are fully cooked. If they appear pale or translucent, they may need more time.
Additionally, the corn should be juicy and have a plump texture. Overcooked corn may appear wrinkled and shriveled, while undercooked corn will still be tough and not as juicy.
Take care not to overcook the corn on the cob as it can become rubbery and lose its natural sweetness. It’s always better to slightly undercook than to overcook, as you can easily add a little more cooking time if needed.
Once the corn on the cob is cooked to your desired level of doneness, carefully remove it from the microwave and let it cool for a few minutes before enjoying it with your favorite seasonings or butter.
Remember, microwaves vary in power, so the cooking times may need to be adjusted slightly based on your specific microwave. It’s always a good idea to start with the recommended cooking time and then check for doneness to avoid overcooking.
Q&A
What is the best way to cook corn on the cob in the microwave?
The best way to cook corn on the cob in the microwave is to leave the husk on and microwave it for 4 minutes per ear of corn. The steam builds up inside the husk and cooks the corn to perfection.
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 wrap the corn in a damp paper towel and microwave it for 2-3 minutes per ear of corn. This method steams the corn and keeps it moist.
How long does it take to cook corn on the cob in the microwave?
Cooking time for corn on the cob in the microwave varies depending on the method used. If you leave the husk on, it takes about 4 minutes per ear of corn. If you remove the husk and wrap the corn in a damp paper towel, it takes about 2-3 minutes per ear of corn.
Is it safe to cook corn on the cob in the microwave?
Yes, it is safe to cook corn on the cob in the microwave. Just make sure to follow the recommended cooking times and methods. The corn may be hot after cooking, so use caution when removing it from the microwave.