If you want to enjoy a delicious and nutritious snack or side dish, cooking corn on the cob in the microwave is a quick and easy option. With just a few simple steps, you can have perfectly cooked corn on the cob in no time. This method is great for those times when you’re craving corn but don’t want to spend a lot of time in the kitchen.
Step 1: Start by shucking the corn and removing all the husks and silk. Make sure to remove any stray pieces of silk that may be stuck to the kernels. Rinse the corn under cold water to ensure it’s clean.
Step 2: Place the corn on a microwave-safe plate or dish. If you’re cooking multiple ears of corn, make sure there is enough space between them so that they cook evenly. You can also cover the corn with a damp paper towel to help retain moisture during cooking.
Step 3: Microwave the corn on high for about 4-5 minutes per ear. Cooking times may vary depending on the wattage of your microwave, so it’s best to start with a shorter cooking time and adjust as needed. The corn is done when the kernels are tender and easily pierced with a fork.
Note: Be cautious when removing the corn from the microwave as it will be hot. Use oven mitts or a towel to handle the hot corn. Allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving.
Now you can enjoy delicious corn on the cob without the hassle of boiling water or firing up the grill. This method is perfect for those times when you’re craving corn but want a quick and convenient cooking option. Give it a try and taste the difference!
How to Cook Corn on the Cob in the Microwave
If you’re looking for a quick and convenient way to cook corn on the cob, using a microwave is a great option. This method is perfect for when you don’t have access to an outdoor grill or stovetop. Here’s a simple and easy guide on how to cook corn on the cob in the microwave:
Step 1: Prepare the Corn
Start by removing the husk and silk from the corn. Make sure to remove all the silk as it can affect the taste and texture. Rinse the corn under running water to remove any remaining debris.
Step 2: Place the Corn in a Microwave-Safe Dish
Take a microwave-safe dish and place the corn inside. If the corn is too long to fit in the dish, you can cut it into halves or thirds. Make sure not to overcrowd the dish, as this can lead to uneven cooking.
Step 3: Add Water (Optional)
If you prefer your corn to be more moist, you can add a little bit of water to the dish. This will help create steam and prevent the corn from drying out during cooking. However, this step is optional and you can skip it if you prefer a drier corn.
Step 4: Cover the Dish
Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap. Make sure to leave a small vent opening to allow steam to escape. This will help cook the corn evenly and prevent it from becoming too soggy.
Step 5: Microwave the Corn
Place the dish with the corn in the microwave and cook on high power for about 4-6 minutes, depending on the wattage of your microwave. Check the corn halfway through and rotate it if necessary to ensure even cooking. The corn is done when the kernels are tender and easily pierced with a fork.
Step 6: Let it Cool
Once the corn is cooked, carefully remove it from the microwave using oven mitts or a towel, as it will be hot. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving, as the corn will be very hot immediately after cooking.
Now you have a perfectly cooked corn on the cob that is ready to be enjoyed. Serve it as is, or drizzle some melted butter and sprinkle salt and pepper for added flavor. Remember to always be cautious when handling hot dishes and enjoy your delicious microwave-cooked corn on the cob!
Choose Fresh Corn
When cooking corn on the cob in the microwave, it’s important to start with fresh corn. Look for corn that has bright green husks and moist silk. Avoid corn with dry or brown husks, as this may indicate that the corn is past its prime.
Additionally, you’ll want to check the kernels. Gently pull back a corner of the husk and press a kernel with your thumbnail. If the liquid that comes out is milky and the kernel feels plump, the corn is fresh. If the liquid is clear and the kernel feels shriveled, the corn is not as fresh.
Choosing fresh corn will ensure that your corn on the cob turns out delicious and flavorful. So take a few extra moments to select the best corn available.
Prepare the Corn
Before cooking the corn on the cob in the microwave, it is important to properly prepare it. Follow these steps:
1. Choose fresh corn
When buying corn, make sure it is fresh. Look for bright green husks that are tightly wrapped around the corn and feel firm to the touch. Avoid corn with brown or dry husks, as it may not be fresh.
2. Remove the husks and silk
To prepare the corn, start by removing the outer husks. Peel off the first layer of husks, pulling them downwards to expose the inner layers. Then, peel off the inner layers of husks as well.
Next, remove the silk from the corn. Gently pull the silk strands downwards, starting from the top of the corn and working your way down. Make sure to remove all the silk, as it can burn and affect the taste of the corn.
3. Rinse the corn
After removing the husks and silk, rinse the corn under cold water to remove any remaining silk or dirt. This step will ensure that the corn is clean and ready to be cooked.
Now that the corn is prepared, you are ready to cook it in the microwave.
Remove the Husk and Silk
To cook corn on the cob in the microwave, start by removing the husk and silk. Peel back the outer leaves of the corn and snap them off at the base. Continue to remove the leaves until you reach the last layer.
Next, remove as much silk as possible from the corn. Run your hands over the surface of the corn, or use a vegetable brush to scrub off any remaining silk. Make sure to remove any loose pieces of husk or silk, as they can cause a mess in the microwave.
Removing the husk and silk not only helps the corn cook evenly, but it also makes it easier to handle once it’s cooked. Once you have removed the husk and silk, you’re ready to move on to the next step in cooking corn on the cob in the microwave.
Microwave Method
If you’re short on time and looking for a quick and easy way to cook corn on the cob, the microwave method is a great option. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Preparing the Corn
Start by peeling off the outer husks of the corn, leaving only a layer or two of the inner husks. Then, remove the silk threads by hand or with a soft brush.
Step 2: Microwaving the Corn
Place the prepared corn on a microwave-safe dish and add a tablespoon of water to help keep it moist during cooking. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape.
Cook the corn on high power for approximately 3-4 minutes per ear. Check the corn halfway through the cooking time and rotate it if necessary to ensure even cooking.
Step 3: Letting it Rest
Once the cooking time is up, carefully remove the corn from the microwave using oven mitts or a towel, as it will be hot. Let it rest for a minute or two before removing the husks and silk.
Your corn on the cob is now ready to be served! Add some butter, salt, and pepper for extra flavor, if desired.
Seasoning and Serving Ideas
Once your corn on the cob is cooked and ready to serve, you can enhance its flavor by using various seasonings and serving options. Here are some ideas to try:
Seasoning:
- Salt and pepper: Sprinkle some salt and pepper on the corn for a classic and simple seasoning.
- Garlic butter: Mix melted butter with minced garlic and brush it onto the corn for a savory and aromatic flavor.
- Herb butter: Prepare a mixture of melted butter with fresh herbs like thyme, oregano, or basil. Brush it onto the corn for a flavorful twist.
- Lime and chili: Squeeze some fresh lime juice on the corn and sprinkle it with chili powder for a tangy and spicy kick.
- Parmesan cheese: Grate some Parmesan cheese over the corn for a cheesy and indulgent touch.
Serving:
- Classic: Serve the corn on the cob as is, either on a plate or on skewers.
- Cut kernels: Remove the kernels from the cob using a knife and serve them in a bowl as a side dish or for use in salads or other recipes.
- Grilled corn: Cook the corn on the cob on a grill for added smoky flavor, then serve it with your favorite seasonings.
- Corn salad: Mix the cooked corn kernels with diced tomatoes, red onions, cilantro, and lime juice for a refreshing salad option.
- Corn chowder: Use the cooked corn kernels to make a creamy and flavorful corn chowder soup.
With these seasoning and serving ideas, you can enjoy delicious and versatile corn on the cob prepared in the microwave.
Enjoy your Microwave Corn on the Cob
Now that you have successfully cooked the corn on the cob in the microwave, it’s time to enjoy your delicious meal! Follow these steps to fully enjoy your corn on the cob:
- Use oven mitts or a towel to carefully remove the hot corn from the microwave.
- Allow the corn to cool for a few minutes, as it will be extremely hot.
- Once it’s safe to touch, carefully remove the husk and silk from the corn.
- Season the corn with your favorite toppings, such as butter, salt, pepper, or herbs.
- Place the corn on a serving platter or individual plates.
- Serve the microwave corn on the cob immediately while it’s still warm.
Now that you know how to cook corn on the cob in the microwave and enjoy it, you can quickly and easily enjoy this classic summer dish anytime you want. Microwave corn on the cob is perfect for those times when you don’t want to spend a lot of time in the kitchen but still want a tasty and satisfying meal.
Remember, experimentation is key. Feel free to try different seasonings and toppings to enhance the flavor of your corn on the cob. Whether you enjoy it plain or loaded with toppings, microwave corn on the cob is a simple and enjoyable dish that will surely satisfy your cravings.
FAQ
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 first remove the husk and silk from the corn, then place it in a microwave-safe dish with a little bit of water. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap and microwave on high for about 4-5 minutes per ear of corn, or until the kernels are tender. Let the corn sit for a minute or two before serving.
Can you cook corn on the cob in the microwave without removing the husk?
It is not recommended to cook corn on the cob in the microwave without removing the husk, as the husk can trap steam and cause the corn to become soggy. It is best to remove the husk and silk before microwaving the corn for the best results.
How long should you 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 ears of corn. As a general rule, you can microwave 1 to 2 ears of corn on high for about 4-5 minutes per ear. It’s a good idea to start with the lower end of the cooking time and check for doneness by poking a kernel with a fork. If it’s tender, the corn is ready.
Can you cook multiple ears of corn on the cob in the microwave at the same time?
Yes, you can cook multiple ears of corn on the cob in the microwave at the same time. Just make sure the ears of corn are arranged in a single layer in the microwave-safe dish and rotate them halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking. If you are cooking a large batch of corn, you may need to increase the cooking time slightly.
What if I don’t have a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap to cover the dish?
If you don’t have a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap to cover the dish, you can use a microwave-safe plate to cover the dish instead. Just make sure the plate is large enough to fully cover the dish and trap the steam. Alternatively, you can use a microwave-safe microwave splatter guard or a microwave-safe microwave dome cover as a substitute.
Can I cook corn on the cob in the microwave?
Yes, you can definitely cook corn on the cob in the microwave.