How many calories in a yellow watermelon
October 27, 2024
If you’re a corn lover but don’t have access to a grill or stove, you can still enjoy delicious corn on the cob by cooking it in the microwave. This method is quick, easy, and results in tender, juicy corn that’s ready to eat in minutes. In this article, we’ll walk you through the simple steps to cook husked corn in the microwave, ensuring you have a tasty and hassle-free cooking experience.
Step 1: Selecting the Corn
When choosing corn for microwave cooking, it’s essential to pick fresh, high-quality ears. Look for husks that are bright green, tightly wrapped, and free from bruises or mold. The kernels should be plump and tightly packed together, indicating they’re fresh and sweet. Avoid corn with brown or dry husks, as it may be past its prime.
Step 2: Husking the Corn
Before microwaving, you’ll need to remove the husks and the silk from the corn. Start by trimming the top of the corn, cutting just below the stem. Peel back the husks, making sure to remove all the silk strands. If necessary, use a wet paper towel or kitchen brush to remove any stubborn silk. Once the corn is husked and cleaned, rinse it under cool water to remove any remaining silk.
Step 3: Microwaving the Corn
Place the husked corn on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel or plastic wrap. This will help create steam, ensuring the corn doesn’t dry out during cooking. Microwave the corn on high for 3-4 minutes per ear, rotating halfway through the cooking time. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the wattage of your microwave and the size of the corn. To check for doneness, insert a fork into the kernels – they should be tender and easily pierced. Be careful when removing the plate from the microwave as it will be hot. Allow the corn to cool for a minute or two before serving.
Step 4: Serving the Corn
Once cooked, you can enjoy the husked corn as it is or jazz it up with your favorite seasonings. Brush on some melted butter and sprinkle with salt and pepper for a classic flavor, or get creative with spices like chili powder or garlic powder. Serve the corn hot alongside your favorite dishes or incorporate it into salads, soups, or salsas. The possibilities are endless!
Now that you know how to cook husked corn in the microwave, you can enjoy this summertime favorite any time of the year. Whether you’re preparing a quick dinner for yourself or hosting a barbecue for friends, this method will come in handy when you want perfectly cooked corn without the hassle of traditional cooking methods.
Preparing Husked Corn
Step 1: Husk the corn
To prepare husked corn in the microwave, start by removing the outer husks from the corn. Peel back the husks until they are completely removed, along with any silk strands.
Step 2: Rinse the corn
After husking the corn, rinse it under cool water to remove any remaining silk strands or dirt.
Step 3: Place the corn in a microwave-safe dish
Next, place the husked corn in a microwave-safe dish. If you want to cook multiple ears of corn, make sure they are not overcrowded and have enough space to cook evenly.
Step 4: Add water
For a steamed effect, you can add a few tablespoons of water to the dish. This will help create steam and keep the corn moist during cooking.
Step 5: Cover the dish
Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap to trap steam and heat. This will help cook the corn faster and more evenly.
Step 6: Microwave on high
Place the corn in the microwave and cook on high power for about 3-5 minutes per ear of corn, depending on the wattage of your microwave. Make sure to rotate the corn halfway through cooking.
Step 7: Let it rest
After cooking, carefully remove the dish from the microwave. Let the corn rest for a few minutes before handling, as it will be hot.
Enjoy your delicious husked corn straight from the microwave!
Choose Fresh Corn
When cooking husked corn in the microwave, it’s important to choose fresh corn to ensure the best flavor and texture. Look for corn that has bright green husks that are tightly wrapped around the cob. Avoid corn with wilted or brown husks, as this may indicate that the corn is past its prime. The kernels should feel plump and firm when you press on them. Additionally, check for any signs of mold or insect damage.
Remove the Husk and Silk
To cook husked corn in the microwave, you first need to remove the husk and silk. Start by peeling off the outer husk, which is the green, leafy part of the corn. You can do this by holding the corn firmly at the top and pulling down the husk towards the base of the corn.
Once the husk is removed, you will notice the silk, which are the long, thread-like strands on the corn kernels. To remove the silk, you can use a soft-bristled brush or a damp paper towel to gently rub the kernels. This will help loosen the silk and make it easier to remove.
Continue rubbing the corn until all the silk is removed. Be thorough in this step to ensure that no silk remains, as it can burn and affect the taste of the corn during cooking.
Once the husk and silk are removed, your husked corn is now ready to be cooked in the microwave.
Rinse the Corn
Before cooking, it’s important to rinse the husked corn to remove any dirt or debris from the surface. This step helps to ensure that the corn is clean before cooking.
To rinse the corn, hold it under cold running water and rub the kernels gently with your hands. This will help to dislodge any particles that may be stuck to the corn. Continue rinsing until the water runs clear.
Once the corn has been rinsed, pat it dry with a clean towel or paper towel. This will help to remove any excess moisture. It’s important to dry the corn before cooking to ensure that it cooks evenly in the microwave.
Cooking Husked Corn in the Microwave
Cooking corn in the microwave is a quick and convenient way to enjoy this delicious vegetable. When corn is husked before microwaving, it helps retain its natural moisture and flavor. Here’s how you can easily cook husked corn in the microwave:
What You’ll Need:
- Fresh husked corn
- A microwave-safe dish
- Water
- Salt (optional)
- Butter (optional)
Steps to Follow:
- Take the fresh husked corn and remove any silk or loose husks.
- Place the corn in a microwave-safe dish.
- Add water to the dish, filling it up about one-third of the way.
- If desired, sprinkle some salt over the corn to enhance the flavor.
- Cover the dish loosely with a microwave-safe lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap.
- Microwave the corn on high for about 3-5 minutes per ear. The exact cooking time will depend on the wattage of your microwave and the size of the corn.
- After microwaving, carefully remove the dish from the microwave using oven mitts or a towel, as it will be hot.
- Let the corn sit for a minute or two before removing the cover to allow it to steam and cool slightly.
- Optional: Serve the cooked corn with butter and additional salt, if desired.
Now you can enjoy your delicious and perfectly cooked husked corn straight from the microwave. It’s a simple and time-saving method to prepare this summertime favorite. Happy cooking!
Place the Corn in a Microwave-Safe Dish
Before cooking husked corn in the microwave, you will need to prepare a microwave-safe dish. Choose a dish that is large enough to hold the corn and has a cover to help retain moisture. A microwave-safe plate with a microwave-safe cover or a microwave-safe dish with a lid are both suitable options.
If you don’t have a microwave-safe dish with a cover, you can use microwave-safe plastic wrap or microwave-safe parchment paper to cover the dish. Make sure the wrap or paper is tightly sealed to create a steamy environment inside the dish.
Place the husked corn in the microwave-safe dish, making sure it fits comfortably without touching the sides. If you are cooking multiple ears of corn, arrange them in a single layer without overlapping. This will ensure that each ear cooks evenly.
Tip: Soaking the Corn
If you prefer your corn to be extra juicy, you can soak the husked ears in water for about 10 minutes before placing them in the microwave. This will help to hydrate the corn and prevent it from drying out during cooking.
Caution: Hot Dish
When removing the dish from the microwave after cooking, use oven mitts or a dish towel to protect your hands. The dish and corn may be very hot, so handle them with care to avoid burns.
|
Microwave-Safe Dish Options:
|
Alternative Cover Options:
|
Add Water and Cover
Once you have husked the corn, it’s time to add water and cover it before cooking it in the microwave. This step is crucial as it helps steam the corn and ensures it stays moist and tender.
Here’s how to add water and cover the corn:
|
|
It’s important to cover the dish tightly to prevent the steam from escaping. If you’re using plastic wrap, make sure it’s microwave-safe and that it’s sealed tightly around the dish. If you’re using a lid, ensure it fits securely on the dish.
Once the corn is covered, it’s ready to be cooked in the microwave. Follow the recommended cooking time for your microwave’s wattage, and be careful when removing the dish from the microwave as it will be hot.
FAQ
What is husked corn?
Husked corn refers to corn that has had its outer husk or leaves removed, revealing the ear of corn underneath.
Why would I want to cook husked corn in the microwave?
There are a few reasons why cooking husked corn in the microwave is a convenient option. It’s a quick method that saves time compared to traditional boiling or grilling. Additionally, cooking corn in the microwave helps retain its natural sweetness and flavor.
How long does it take to cook husked corn in the microwave?
The cooking time can vary depending on the wattage of your microwave, as well as the size and quantity of the corn. As a general guideline, it usually takes around 4-6 minutes to cook one ear of husked corn in the microwave.
What is the best way to season husked corn when cooking it in the microwave?
There are many delicious seasoning options for husked corn cooked in the microwave. Some popular choices include brushing the corn with melted butter and sprinkling it with salt and pepper, or adding a squeeze of lime juice and a sprinkle of chili powder for a tangy and spicy flavor.
Can I cook multiple ears of husked corn in the microwave at the same time?
Yes, you can definitely cook multiple ears of husked corn in the microwave at the same time. Just make sure to arrange them in a single layer and rotate them halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking.
Can you cook husked corn in the microwave?
Yes, you can cook husked corn in the microwave. It is a quick and easy method that results in delicious corn on the cob.