Microwave Corn On The Cob For A Quick Side Dish
Want a perfect – and fast – side dish for dinner? Microwave corn on the cob for the perfect way to serve up a nutritious and delicious vegetable in a snap.
Picture this: it’s a weeknight. You just got off work and bought some corn on the cob on your way home. It sounded like an easy side dish for dinner.
You get home and realize that it’s 5:45, and you have 15 minutes until the family will be chomping at the bit for dinner.
Summer corn is amaaaaazing! What isn’t amazing is cooking it when you’re short on time.
Corn on the cob always tastes great, but it takes forever to boil. With limited time, how can you make that corn on the cob quickly and easily to maximize flavor? Save yourself time (and keep some nutrients) by cooking corn in the microwave!
CAN You Microwave Corn on the Cob?
YES! Microwaving your corn cooks it but doesn’t pop it like popcorn.
In order to make popcorn, you have to microwave a certain kind of popping corn. Normal corn on the cob varieties won’t “pop”!
So rest assured that it is not only ok to cook corn on the cob in the microwave – it’s easier and faster than cooking it any other way.
Why Microwave Corn on the Cob
Do you grill it? Nope, done that – it was a pain in the neck. Wrapping each ear in aluminum foil, waiting for the grill to heat up, and keeping the ears from cooking too long. Ugh. I’m not repeating that method.
It tastes good but isn’t much fun standing outside in the heat next to that hot grill or as easy as cooking corn in the microwave!
Do you boil it? Nope, did that too. Waaaaayy too long. It seems to take forever waiting for the water to boil in the stockpot (a watched pot and all…).
And you have to use the stockpot (and lots of water) so the corn will fit. I have plenty to do without wasting my time standing by a pot waiting for it to boil.
Plus, it’s hot standing over that pot while the corn cooks. Once the water boils, the corn doesn’t take long to cook, but then you have the cleanup of the pot. So overall, it feels like a lot of work (and time) for just a small amount of cook time.
So how do you cook corn on the cob faster and easier than grilling it or boiling it without heating up the house?
You make corn on the cob in the microwave!
How to Cook Corn on the Cob in Microwave – You Won’t Cook it ANY Other Way Again!
Corn on the cob in the microwave couldn’t be easier! You can even keep the husk on until after it’s cooked, which makes it waaaaaaay easier to shuck. Leaving the husks on has the added benefit of trapping in the heat and moisture so that all the kernels cook evenly.
I have found the best success with microwaving 3 ears at a time, but you can do anywhere from 1-4 ears at a time.
All you have to do is put the 3 ears onto a plate or a couple of paper towels to help keep your microwave clean. 😉 Keep in mind that the plate is likely to get hot, so pull it out carefully if you use it.
How Long to Cook Corn in the Microwave
At this point, you’re probably wondering how long to microwave corn. Here’s how:
- Microwave the ears of corn for 4 minutes on high.
- Flip them over and microwave for another 1-2 minutes (depending on how soft you like your corn).
If you are only doing 1-2 ears of corn, microwave them for 3 minutes and then an additional 1-2 minutes, if needed. If you are doing more than 4 ears of corn, cook them in batches.
Once you pull the corn out of the microwave, it may not feel very hot to the touch, but it is super hot inside the husks!
Let the ears sit for a few minutes to cool before shucking them. They are ready to shuck once the silk and outer leaves are cool enough to handle.
The corn will stay very warm inside the husks so wait to shuck until you are ready to serve.
This Helpful Video Shows You the Process of Cooking Corn in the Microwave As Well As How to Shuck it.
Shuck…season (if you want to, or simply add butter and salt)…and serve!
Now that the corn is cooked, you get to eat it! I love these corn on the cob holders! Corn cob holders are an inexpensive item that make a HUGE difference in your corn eating experience.
These holders have fun, bright colors and they interlock, making storage much safer (my favorite feature).
Seriously, is there anything worse than sticking your hand into the drawer to grab the corn on the cob holders and then get stabbed by said holder? (I know there is, but at the time it might not feel like it.)
Enjoy your corn on the cob!
Check Out These Popular Posts:
| Servings | Prep Time |
| 4 people | 7 min |
| Cook Time | Passive Time |
| 5-6 min | 2 min |
|
|
|
|
Easier than grilling or boiling, microwave corn on the cob for a quick and easy side dish that will become the ONLY way you make corn on the cob!
|
- 4 ears corn
- 1 each salt, pepper, hot sauce, parsley, butter optional for seasoning, if desired
- Place 1-4 ears of corn, in their husks, in the microwave. Put them on a microwave-safe plate or a couple of paper towels (plate will be hot after cooking). If cooking for than 4 ears of corn, cook them in batches.
- If microwaving 1-2 ears of corn, cook for 3 minutes, then an additional 1-2 minutes if you like more tender corn.
- If microwaving 3-4 ears of corn, cook for 4 minutes, with an additional 1-2 minutes if you like more tender corn.
- Remove from microwave and allow to sit and cool for several minutes. Once the outer leaves are cool enough to handle, shuck the corn, season (if desired) and serve immediately.