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Microwave Corn on the Cob

This microwave corn on the cob recipe is a quick and easy way to cook fresh corn on the cob! With just a few simple steps, you can have perfectly cooked corn on the cob in just a matter of minutes. This recipe is perfect for when you want a healthy and delicious side dish without the hassle of traditional ways of cooking corn.

Microwave corn on the cob on a white plate with butter melting on top.

Why you’ll love this recipe

Have you ever craved a delicious corn on the cob, but didn’t want to wait for water to boil or fire up the grill? The solution is right in your kitchen – your microwave is the perfect tool for quickly and efficiently cooking corn on the cob, ensuring an equally tasty and juicy result in no time.

This method is not only convenient but also helps to retain the freshness and flavors of the corn kernels.

What do you need?

Corn cobs

When selecting corn on the cob for your microwave adventure, it’s important to choose fresh corn.

Look for bright green husks that are tightly wrapped around the cob. Avoid husks with brown or dry spots, as they may indicate that the corn is not fresh. Feel the kernels through the husk. They should be plump and firm, evenly covering the entire cob. If you can feel gaps or missing kernels, the corn may not be the best quality.

How to cook corn on the cob in a microwave

Microwaving corn on the cob in its husk is a quick and easy method to enjoy perfectly cooked corn. First, remove any loose husks and silk from the corn. Leave the main husk intact.

Place your corn on the cob with its husk in the microwave, evenly spaced apart. For a standard 1000-watt microwave, cook one ear of corn for 1½-2 minutes. If cooking multiple ears, add 1 minute for each additional ear.

Remember, cooking times may vary based on your microwave’s power.

Once cooked, carefully remove the corn from the microwave using tongs or a towel, as it will be hot. Allow the corn to cool for a couple of minutes before peeling back the husk and removing any remaining silk.

Corn on the cob in microwave.

Microwave corn without husk

You can also microwave corn cobs without the husk. Simply wrap your corn on the cob in a damp paper towel or dish towel, covering it completely. Place the wrapped corn on a microwave-safe plate, leaving some space between each if cooking multiple ears.

Cook the corn in your microwave as per the instructions above. Then carefully remove the corn from the microwave, unwrap the towel, and let the corn cool for a minute before serving.

Microwaved corn cobs with butter on a white plate.

Serving ideas

There are plenty of ways to make this delicious vegetable side dish even more enticing. Elevate the flavors of your corn by following some of these tasty suggestions.

  • Spread some butter (or even a dairy-free alternative) generously onto the warm kernels. The heat will melt the butter, giving the corn a rich and creamy texture.
  • For a bit of extra seasoning, sprinkle coarse salt or your preferred seasoning salt over your buttered corn cob.
  • Brush your corn cobs with freshly-made pesto and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese for a mouthwatering Italian-inspired flair.
  • Drizzle buffalo sauce over your corn cobs, and sprinkle with crumbled blue cheese for a bold flavor reminiscent of your favorite spicy appetizers.
Microwave corn on the cob on a white plate with butter melting on top.

Microwave Corn Cob

5 from 2 votes
How to cook corn on the cob in the microwave. 
Prep Time1 minute
Cook Time2 minutes
Total Time3 minutes
Serves1 Serving

Ingredients

  • 1 corn cob (in husk [Note 1])

Directions

  • Cut any long ends of the husk off the corn cob [Note 1].
  • Place corn cob in microwave. Cook for 90-120 seconds on high. 
  • Remove corn from microwave and carefully remove the husk and silks (they will be very hot). 

Notes

  1. If you prefer, you can remove the husks and silks first, then wrap the corn cob in a damp paper towel or dish towel before microwaving.

Nutrition

Calories: 77kcal  Carbohydrates: 16g  Protein: 2g  Fat: 1g  Sodium: 13mg  Fiber: 1g  Sugar: 5g

Nutrition information is an estimate and provided for informational purposes only.

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