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Microwave Corn on the Cob

Microwave corn on the cob is a no-fuss, quick and easy method to making a great summer corn side dish. Once you made it this way you may never make it any other way, it's that easy!

Four ears of corn on a white plate with butter.


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Microwave corn on the cob is such an easy side dish to my Bacon Wrapped Hot Dogs and my Teriyaki Steak for those grilling nights. I seriously hate shucking corn, it's such a messy tedious job that I always dread! This method takes all the fuss out but if you don't mind shucking you might love my Grilled Corn On The Cob.

Why this recipe works

This is a simple way to make corn on the cob, much faster than boiling water. The microwave method allows the corn to steam in its own husk and locks in the moisture. Then the cooked corn just slides right out of the corn husks, corn silk and all. You can eat it as is with some of my Garlic Herb Compound Butter, or throw it on the grill to get some char first.

Ingredients Needed

All the ingredients needed for this recipe.

Ingredient Notes

  • Corn-Either white corn or yellow corn works.
  • Butter-Use real butter

How to make this recipe

Corn that has been cooked and the end cut off.
  • Step 1-Place corn on a microwave-safe dish and cook.
  • Step 2-Remove the corn from the microwave and let the corn cool for about 1 minute.
Corn that has been cut at the stalk and squeezed out of the husk.
  • Step 3- Using a dishtowel hang on to the tip of the hot corn, and using a sharp knife cut about 1 inch off the end.
  • Step 4- Grab the other end with an oven mitt or kitchen towel (it will be hot) and push the corn right out of the husk.
Several easr of corn on a baking sheet.

Recipe tips

  • You want to slide the corn out while it's hot so don't let it sit too long.
  • Use a pot holder or dish towel to remove the corn. Not only is the corn hot but the husk hold in the steam.
  • If you cut the kernels off the cob don't throw them away! The naked cobs have so much flavor and it is perfect for adding to soups and stews.
  • After the corn is cooked and out of the husks, you can toss them on the grill for a quick char.
Butter being brushed on corn.

Recipe Faq's

How to choose the best corn on the cob

If you can get some summer corn from a farmerโ€™s market during the summer months that will always be the sweetest. Look for bright green husks and the tassels should be brown and sticky to touch.

How to remove the corn husk

By steaming the corn in the microwave oven and then cutting the stalk end off the cob. Then the whole ear of corn just slides right out of the husk leaving both the husk and silks behind.

How to store and reheat leftover corn on the cob

The best way to store leftovers is in a large ziplock bag in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat wrap a wet paper towel around the corn cob and heat in the microwave for 2-3 minutes.

How to freeze corn on the cob

Freezing fresh summer corn to have on hand through the winter months. Cook the corn according to the directions let it completely cool and wrap each cob in plastic wrap and place in a ziplock freezer bag. Or you can remove the kernels from the cob and place them in a ziplock freezer bag. Reheat in the microwave or in a pot of boiling water until heated through. Delicious to use in corn recipes like my side dishes Grilled Mexican Corn Salad or my Cheesy Creamed Corn or delicious Corn Chowder Casserole

Four ears of corn on a white plate with butter.

Microwave Corn on the Cob

4 from 1 vote
Written By: Wendie
Microwave corn on the cob is a no mess method. No shucking, comes out delicious every time!
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 180

Ingredients
  

  • 4 ears of corn
  • 4 tablespoon butter
  • Sat and pepper to taste
  • Fresh chopped parsley

Instructions
 

  • Place all four ears of corn in the husks in the microwave.
  • Cook on high for 10 minutes.
  • Remove corn from the microwave. Use a dish towel or oven mitt and hang on to the tip of the corn. Using a sharp knife cut off the bottom (about 1 inch up)
  • Gently squeeze out the corn from the husks.
  • In a small bowl melt butter and parsley. Brush on top of the corn and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Video

Notes

The cooking times in microwaves can vary. Start with recommended times and add 30-second intervals until hot.
  • one ear of corn for 4 minutes.
  • Two ears for 6 minutes.
  • Three ears 8 minutes
  • Four ears 10 minutes
  • If your corn doesn't slide out easily you either need to cook it another minute longer in your microwave, or you need to cut a little higher at the base of the corn

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1gCalories: 180kcalCarbohydrates: 17gProtein: 3gFat: 13gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 31mgSodium: 93mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4g
    Did You Make This Recipe?Please leave a comment below or pin it to your Pinterest account!
    Course Sides
    Cuisine American

    4 from 1 vote (1 rating without comment)

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    One Comment

    1. This is so easy.The corn is cooked just right.You really donโ€™t need any butter.It is so sweet and tender.Be careful and use your dish towel to hold while cutting because it is hot.plus this method cuts down on your cooking time when serving for a cookout.