How to Cook Corn on the Cob in the Microwave: A Quick & Easy Guide
Summer's here, and that means one thing: fresh corn on the cob! But who has time to boil a pot of water when you're craving that sweet, juicy goodness? This guide shows you how to cook corn on the cob in the microwave – quickly, easily, and perfectly every time. We'll cover several methods, so you can find the best one for your microwave and your taste.
Preparing Your Corn for Microwave Cooking
Before you even think about microwaving, you need to prep your corn. This simple step ensures even cooking and prevents burnt kernels.
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Remove Husks and Silk: Carefully peel back the husks of your corn on the cob. Remove all the silk strands; these can be tricky but are worth the effort for a cleaner final product. You can leave the husks on for a slightly sweeter flavor and more moisture retention, but we'll cover that method separately.
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Rinse (Optional): Give your corn a quick rinse under cold water to remove any lingering dirt or silk.
Method 1: The Classic Microwave Method (Without Husks)
This is the quickest and easiest method for cooking corn on the cob in the microwave.
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Place Corn in Microwave-Safe Dish: Place the prepared corn on the cob in a microwave-safe dish. Add about ¼ cup of water to the bottom of the dish to create steam and prevent drying.
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Microwave Time: Microwave on high for 3-5 minutes, depending on the size and power of your microwave. Larger ears may require up to 7 minutes.
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Check for Doneness: Carefully remove the corn from the microwave using oven mitts (it will be hot!). Test the kernels by gently pressing one; they should be tender. If not, microwave in 1-minute intervals until done.
Method 2: The Steamed Corn Method (With Husks)
This method uses the husk as a natural steamer, resulting in a particularly flavorful and moist corn on the cob.
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Prepare the Corn: Leave the husks on your corn, but remove the silk. You can optionally soak the corn in water for 10-15 minutes prior to cooking for extra moisture.
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Microwave: Place the husked corn directly into the microwave. Microwave on high for 4-6 minutes, depending on the size and power of your microwave.
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Check for Doneness: Carefully remove the corn and check the kernels for tenderness. If necessary, microwave for another minute or two.
Method 3: The Bagged Corn Method
This method is great for even cooking and minimizes mess.
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Prepare the Corn: Remove the husks and silks from your corn.
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Place in a Microwave-Safe Bag: Place the prepared corn in a microwave-safe bag, adding 2-3 tablespoons of water. Seal the bag loosely.
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Microwave: Microwave on high for 3-5 minutes, turning the bag halfway through. Check for doneness and adjust cooking time as needed.
Tips for Perfect Microwave Corn on the Cob
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Microwave Power: Microwave ovens vary greatly in power. Adjust cooking times accordingly. Start with shorter cooking times and add more as needed.
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Don't Overcook: Overcooked corn will be mushy. It's better to slightly undercook it than to overcook it.
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Butter & Seasoning: Once cooked, immediately add your favorite butter, salt, pepper, chili powder – whatever your taste buds desire!
FAQs
Q: Can I cook multiple ears of corn at once?
A: Yes, you can! Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly; you may need to add a minute or two for each additional ear.
Q: What if my corn is still hard after the recommended time?
A: Add another minute or two of cooking time and check again. If you're using a really powerful microwave, you might want to reduce the time.
With these simple methods, you can enjoy delicious, perfectly cooked corn on the cob in minutes! No more waiting for a pot of water to boil. Enjoy your summer treat!
