Microwave Corn on the Cob
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Did you know that cooking corn on the cob doesn’t require dirtying up a pot, heating up the kitchen, or waiting for a gallon of water to boil? Use this quick trick on how to microwave corn on the cob!
Ingredients
All you need for this recipe are two simple things…
How to Cook Corn on the Cob in the Microwave
Now, here’s the foolproof and ridiculously easy trick that I like to call my “3-Minute No Boil” Corn on the Cob Method.
Shuck the Corn
This recipe is specifically for corn without the husk. You can purchase it this way or simply remove the husk of the corn. Here is an easy way to husk corn if you’re curious.
Wrap the Shucked Corn in a Paper Towel
Take your shucked ear of corn and wrap it in a moist paper towel so that it is entirely wrapped. This will keep it from drying out. We also use this in our Grilled Corn on the Cob recipe.
Microwave the Corn
Place it in your microwave and nuke for 3 minutes. Test to see if it’s soft enough by pricking it with a fork. If not, microwave 1 more minute. Note: I usually do two ears at the same time and they turn out fine.
Let It Cool & Enjoy!
Using a potholder, tongs, or dish towel, remove the hot ears of corn. They will continue to cook a bit if you leave them in the paper towel after you remove them. Butter it up and add a little salt and pepper, if you’d like. Enjoy!
Recipe FAQs
Yes, you can microwave it this way as well!
1) Pull back the husk and remove the silk (the stringy pieces) as much as you can. Pull the husk back up over the corn cob.
2) Place up to 4 ears of corn, un-shucked, in the microwave in a single layer.
3) Microwave for 3 to 5 minutes.
–For just 1 or 2 ears of corn, microwave on high for 3 minutes.
–For 3 or 4 ears, microwave for 4 minutes.
–If you like softer corn or if your ears are particularly large, microwave for an additional minute.
Bottom line: Wrap each shucked ear of corn on the cob in a damp paper towel and microwave for 3-4 minutes, depending on your microwave oven.
It’s not necessary to add water when microwaving corn on the cob. The natural moisture in the corn and the moist paper towel helps steam it during the microwaving process.
Yes, I’ve tested this multiple times. As long as there is a little space between them, it’s fine to microwave multiple ears at one time.
Pierce the corn kernels with a fork or knife to check for tenderness. If it’s easily pierced, the corn is done. Be cautious of steam when unwrapping or removing the husk.
Grilled Corn on the Cob
We also have an easy method for grilling corn. This works well for cooking a lot of ears at once, while also grilling your main dish alongside.
What to Serve with Corn on the Cob
We love corn on the cob with these main dishes and side dishes.
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Microwave Corn on the Cob
Don’t have time to wait for water to boil? Not enough daylight left to turn on your grill? Then try this 3-minute, no boil microwave method for corn on the cob. It’s a winner!
Ingredients
- 2 ears of corn, shucked
- 2 paper towels
- Optional for serving: butter, salt, and pepper (to taste)
Before You Begin! If you make this, please leave a review and rating letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business thrive & continue providing free recipes.
Instructions
- Wrap shucked ears of corn in moist paper towels, so that they are entirely wrapped.
- Place 1 or 2 ears in your microwave at a time and cook for 3 minutes. Check to make sure it’s soft enough to your liking by pricking with a fork. If not, cook for 1 more minute.
- Using a pot holder or towel, remove the hot ears of corn. They will continue to cook a bit if you leave it in the paper towel after you remove it.
- Add butter, salt, and pepper to your preference and enjoy some perfectly done corn on the cob!
Notes/Tips
- Can You Microwave Corn with a Husk? Yes. Remove the silk, replace the husk, and microwave for 3-5 minutes. See the article above for more details.
- You can microwave several ears at a time. Just make sure they each have a little space around them.
- How to Grill Corn on the Cob: When cooking a lot of corn at once, try our easy Grilled Corn on the Cob method.
Yummy😋
Indeed! Thanks for leaving a review Kathy.
Great way to do corn on the cob. Simple, fast and always successful.
Glad you gave it a try! Thanks for leaving a review.
Genius!
Thanks!
I can’t believe I just learned this at my age.
Hi Pauline! Well, we’re so glad you found us and now can make corn on the cob anytime you want!
I do microwave corn cooking a lot..works every time.. Is delicious and fast
Glad to hear it Gail. Thanks for leaving a review so others know how well it works!
Love this site. Helps every time
Thanks Gayle! Glad you’re hear.
Absolute wizardry
Wonderful thanks
Ha! Thanks Coralie!
Fine easy recipes
Thanks Michael!
It looks like it turned out ok.. this is the 3rd time but I always seem to leave it in the fridge to long after I buy it.. one I believe is ok.. the other I’m not to sure about yet,
Hi Dayle. I hope it all turned out good. Thank you for taking the time to leave a review.
Thank you…sometimes you just want a quick cob 😁
Totally, you get it. 😉
It worked great!!
Glad you tried it and liked it!
Our corn was perfect. Recipe was easy to do and works. Would of never thought of microwave corn.
I am in love with this easy way to cook corn without the big pot of water, too! Thank you for leaving a review.
Perfect when you don’t have enough time to spare
Glad it was helpful, Mike.
Your recipe provided the results I’d hoped for perfectly.
Sweet! Love that.
Fast, easy and delicious!!!!
Great cooked perfectly
Thanks for the feedback and review. Glad this little hack worked well for you!