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.
Did you make this? Snap a photo and tag us on Instagram at @thrivinghome so we can see your creations and cheer you on!
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)
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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.
Crisp, delicious – flavor of fresh corn on the cob best way to cook ever! Yum!
So glad you enjoyed the corn this way Jennifer! I’ve been glad to find a way to just cook a few ears quickly for lunch, etc. Thanks for the review.
I love this recipe it’s so easy and goes with everything
It is a great summer side dish! Thanks for leaving a review Jenna.
So fast, easy and delicious. I don’t know if I’ll cook corn any other way again!
Hi Elisabeth! Glad you are finding this to be an easy side dish. Thanks for leaving a review!
What a great way to make corn, thank you for enlightening me. I just made one so cooked in microwave 2.5 minutes and then let it sit in the microwave for 30 sec. Tasty & fast!
Glad to hear it was helpful. It’s a nice shortcut for sure. 😉
delicious and fast!
Thanks for leaving a review Linda!
Fun way to make corn.
So true Dan! My 11-year-old loves to make it this way. 🙂
Fast and delicious! Easy to do!
Thanks Connie! I can’t believe I ever boiled corn now that I’ve learned this trick. 🙂
Have been doing corn this way for years. So easy!
It really is amazing how quick and easy! I know my mom would’ve loved to know this trick when we were growing up. So many boiling pots of water back then! 🙂 Thanks for the review Carol.
It’s the third time I’ve been back to this recipe.. Google search fills in once I type “corn on the cob” and then your recipe, bingo!! It’s really great for a single person, fantastic fresh corn in nothing flat. Thank you so much!!
Glad you’ve found it helpful Leslie. Thank you for leaving a review!
Been doing this unhusked for decades. Easy and quick!
Ha! You should’ve shared it with us sooner. 🙂 Just kidding. Glad we’re all on the same page now with how easy & quick this is!
This is very easy and produces the desired result. It’s great for the summer when you don’t want to heat up the kitchen with boiling water.
So true Anna! There are just some days it is too hot to do much cooking at all, especially a big pot of boiling water.
It was good and got done quickly!
Glad to hear it. Thanks for leaving a review!
I followed your instructions, and the corn turned out perfect!! I’ve already spread the word!!
Wonderful to hear that, Lisa. You can thank my sweet mother-in-law for this trick. 🙂
Fast, easy & delicious!
Yes! That’s the goal for sure. Thanks for leaving a review Janet!
Cooked it this way tonight using fresh white corn (on sale-5 ears for $2). Crisp and delicious!
Awesome! Thanks for leaving a review Mary.