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)
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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.
Thank you. Makes it so simple and natural without a watery taste.
Glad you enjoyed this Mimi! It does make it so simple. Thanks for leaving a review.
It is absolutely the only way to cook corn on the cob. Always turns out delicious
I agree! Thank you for leaving a review Mary!
Easy, perfect results. I especially appreciated the guidance to cook only 2 ears per batch — this recipe helped me finally figure out what I have been doing wrong all this time (i.e., trying to cook too many ears of corn at a time).
Hi Brooke! Glad you found an answer to your problem! Thanks for taking the time to leave a review.
Easy recipe to follow
Thanks Ruth! It is a time-saver and I love that you can easily make just one or two ears.
I ran the cobs under water & then wrapped in a paper towel. Spritzed them and popped into the micro.
Hi Kim! Thanks for taking the time to leave a review detailing how you made it.