Microwave Corn on the Cob

Microwave corn on the cob is the easiest way to cook a whole ear of corn. It’s quick, mess-free, and comes out perfect every time.

I have another microwave vegetable recipe for you today, and honestly, this one’s kind of a game-changer: Microwave Corn on the Cob.

This is the BEST way to cook corn on the cob, because it is SO quick, SO easy, and mess-free.

The Easiest Way to Make Corn on the Cob

Cooking corn in the microwave means no need to shuck the corn or peel off those annoying little stringy bits.

You literally just cut the end off an ear of corn, shove it in the microwave, and once it’s cooked, it slides right out of the husk, silk-free and ready to eat.

It. Is. Magic.

To Make Corn on the Cob in the Microwave, You Will Need

• A very sharp knife
• A microwave
• Corn on the cob
• 3 minutes

How to Cook Corn on the Cob in the Microwave

1. To microwave corn on the cob in the husk, you’ll first cut off one end so you can slide the corn out once it’s cooked. To do this, find the point at the stalk end (the closed end without all the corn silk) where the cob begins to taper into a point.

You’re going to slice off the end just before that (don’t cut the end off after the cob starts to narrow or you won’t be able to slide the corn out of the husk easily).

Use a sharp knife to make a shallow cut all the way around the cob to help guide the knife, and then  apply a little force and slice all the way through.

A Note on Cutting Corn: Cutting through the cob takes a bit of muscle and a sharp knife, as cobs are quite tough. If you’re really struggling to cut the corn or the pressure needed is making you nervous, stop, skip this step and finish cutting off the end after microwaving.

The corn will be softer and easier to cut after microwaving. You’ll just need to let it cool long enough for you to safely handle it.

2. Place the corn in the microwave and microwave for 3 minutes. Let it sit for one minute to cool slightly, but don’t leave cooked corn sitting in the microwave for more than a couple minutes or it might not slide out of the husk as easily as it should.

3. Carefully, using an oven mitt or towel if necessary, squeeze the corn out of the husk. Make sure to keep squeezing all the way to the end. This helps keep the silk trapped inside.

4. Rinse to remove any stray strands of silk, brush with melted butter if that’s your thing, and enjoy!

How to Microwave Husked Corn on the Cob

If your corn is already husked, not a problem. You can microwave corn in a paper towel and get the same effect.

• Fold a paper towel in half, run it under water, and then squeeze out most of the liquid so that it is not dripping. Wrap the damp towel around your corn and it’s ready to go.
• If you have a pack of corn that’s half-shucked, with the ends trimmed but some husks still on, just leave the husks on and wrap the paper towel over them. They and the corn silk will be easier to remove after microwaving.

What to Put on Corn on the Cob

If you want to add a flavor boost to your corn, try one of these combos:

• Elote-style: Drizzle corn with melted butter and then spread mayonnaise over the entire thing. Sprinkle with cotija or Parmesan cheese, a bit of chili powder and a squeeze of lime juice.
• Honey Butter Corn: Combine melted butter and honey (about 3 parts butter to 1 part honey) and stir until mixed. Brush mixture over the cooked corn.
• Herbed Butter Corn: Whip your favorite herbs into softened butter (try one of these flavor combos if you’re not sure where to start) and spread the flavored butter over the corn.

FAQ

Can I Microwave More than One Ear of Corn in the Microwave?

Yes. You can microwave more than one ear of corn in the microwave. The rule of thumb is you’ll want to add 1 to 2 minutes per ear of corn and not cook more than what will fit in a single layer with a little space between, so 3 to 4 ears is usually the limit.

• Microwave 2 ears of corn: 4-5 minutes
• Microwave 3 ears of corn: 5-6 minutes
• Microwave 4 ears of corn: 6-7 minutes

How do you store cooked corn on the cob?

Store cooked corn in an airtight container or plastic bag in your refrigerator for 2 to 3 days. 

How do you reheat cooked corn on the cob?

Corn on the cob can be reheated in the microwave. Wrap the corn in a slightly damp paper towel and microwave in 20-second increments until it is heated through.

What Goes With Corn on the Cob?

If you’ve craving corn on the cob and need some ideas on what to serve it with, these are some of my favorites:

• Marinated Rib-eye Steaks
• Turkey Burgers
• Tri-tip Sandwiches
• Slow Cooker Beef Ribs

More Microwave Veggie Recipes

• Broccoli in the Microwave
• Cauliflower in the Microwave
• Green Beans in the Microwave
• Carrots in the Microwave

Tips and Tricks

• Microwave power varies wildly, so if your first ear of corn seems under/overcooked, don’t give up! Next time, try reducing or extending the cooking time next time a little as needed for your microwave and preference.

Microwave Corn on the Cob

Microwave corn on the cob is the easiest way to cook a whole ear of corn. It's quick, mess-free, and comes out perfect every time.

5 from 4 votes

Print Pin

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 1 minute minute

Cook Time: 3 minutes minutes

Cooling Time: 1 minute minute

Total Time: 5 minutes minutes

Servings (Hover or Click to Change Yield): 1 to 4 servings

Calories: 99kcal

Author: Tracy

Ingredients

• ▢ Un-husked corn on the cob *
• ▢ Butter optional for brushing
• ▢ Salt optional

Instructions

• Place corn on a cutting board, and cut off the stalk end by making a shallow cut all the way around the corn and then slicing through.
• Place the corn in the microwave and microwave for 3 minutes. Let it sit for 1 minute.
• Carefully, using an oven mitt or towel if necessary, squeeze the top of the corn so that the cob slides out.
• Rinse, pat dry, brush with melted butter and sprinkle with salt if desired, and enjoy!

Notes

To microwave more than one ear of corn in the microwave, the rule of thumb is you’ll want to add 1 to 2 minutes per ear of corn and not cook more than what will fit in a single layer with a little space between, so 3 to 4 ears is usually the limit.

• Microwave 2 ears of corn: 4-5 minutes
• Microwave 3 ears of corn: 5-6 minutes
• Microwave 4 ears of corn: 6-7 minutes

*If you're struggling to cut through the corn before microwaving, you can wait to do this step until after cooking when the cob will be softer. Just be careful, as the corn and steam will be quite hot.

*To microwave husked corn, fold a paper towel in half, run it under water, and then squeeze out most of the liquid so that it is not dripping. Wrap the damp towel around your corn and microwave as directed.

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