Microwave Corn on the Cob
Microwave corn on the Cob is the easiest way to prepare corn on the cob for juicy, plump kernels in every bite. It takes just minutes and requires almost no prep, since you cook it with the husk on to hold in the moisture. The corn slides right out of the husk when cooked, and it's ready to serve with butter and salt.
Ingredients
- 1 corn on the cob, or up to 4 cobs, in the husk*
- Butter and salt, optional, for serving
Instructions
- Microwave the corn – Place the corn in the microwave with the husks still on, arranging the ears in a single layer if possible. Microwave on high until the corn is hot and tender. For 1 ear, microwave 3 minutes; 2 ears, 4 to 5 minutes; 3 ears, 6 to 7 minutes; or 4 ears, 8 to 9 minutes. For 3 to 4 ears, rearrange the corn halfway through if your microwave cooks unevenly.* Use the lower end of the time range for smaller ears of corn and the higher end for larger ears.
- Let it rest – Carefully remove the corn from the microwave using kitchen tongs. Let it rest for 1 to 2 minutes, since the husks and steam will be very hot.
- Cut off the end – Transfer the corn to a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, cut off the stem end, cutting through the bottom row of kernels, about 1 inch from the base.
- Push out the corn – Hold the silk end with a clean kitchen towel and gently squeeze downward toward the cut end. The cob should slide out, leaving most of the husk and silk behind. Be careful of hot steam. If the corn doesn’t slide out easily, cut a little more off the stem end, making sure you cut through the bottom row of kernels, then try again.
- Serve – Serve warm with butter and salt.
Notes
*Microwave wattage and corn size vary, so use the cooking times as a guide. Add 30 seconds as needed for very large ears or corn that is not yet tender.
*If the corn is already shucked or the husk is very dry, wrap each ear in a damp paper towel before microwaving.
Storage: Refrigerate cooled corn in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat each cob wrapped in a damp paper towel in 20-second intervals until warm. For freezing, cut the kernels from the cob and store them in a freezer-safe container.
Nutrition Facts
Microwave Corn on the Cob
Amount per Serving
Calories
77
% Daily Value*
Fat
1
g
2
%
Saturated Fat
0.3
g
2
%
Trans Fat
0.01
g
Polyunsaturated Fat
0.4
g
Monounsaturated Fat
0.4
g
Sodium
14
mg
1
%
Potassium
243
mg
7
%
Carbohydrates
17
g
6
%
Fiber
2
g
8
%
Sugar
6
g
7
%
Protein
3
g
6
%
Vitamin A
168
IU
3
%
Vitamin C
6
mg
7
%
Calcium
2
mg
0
%
Iron
0.5
mg
3
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
