Microwave corn on the cob is the BEST way to cook fresh corn! The corn steams in the husks and locks in the moisture, resulting in juicy, flavorful corn that’s quick and easy to make with minimal effort. And bonus, after corn is microwaved the husks and silk just slip off!
I learned how to make corn on the cob in the microwave years ago when I lived in Buffalo.
My ex-husband’s boss was an about-to-be-90-year-old gentleman who invited us over to dinner at his house several times.
During the summer months when local corn was in season, he’d microwave us corn as a side dish for dinner, saying it was the best way to cook it. I understand if you’re skeptical; I was too. But he was right!
Microwave corn on the cob steams perfectly in its husk, locking in the moisture and making sure the corn is juicy and flavorful.
And as a bonus, after corn is microwaved, it’s super easy to shuck! The corn husks basically just slip right off, along with the corn silk.
If you’re wondering how to cook corn in the microwave, I will show you how easy it is. And I'm here to tell you that it’s the best method I know of for cooking corn!
Once you learn how to cook corn on the cob in the microwave, I think it’ll be your go-to method for making corn all summer long.
Microwave Corn on the Cob Recipe
There really isn’t much of a recipe going on here. Just grab a few ears of corn and make sure you have access to a microwave, and you’re ready to go!
Don’t forget the toppings though. Butter and salt are my favorites for corn the cob.
How to Cook Corn on the Cob in Microwave
Put the corn on the cob (with the husk on) directly in the microwave.
My microwave is 1.58kW and 4 ears of corn cooks perfectly for 10 minutes. You can adjust the cooking time based on the wattage of your microwave.
If you’re cooking less corn, you will want to cook for less time. 1 ear of corn cooks for about 5 minutes, 2 ears cooks for about 7 minutes, and 3 or 4 ears cooks for about 10 minutes.
Use potholders to remove the corn from the microwave. Let it sit for about 3 minutes to cool slightly before shucking.
Shuck the corn. The easiest way to do this after microwaving is to slice off the bottom, and the husks and silk should easily slip off.
Tips for Making Microwave Corn on the Cob
- Make sure your corn is fresh, local if possible, and has the husks on. The corn steams in the husks and the end result is juicy, sweet corn.
- If the corn is fresh, there’s no need to wrap it in a wet paper towel before microwaving. The corn husk itself is what locks in the moisture.
- After microwaving corn on the cob, use potholders to carefully remove it. Not only is the corn hot, but the husks hold in hot steam as well!
Microwave Corn on the Cob FAQs
Do You Wash Corn After Shucking?
No! The corn husks act as a natural barrier keeping corn clean. There’s no need to wash corn after shucking.
However, sometimes you will find a worm or other critter in your corn. Just cut out that part!
How Many Ears of Corn Can You Cook in the Microwave at Once?
I recommend cooking up to 4 ears of corn in the microwave at one time. If you need to cook more than that, I recommend cooking them in batches.
What’s the Best Way to Heat Cooked Corn on the Cob?
To reheat cooked corn on the cob in the microwave:
- If the corn is shucked, wrap the cooked ear of corn in a damp paper towel.
- Place it on a microwave-safe plate.
- Cook for 2 minutes, and then check it and see if it needs more time.
More Delicious Corn Recipes to Try
- Easy Corn Pudding Recipe
- Grilled Chicken Salad with Corn, Peaches, Blue Cheese, and Honey-Balsamic Syrup
- Layered Corn, Avocado, and Tomato Salad with Herbed Sour Cream
- Fresh Corn Quesadillas with Roasted Garlic and Chive Crema
- Mexican Corn Salad
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Microwave Corn on the Cob
Instructions
- Place all 4 ears of corn in the microwave (I put them directly in the microwave, no need for a plate). Microwave on high for 10 minutes.
- Use potholders to remove the corn from the microwave. Let it sit for about 3 minutes to cool slightly before shucking.
- Shuck the corn. The easiest way to do this after microwaving is to slice off the bottom, and the husks and silk should easily slip off.
- Serve hot, with butter and salt if desired.
Faith's Tips
- Nutritional Information: Information for this recipe was calculated without the optional toppings.
- Microwave Cook Time Tip: My microwave is 1.58kW and 4 ears of corn cooks perfectly for 10 minutes. You can adjust the cooking time based on the wattage of your microwave.
- How to Cook Up to 4 Ears of Corn: If you’re cooking less corn, you will want to cook for less time. 1 ear of corn cooks for about 5 minutes, 2 ears cooks for about 7 minutes, and 3 or 4 ears cooks for about 10 minutes.
Nutrition
Iris says
I always make my corn in the microwave, with husks or without Without I wrap each in a sheet of wax paper!
Love your recipes!
Didn’t know you’d lived in Buffalo!
That’s where I live!
Dennis says
When micro waving corn in the cob What number temp. ( I.E. High) setting do you put the micro wave on? Thank you.
Faith says
Dennis, My microwave is 1.58kW and 4 ears of corn cooks perfectly for 10 minutes on high (there is no number setting, it just says "high").
Jay Kimelman says
Delicious, sweet and juicy.