Have you ever wondered How to Microwave Corn on the Cob? Well, today we are sharing our go-to trick when we want corn fast and don’t want to deal with boiling a big pot of water.
It’s so easy! Just wrap each ear in a damp paper towel, pop it in the microwave, and you’ve got hot, tender corn ready for butter in just a few minutes. It’s the perfect side dish for busy weeknights, small batches, or when you’re already using the stove for everything else. Simple, quick, and basically no cleanup.
If you need more easy side dish ideas, try Homemade Mashed Potatoes, Roasted Broccoli, Parmesan Potatoes, and Cheesy Garlic Bread.
Why you’ll love it + Why it works:
- Ready Fast: This corn cooks in minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights and quick dinners.
- Minimal Cleanup: You skip extra pots and pans, which means less mess after dinner.
- Simple Steam Method: The damp paper towels create steam that helps cook the corn evenly.
- Foolproof Timing: The cooking times are easy to adjust based on how many ears you are making.
Microwave Corn on the Cob Ingredients
- Corn cobs (4 corn cobs): Adds natural sweetness and creates the base of this quick side dish. Fresh corn works best for tender, juicy kernels, especially during peak summer months.
How to Microwave Corn on the Cob
PREP. Shuck your corn. Once that’s done, wet 4 paper towels, wring out, and wrap around each ear of corn. Place on a microwave-safe dinner plate.
MICROWAVE. Cook in the microwave for 3-6 minutes based on the amount of corn you are heating up.
- 1-2 ears of corn: cook for 3-4 minutes
- 4 ears of corn: cook for 5-6 minutes
The corn will be hot as you pull it out of the microwave, so use tongs or an oven mitt when removing the cooked corn.
SEASON. Keep it classic with butter, salt, and pepper, or switch things up with garlic salt, paprika, Parmesan cheese, or chili powder with lime and fresh cilantro.
Kristyn’s Recipe Tips
- Choose corn ears that are close in size so they cook evenly.
- Allow the corn to sit for 1 minute after microwaving because it continues steaming.
- The paper towels and corn will be hot after cooking, so use tongs or oven mitts.
- Brush with butter and sprinkle with salt, garlic salt, parmesan cheese, chili powder, or fresh herbs.
- Cook the corn earlier in the day and reheat for 30 to 60 seconds before serving.
- Make Mexican street corn style corn with mayo, cotija cheese, chili powder, and lime juice.
- Shuck corn in the microwave. Cut off the stem end of the corn about 2 inches from the bottom. Microwave on HIGH for 4 to 5 minutes to cook the corn, or 2 minutes if you only want to loosen the husk. Add 1 to 2 minutes for each additional ear. Hold the corn by the top and shake. The corn will slide right out of the husk.
Microwave Corn on the Cob
Video
Ingredients
- 4 corn cobs
Instructions
- Shuck your corn. Once that's done, wet 4 paper towels, wring out, and wrap around each ear of corn. Place on a microwave-safe dinner plate.
- Cook in the microwave for 3-6 minutes based on the amount of corn you are heating up.1-2 ears of corn: cook for 3-4 minutes4 ears of corn: cook for 5-6 minutes
Notes
- Choose corn ears that are close in size so they cook evenly.
- Allow the corn to sit for 1 minute after microwaving because it continues steaming.
- The paper towels and corn will be hot after cooking, so use tongs or oven mitts.
- Brush with butter and sprinkle with salt, garlic salt, parmesan cheese, chili powder, or fresh herbs.
- Cook the corn earlier in the day and reheat for 30 to 60 seconds before serving.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Recipe FAQ
Cooked corn on the cob can last in the fridge for up to 5 days in an airtight container.
Store in the freezer for up to 6 months in a freezer-safe container.
More Like This
Vegetable Sides
Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots
20 mins
Easy Roasted Broccoli
25 mins
Parmesan Crusted Zucchini
16 mins
Oven Roasted Vegetables
35 mins
Main Dishes
Collections
This post was first shared May, 2020.
Even better do not shucks the corn just microwave same time then get it out cut off the bottom squeeze the top corn cob will slide out and it will be clean no shucking
Even better do not shucks the corn just microwave same time then get it out cut off the bottom squeeze the top corn cob will slide out and it will be clean no shucking
That is such a great tip!
I love cooking corn in the microwave but I prefer to leave the husks on while cooking.
When the cook time is over, take the cobs out using an oven mitt or tongs. Hold the HOT cob with an oven mitt and use a sharp serrated knife to cut off a little of the large end of the cob. This frees the husk. Squeeze the cob out. This removes all of the silk so you don’t have to spend time picking it off.
What an awesome trick! Thanks so much for sharing your tips for microwaving corn on the cob with the husks on. I’ll have to give that a try!
Quick & easy!! The corn turns out perfectly! Making it this way from now on!
This cooked up so quickly and turned out so perfectly tender! When I am in a hurry, I will definitely be preparing it this way again!
So easy and delicious. 4 minutes for 2 ears
Yes! This is such a slick way to cook corn. Glad you enjoyed it!
You do not need to shuck. Put in microwave 4-6 min. Remove cut off stem end squeeze from end like toothpaste. Everything comes off including silk. Butter and salt to taste. Why shuck ahead . Especially when this method even removed silk easily.
Thanks for the feedback. You can certainly leave the husks on before microwaving as well. 🙂
You can just leave the husks on and skip the paper towels. Even easier.
True! Thanks for sharing!
The moist paper towel is a game changer. Love cooking corn this way. To reheat it as leftovers, we do this same thing for, but half the time.
????????
Thanks for sharing that 🙂
This is a perfect way to cook corn on the coB for my kids on A busy night. Thanks for sharing!
Actually, we put one ear of corn (with shuck on) into the microwave. Nuke it for 3 minutes or 3 1/2 minutes. Remove with pot holder, place on cutting board, use a sharp knife and cut a slice off the bottom, just above the last kernel. Using the pot holder, pick up the ear of corn by the silks, and gently shake over a plate. If you cut it at the right spot, the ear of corn will slip out, totally devoid of silks. You can make another slice if you don’t get it right the first time. You might have one or two tiny silks to remove, but usually this method gets every one!!
This is a great way to do it in the microwave too. Thanks for sharing!
Will come in handy when I don’t have a lot of time to sit & wait for the corn! Great idea!
Such a great way to make corn on the Cob. Especially, on those busy nights!
I wish I knew this a long time ago. It’s so easy & fast & it comes out perfectly!