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Did you know you can microwave corn on the cob? It’s the quickest and easiest way to cook juicy, crispy corn on the cob.
Microwave corn on the cob is a really quick and easy alternative to boiling it on the stove or grilling it. You can always serve your corn as a side dish with Hot Dogs, Steak, or even a Pot Roast.
In the Microwave!
How great is the microwave? You can cook almost anything in there in just minutes. Have you ever cooked corn on the cob in your microwave? It’s great for easily removing the husk and cooking it at the same time.
Cook this corn on the cob in the microwave for a classic dinner side dish or slice off the kernels for Summer Corn Salad, Black Bean and Corn Salsa, and more!
Shucking the Corn
Did you know you can use the microwave to easily remove the husk? Just cut the stalk/stem end off about 2 inches from the bottom. Cook on HIGH for a few minutes.
Once done, hold the corn at the top (where the corn silk stick out) and shake. The steam created within the husk will allow the corn to slide right out the bottom.
- To cook the corn at the same time, cook on HIGH heat for 4-5 minutes. Or, If you just want to remove the husk only and not cook the corn, heat the corn for about 2 minutes. If you have more than one ear add 1-2 more minutes for each additional ear of corn.
How to Microwave Corn on the Cob
Cooking corn in the microwave is quick and easy, just use these steps to know how long 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.
Note. The wattage of your microwave and the size of the corn may affect the cooking time. Whether you are heating shucked corn or unshucked, test one ear out in your microwave to be sure you get the right timing and adjust accordingly.
How to Season
Make it spicy or keep it simple, either way, this corn is delicious!
Classic seasoning. Butter, salt, and black pepper are pretty common and delicious seasonings.
Variations. To change things up you can:
- sprinkle with garlic salt
- add paprika
- top with parmesan cheese
- use chili powder with a spritz of lime and fresh cilantro
- chili flakes or hot sauce
Storing + Serving Corn
STORE. Cooked corn on the cob can last in the fridge for up to 5 days in an airtight container.
FREEZE. Store in the freezer for up to 6 months in a freezer-safe container.
Pair your corn on the cob with:
- Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Sandwiches
- Ranch Burgers
- Ground Beef Tacos
- Steak Marinade
- Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas
Recipe FAQ
The cobs need to retain moisture when being heated in the microwave. You can do this by wrapping the cobs in damp paper towels or keeping them in their husks. Both methods can be found in this post.
If you follow the directions there is very little risk of overcooking unless you accidentally add an extra zero to the microwave cook time.
I like classic butter with salt and pepper, but there are so many other delicious seasonings you can sprinkle on the corn cobs such as paprika, chili powder, Cajun blend, Mexican blend, and parmesan cheese.
For More Veggie Sides, Try:
- Oven Roasted Vegetables
- Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots
- Parmesan Crusted Zucchini
- Roasted Broccoli
- Veggie Cup Appetizers
Microwave Corn
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
Video
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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.
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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!