How to Cook Corn on the Cob in the Microwave: A Time-Saving Guide

Introduction

Corn on the cob is a classic summer staple that many people enjoy. However, cooking corn on the cob can be time-consuming, especially when you have other dishes to prepare for your meal. But what if we told you that cooking corn on the cob in the microwave could save you time without sacrificing flavor and texture? In this article, we will guide you step-by-step on how to cook corn on the cob in the microwave and offer time-saving hacks, seasoning suggestions, recommended recipes, and even tips for choosing the right corn.

Step-by-step Method with Pictures

To cook corn on the cob in the microwave, you will need:

• 1-4 ears of corn
• A microwave-safe dish
• A microwave
• A knife
• Tongs (optional)
• Butter (optional)
• Salt and pepper (optional)

1. Shuck the corn by peeling off the outer husk and removing the silk.

2. Place the corn on a microwave-safe dish and cover the dish with a damp paper towel. This will help keep the corn moist and prevent it from drying out.

3. Microwave the corn on high for 3-5 minutes, depending on the number of ears and their size. If you are cooking one ear of corn, start with three minutes. If you are cooking four ears of corn, try five minutes.

4. Carefully remove the dish from the microwave using tongs or oven mitts, and let the corn stand for a minute or two. This will allow the heat to distribute evenly throughout the corn.

5. Use a knife to remove the kernels from the cob, season with salt, pepper, and butter (optional) and serve.

Time-saving Hacks

Not only is microwaving corn on the cob quick and easy, but it also saves you time and energy. Here are some additional time-saving hacks:

• Cook multiple ears of corn at once to save time.
• If you’re in a rush, try leaving the outer husks on and microwaving them for a few extra minutes. The husks will steam the corn inside, and the kernels will come out silk-free once you remove the husks.
• If you don’t have a damp paper towel, add a tablespoon of water to the dish to keep the corn moist.

Using Different Seasonings

While corn on the cob tastes sweet and delicious on its own, seasoning with butter, salt, and pepper can enhance the flavor. Here are a few more seasoning options:

• Garlic butter: Melted butter mixed with minced garlic
• Pesto: Mix pesto sauce with softened butter
• Taco seasoning: Sprinkle with taco seasoning and grated cheese

If you want to get creative with your seasoning, here are some recipes to try:

Spicy Lime and Cotija Cheese Corn on the Cob

Ingredients:

• 4 ears of corn
• 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1-2 tablespoons of finely chopped jalapeno
• 1/4 cup of finely crumbled Cotija cheese
• 1 tablespoon of chopped cilantro
• 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon of lime juice
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the corn as directed in Step 1 and Step 2 above.
2. In a small bowl, mix the butter, jalapeno, and a pinch of salt together.
3. Microwave the corn as directed in Step 3 above.
4. In a separate bowl, mix the mayonnaise, lime juice, and a pinch of salt and brush over the corn.
5. Sprinkle Cotija cheese and cilantro over the corn.
6. Spread the jalapeno butter over the corn.
7. Serve with additional salt and lime wedges.

Butter and Chive Corn on the Cob

Ingredients:

• 4 ears of corn
• 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh chives
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the corn as directed in Step 1 and Step 2 above.
2. Microwave the corn as directed in Step 3 above.
3. In a small bowl, mix the butter, chives, and a pinch of salt together.
4. Brush the butter and chive mixture over the corn and serve.

Recommended Corn-on-the-Cob Recipes

If you’re looking for more unique twists on the classic corn on the cob, why not try one of these recipes:

• Grilled Corn on the Cob with Honey Butter: Brush the corn with melted honey butter and grill for a smoky flavor.
• Bacon Wrapped Corn on the Cob: Wrap each ear of corn in a slice of bacon and grill or bake in the oven for a delicious twist.
• Corn and Black Bean Salad: Cut the corn kernels off the cob and mix them with black beans, tomatoes, cilantro, and lime juice for a refreshing side dish.

Tips for Choosing the Right Corn

When selecting corn on the cob, consider the following:

• Look for fresh corn with bright green husks and brown tassels.
• Avoid corn with dried-out kernels or blemished husks.
• Choose corn with plump, tightly packed kernels, which indicates its freshness.
• Yellow corn tends to be sweeter and more tender than white corn, but both make excellent choices for microwave cooking.

Avoid microwave cooking from grocery store packaged corn if it specifies that it has been pre-cooked or pre-boiled.

Conclusion

Cooking corn on the cob in the microwave is a great way to save time and still enjoy a delicious summer side dish. With our step-by-step guide and time-saving hacks, you can have perfectly cooked corn in a matter of minutes. Don’t forget to try out different seasonings and recipes to take your corn on the cob to the next level. And with our tips for choosing the right corn, you’ll be a corn expert in no time.