Cooking Sweet Corn In The Microwave

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Learn the steps to make corn on the cob in the microwave. It only takes 5 minutes and the kernels end up perfectly steamed every time.

Yes, you can totally cook corn on the cob in the microwave and yes, it's delicious. You do it by putting the corn cobs on a plate with some water on it. Then you cover the cobs loosely and microwave them. The steam from the water cooks the kernels perfectly.

Ever since I discovered this way of cooking corn, it's my go-to method. Unless I'm grilling. If I already have the grill going, then the corn goes on there for sure. But if the grill isn't on, this is the way to go!

Two ears of white and yellow corn with cob holders on a white plate, text reads Microwaved Corn on the Cob.

Here's A Video Showing How To Microwave Corn On The Cob:

How To Microwave Corn On The Cob:

Prep The Corn

Start by removing the corn husks and silk completely from the cobs of corn. Discard. Put 2 tablespoons of water onto a large microwave-safe dinner plate.

My plates are Corelle which are pretty inexpensive, long-lasting, and they can go in the microwave, dishwasher, freezer and even the oven (up to 350°F).

Put two* cobs of corn onto the plate. Top the cobs with an inverted second dinner plate.

Microwave The Corn

Put the plate with the corn cobs, water, and inverted plate into the microwave. Microwave until kernels are a deeper yellow in color and tender, 4-5 minutes total. I usually just put it for 4 minutes and then look at that point.

If you look at the picture with the steps below, you'll see that the cooked corn kernels are a deeper color than the raw corn.

Get The Corn Ready To Eat! Yesss!

Use tongs to transfer the hot corn cobs from the wet plate to another plate. Insert corn holders into the ends of the cobs. Spread the corn with butter and sprinkle with salt.

Or you can top it however else you'd like. I quite like this Mexican topping over here. It's a traditional Mexican street food mixture made of mayonnaise, cheese, garlic powder, chili powder, and cilantro. You smear it all over the cooked corn. Soooo good!

Step-By-Step Microwave Corn Image:

Have a great day! -Christine xo

DESCRIPTION

Learn the steps to make corn on the cob in the microwave. It only takes 5 minutes and the kernels end up perfectly steamed every time.

2 Tbsp. water
2 cobs of corn*, shucked and all husks and silk removed
2 Tbsp. butter
1/4 tsp. salt

Put water onto a large microwave-safe dinner plate.
Put two cobs of corn onto the plate.
Top with an inverted second dinner plate.
Microwave until kernels are deepened a bit in color and tender, 4-5 minutes.
Drain water from plate. Insert corn holders into the ends of the cobs, if using.
Spread corn with butter and sprinkle with salt.

Notes

*To do 4 cobs of corn, do everything exactly the same except microwave for 3 minutes. Then flip the cobs over and microwave until kernels are darkened and tender, another 2-3 minutes.

This post originally appeared in August, 2017 and was revised and republished in June 2021.

Microwaved Corn on the Cob