How to Microwave Corn on the Cob
Learn how to microwave corn on the cob for one of the easiest ways to cook corn and remove the corn silk for your favorite corn on the cob recipe!
Learn how to microwave corn on the cob for one of the easiest ways to cook corn for your favorite corn on the cob recipe! The steam in the husk makes it easy to remove the corn silk, too!
Corn on the cob! It’s one of the sweetest parts of summer, and there are so many ways to enjoy corn, whether it’s right on the cob or in a dish, or even dessert. When it comes to cooking corn on the cob, there are many ways to tackle the job, from boiling to steaming, roasting and grilling.
But perhaps the easiest way to cook corn on the cob is in the microwave.
It’s quick and doesn’t dirty any dishes, and has become one of my favorite ways to cook corn, especially when prepping it for other dishes.
HOW TO MICROWAVE CORN ON THE COB
To cook corn on the cob in the microwave, simply place one corn on the cob, husk still intact, in the microwave and cook for 4 minutes on high. Cooking times may vary depending on the microwave, so slightly peel back to check the kernels for doneness. When cooked, allow the corn to cool slightly and peel the husk.
Do I need to peel the corn before cooking?
No! Cooking the corn on the cob in the microwave with the husk intact allows it to steam in its own husk.
Can I cook more than one ear of corn in the microwave at once?
Yes. Add two minutes to the cooking time for each additional ear, though do check it periodically to avoid overcooking:
- 6 minutes for 2 ears of corn
- 8 minutes for 3 ears of corn
- and so on!
How do I reheat corn on the cob in the microwave?
Place the corn in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel. Cook the corn in 20-second increments, checking for doneness with each burst.
CORN RECIPES TO TRY
Now that you’ve learned the easiest way to cook corn on the cob, here are some corn recipes to try!
Avocado Corn Tomato Salad
Summer Corn and Nectarine Tabbouleh
Ginataang Mais: Filipino Coconut Rice Pudding with Corn
Creamy Corn, Zucchini and Poblano Tacos from Vanilla and Bean
Tomato, Corn and Nectarine Chickpea Salad
Mexican Street Corn Salad from Foolproof Living
Jalapeño, Corn and Cheddar Arancini
Crab and Corn Chowder (Dairy-Free)
Thai-Style Crab & Corn ChowderLobster Corn Chowder
Grilled Corn and Poblano Salad
Summer Corn and Barley Salad
Microwave Corn on the Cob
Ingredients
- 1 ear corn on the cob husk intact
Instructions
- Trim any excess corn silk and husk from the corn. Rinse the corn, husk still intact, under running water and place in the microwave.
- Cook for 4 minutes on high. Cooking times may vary depending on the microwave, so slightly peel back to check the kernels for doneness. If you desire softer kernels, or if your corn is large, cook more in 30-second increments. *See note below for cooking more than one corn at a cob at the same time.
- When corn is cooked, allow the corn to cool slightly and peel the husk. The corn silk and husk should peel easily. Enjoy!
Video
Notes
Do I need to peel the corn?
No! Cooking the corn on the cob in the microwave with the husk intact allows it to steam in its own husk.Can I cook more than one ear of corn in the microwave at once?
Yes. Add two minutes to the cooking time for each additional ear, though do check it periodically to avoid overcooking:- 6 minutes for 2 ears of corn
- 8 minutes for 3 ears of corn
- and so on!
How do I reheat corn on the cob in the microwave?
Place the corn in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel. Cook the corn in 20-second increments, checking for doneness with each burst.Nutrition
Comments
COOKBOOK
So easy and mess free. Love it.
Hi Deb! A late but grateful thank you for your comment! I’m glad you love this method of cooking corn, too!
Thanks so good
You’re so welcome, Patricia, I’m glad you found this method of cooking corn handy!
Your method is great, but one hack to make it way better.
Microwave for 4 minutes with husk on. Then cut off the stem end catching a portion of the cob. The cut should be above where the husk starts. Then grasp the small end (silk end) and slide it out of the husk. All the silk will come with it, simply dispose of the husk with silk inside. Works like a charm every time
A belated thanks for your handy tip! That makes preparing the corn even easier!
No need to peel corn on the cob. Cut off the small end where the large part starts to taper down. Hold the cob with the cut side down and give it an upward jerk. The corn will slide out and leave the husk and All the silk inside.
Great tip!!! Thanks, Guy!
Cut the stalk end off! When corn is done, use a mit and turn the cut side away from you, grasping the shucks and silk by the opposite, uncut end. Give it a hard shake and the cobb comes right out, with nary a silk clinging!!
OMG it worked like magic. It fell out of the husk & corn silk so easy. I cooked 3 ears. It’s for my bed snack . It tastes so delicious & so easy. Thank you
I like it it’s quick and easy thanks
You’re welcome!
Can your corn on the cob be cooked this way if frozen?
I haven’t tested frozen corn on the microwave cob, but I think it should be just fine – just add a little extra time, if necessary!
This was awesome. All of the silks slid right off with the husks! The corn was delicious! You do need to use kitchen gloves or something while removing the husks because the corn will be hot from the microwave (common sense lol). This is the way I’ll be making corn on the cob from now on. Thanks for sharing this method.
Thanks, Rebecca! Yes, kitchen gloves are a great idea — cooked corn is still hot, no matter the method, haha! I’m so glad you enjoyed this method!
O going to give it a try tonight!
Love microwave corn on the cob! It always comes out juicy and well cooked.
Try the corn was so good, everything just peeled off, this is the only way I will be cooking corn
We make corn this way a lot. I love the convenience and how juicy it comes out. We get consistent results with this.
It’s a great method for sure!
Terrible! More trouble getting the silk off and leaving it in husk! Corn was so hot getting out of microwave, nearly burned my hand. Will admit corn was good, but will stick to boiling it in hot water. Sorry, this method stinks!
I’m sorry to hear that you ran into trouble – I do warn to let the corn cool a bit before peeling, both in the recipe card and in the video. Just as you wouldn’t reach into a boiling pot of water with bare hands, cooked corn will also be hot when you cook it in the microwave. Typically, this method is foolproof with making the silk easy to remove, thanks to the steam, and letting it cool slightly before peeling. I am glad, though, that the corn was good. This method is still great for those times when you don’t want to boil a huge pot of water.
To get rid of all the silk, try cutting the stalk end off and peeling from that end. All the silk will stay attached to the husk
Great technique!
Or cook corn as directed. After it is done cut the stalk off and twist the top of the husk off. Strings etc all come off and you have a clean ear of corn.
I trimmed the corn as directed and nuked 4 good size ears for 10 minutes. I’ll never shuck corn again. They’re perfect. Thanks!
Hurray! I’m so glad it worked perfectly for you, Shellie!
1) Remove husk
4) Remove husk
??
*3
Hi Rheanna, in Step 1, you’re only removing excess husk, just the extraneous pieces that might already be falling off. I follow that up by specifying that you are leaving the husk in tact, which is what is removed in Step 3. I also explain this further in the content of the post above the recipe box. Hope that helps.
i agree that the instructions somehow complicate what really is the simplest recipe i’ve ever seen. i would suggest a rewrite, either omitting step 1 entirely, or explaining what is meant by ‘excess husk and silk’
Hi Caspar, yes, it’s a simple recipe, but you might be surprised at the questions I get, so I try to be as thorough as possible. I also uploaded a video to explain it better.
Hands down the easiest way to cook corn on the cob!!! I followed your directions to the t the other night. First, did 1 corn. Then quickly realized that wasn’t enough. So did another 2 ears of corn (6min was perfect!). Thinking I’ll leave one for my husband. Well, I have to say I had to microwave another 3 just in case! Thank you for perfect directions, Liren!!!
Yay, Shinee! I’m so glad it worked perfectly for you! Isn’t it so nice to not have to wash any pots and pans?