How to Make Corn on the Cob in the Microwave?
Microwaving corn on the cob is a fast and convenient method to achieve perfectly cooked kernels. Simply microwave the unshucked corn for 3-5 minutes per ear, depending on the microwave’s wattage, then carefully remove and enjoy delicious, tender corn.
The Humble History of Microwaved Corn
Microwaving corn on the cob isn’t exactly a centuries-old culinary tradition, but its popularity has surged thanks to the modern desire for speed and convenience. Originally, corn on the cob was typically boiled, grilled, or roasted. However, the microwave offers a significantly faster alternative, especially appealing on busy weeknights. The method retains moisture remarkably well, making the corn surprisingly juicy and flavorful.
Benefits of Microwaving Corn
Choosing to microwave corn on the cob over other methods offers several advantages:
- Speed: It’s significantly faster than boiling, grilling, or roasting. You can have perfectly cooked corn in minutes.
- Ease: Requires minimal effort. Just pop it in the microwave and press start.
- Clean-Up: Almost no clean-up is required compared to boiling or grilling.
- Moisture Retention: Surprisingly, microwaving often leads to more moist and tender corn than boiling, as the husk steams the kernels.
- No Added Water: Unlike boiling, microwaving doesn’t dilute the corn’s natural flavor with added water.
The Simple Process: Step-by-Step
Microwaving corn on the cob is incredibly straightforward. Here’s how to do it:
- Prepare the Corn: Leave the corn in its husk. There’s no need to remove the husk or silk beforehand.
- Microwave: Place the corn (ears) in the microwave. Microwave on high for 3-5 minutes per ear. The exact time will depend on your microwave’s wattage. Start with 3 minutes and add more time as needed.
- Rest: Let the corn cool for a few minutes before handling. This allows the internal temperature to even out and makes it easier to handle.
- Remove Husk: Carefully cut off the stem end of the corn using a knife. Then, gently squeeze the corn from the top. The cooked corn should slide out easily, leaving the husk and silk behind. Alternatively, you can peel back the husk as you would normally, but be careful as it will be hot.
- Season and Serve: Add your favorite seasonings, such as butter, salt, pepper, or chili powder.
Understanding Microwave Wattage and Cooking Time
The cooking time for microwaved corn is directly related to the power of your microwave. Here’s a general guideline:
| Microwave Wattage | Time per Ear |
|---|---|
| 700-800 Watts | 4-5 minutes |
| 900-1000 Watts | 3-4 minutes |
| 1100+ Watts | 2-3 minutes |
Remember, these are just estimates. It’s always best to start with the minimum time and add more in 30-second increments until the corn is cooked to your liking.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even though microwaving corn is simple, avoiding these common mistakes will ensure the best results:
- Overcooking: Overcooked corn can become dry and rubbery. Start with less time and add more as needed.
- Undercooking: Undercooked corn will be hard and starchy. Ensure the kernels are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Not Letting it Rest: Skipping the resting period can make it difficult and messy to remove the husk and silk.
- Microwaving Shucked Corn: Microwaving corn without the husk can dry it out. The husk acts as a natural steamer.
- Ignoring Wattage: Failing to adjust cooking time based on microwave wattage will likely result in over or undercooked corn.
Flavor Variations and Seasoning Suggestions
Beyond butter, salt, and pepper, there’s a world of flavors to explore with microwaved corn on the cob:
- Chili Lime: Brush with melted butter, then sprinkle with chili powder and lime juice.
- Garlic Parmesan: Mix melted butter with minced garlic and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Everything Bagel: Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with everything bagel seasoning.
- Spicy Mayo: Spread with mayonnaise and sprinkle with smoked paprika or a dash of cayenne pepper.
- Mexican Street Corn (Elote): Spread with mayonnaise, sprinkle with cotija cheese, chili powder, and a squeeze of lime.
Storing Leftover Microwaved Corn
If you have leftover microwaved corn, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best consumed within 2-3 days. You can reheat it in the microwave for a short period or enjoy it cold in salads or other dishes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Do I need to add water when microwaving corn on the cob?
No, you do not need to add water. The husk provides enough moisture to steam the corn perfectly. Adding water can make the corn soggy and dilute its flavor. The key is to leave the corn in its husk.
2. Can I microwave frozen corn on the cob?
Yes, you can microwave frozen corn on the cob, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time. Add approximately 2-3 minutes per ear to the cooking time recommended for fresh corn. Check for doneness by piercing a kernel with a fork.
3. Should I poke holes in the husk before microwaving?
It’s not necessary to poke holes in the husk before microwaving. The steam will naturally escape through the husk as it cooks. Poking holes doesn’t significantly impact the cooking process.
4. How do I know when the corn is done?
The best way to tell if the corn is done is to gently pierce a kernel with a fork. It should be tender and slightly juicy. You can also look for a slight indentation when you press on the kernels.
5. Why does the corn sometimes explode in the microwave?
Although rare, corn can explode in the microwave if there’s excessive internal pressure. Leaving the corn to rest after microwaving allows the steam to dissipate gradually, reducing the risk of explosion. Ensure the corn is not completely sealed by the husk – a little opening is fine.
6. Is it safe to microwave corn in the husk?
Yes, it is perfectly safe to microwave corn in its husk. The husk is made of natural fibers and is designed to withstand high temperatures. Just be careful when removing the hot corn from the microwave.
7. Can I microwave corn on the cob in plastic wrap?
It’s generally not recommended to microwave corn on the cob in plastic wrap. Some types of plastic wrap can melt or leach chemicals into the food at high temperatures. The husk provides sufficient protection and steaming, so plastic wrap is unnecessary.
8. How can I remove the silk easily after microwaving?
The easiest way to remove the silk is to cut off the stem end of the corn after microwaving, while it’s still warm, and gently squeeze the corn from the top. The corn should slide right out, leaving the silk behind.
9. Does microwaving corn affect its nutritional value?
Microwaving corn has minimal impact on its nutritional value. It retains most of its vitamins, minerals, and fiber. The cooking method doesn’t significantly alter the nutritional content.
10. Can I use this method for sweet corn varieties?
Yes, this method works well for all varieties of sweet corn. The cooking time may need slight adjustments depending on the corn’s freshness and moisture content.
11. How do I reheat microwaved corn on the cob?
To reheat, wrap the corn in a damp paper towel and microwave for 30-60 seconds, or until heated through. Avoid over-reheating to prevent it from drying out.
12. Is microwaving corn better than boiling it?
Whether microwaving is better than boiling is subjective and depends on personal preference. Microwaving is faster and requires less clean-up. Boiling can sometimes dilute the corn’s flavor, while microwaving helps retain moisture. Ultimately, both methods produce delicious corn on the cob.