How To Cook Corn On The Cob In A Microwave Oven

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Introduction

When it comes to enjoying fresh, delicious corn on the cob, many people automatically think of boiling or grilling as the go-to cooking methods. However, did you know that you can also prepare corn on the cob using a microwave oven? It’s a quick and convenient way to cook corn, especially when you don’t have access to a stove or grill. In this article, we will guide you through the steps of cooking corn on the cob in a microwave oven, ensuring that you can enjoy tender and flavorful corn with minimal effort.

Using a microwave oven to cook corn on the cob has several advantages. Firstly, it requires less time compared to boiling or grilling, making it a great option for those who are short on time. Secondly, microwaving helps to retain the natural sweetness of the corn, as it doesn’t leach out into boiling water or get charred on the grill. Lastly, it’s incredibly convenient – all you need is a microwave-safe dish and some aluminum foil, and you’re ready to go.

Before we dive into the cooking process, it’s important to choose fresh and high-quality corn. Look for ears of corn that have bright green husks, moist but not slimy silk, and plump kernels. The fresher the corn, the tastier the end result will be. Now, let’s get started!

Step 1: Prepare the corn

Before cooking the corn, you’ll need to prepare it by removing the husks and silk. Follow these steps:

1. Start by selecting fresh corn on the cob from your local market or grocery store. Look for ears of corn with tight, green husks and plump kernels. Avoid corn with brown or dry husks.
2. Hold the corn firmly by the husks and carefully peel back the outer layers, exposing the kernels. Remove any damaged or discolored parts of the husks.
3. Once the husks are peeled back, remove the silk from the corn. You can do this by gently pulling on the silk strands and peeling them off. Make sure to remove all the silk to avoid it getting stuck in your teeth later.
4. Give the corn a quick rinse under running water to remove any remaining silk or dirt.
5. Pat the corn dry with a clean towel or paper towel.

Now that your corn is prepared, it’s time to move on to the next step: wrapping the corn for microwaving.

Step 2: Wrap the corn

After preparing the corn, the next step is to wrap it properly before microwaving. Here’s how to do it:

1. Tear off a piece of aluminum foil that is large enough to fully wrap the ear of corn.
2. Place the ear of corn in the center of the foil.
3. Wrap the foil tightly around the corn, making sure to seal it well on all sides. This will help to trap the steam and cook the corn evenly.
4. If you prefer, you can use butter, salt, or other seasonings at this stage. Simply spread a small amount of butter along the length of the corn, sprinkle with salt, or add your favorite seasonings.
5. Once the corn is wrapped and seasoned (if desired), place it on a microwave-safe dish.

Now that your corn is securely wrapped and ready to go, it’s time to move on to the next step: microwaving the corn.

Place the unhusked corn in the microwave and cook on high for 4-5 minutes per ear. Let it sit for a few minutes before removing the husk and silk. Enjoy!

Step 3: Microwave the corn

Now comes the exciting part – it’s time to cook the corn in the microwave! Follow these steps:

1. Place the microwave-safe dish with the wrapped corn in the microwave.
2. Set the microwave to high heat and start with a cooking time of around 3-4 minutes.
3. Once the initial cooking time is up, carefully remove the dish from the microwave using oven mitts or a towel, as it will be hot.
4. Unwrap the corn from the foil, being cautious of the hot steam that may escape as you open it.
5. Inspect the corn to see if it is cooked to your desired tenderness. If it needs more cooking, simply rewrap it in the foil and return it to the microwave for another minute or two.

It’s important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the wattage of your microwave and the size of the corn. It’s always better to start with a shorter cooking time and check for doneness, as you can always add more time if needed.

Once your corn is cooked to perfection, it’s time to move on to the next step: letting the corn cool.

Step 4: Let the corn cool

After microwaving the corn, it’s important to allow it to cool before handling and enjoying. Here’s how to proceed:

1. Once you have removed the corn from the microwave, set it aside on a heat-resistant surface to cool down for a few minutes.
2. Be cautious when handling the corn, as it may still be hot.
3. Allowing the corn to cool will not only make it easier to handle, but it will also allow the flavors to settle and develop further.
4. During this time, the corn will continue to steam inside the husks, ensuring that it remains tender and flavorful.
5. After a few minutes, use a pair of oven mitts or a clean towel to handle the corn safely.

While it may be tempting to dive right into the delicious cooked corn, taking a moment to let it cool will result in a more enjoyable dining experience.

Once the corn has cooled down sufficiently, it’s time for the final step: savoring your perfectly cooked corn on the cob!

Step 5: Enjoy your cooked corn on the cob

Finally, it’s time to indulge in the delightful flavors of your cooked corn on the cob. Here’s how to enjoy it to the fullest:

1. Place the cooked corn on a plate or a serving dish.
2. If desired, you can add additional seasonings such as butter, salt, or pepper to enhance the taste.
3. Hold the corn by the husks or use a pair of tongs to grip the hot corn.
4. Take a bite and savor the tender kernels bursting with natural sweetness.
5. Continue eating around the cob, rotating it as you go.
6. Feel free to experiment with different seasonings or toppings to customize the flavor of your corn on the cob.

Enjoy your freshly cooked corn as a side dish with your favorite barbecue, grilled meats, or as part of a summer picnic spread. It’s a versatile and satisfying addition to any meal!

Remember, properly cooked corn on the cob should have tender kernels that easily come off the cob when bitten into, yet still retain a satisfying crunch. Adjust the cooking time as needed to achieve your preferred level of tenderness.

Now that you know how to cook corn on the cob in a microwave oven, you can enjoy this delicious summer staple anytime, regardless of the weather or cooking facilities available to you. Happy cooking and happy eating!