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Microwave Corn on the Cob in the husk. It's the easiest way to enjoy fresh corn in minutes and you won't have to deal with messy silk strands!
Previously, I'd pat myself on the back when I shucked the corn in the grocery store, instead of at my house, thereby reducing the amount of mess I'd have later. Then, I'd boil the corn for use in dishes like Fresh Corn and Black Bean Salsa or Mexican Street Corn in a Cup.
Important lessons learned:
1) It's best to store corn in the husk in a cool place or the refrigerator until you are ready to cook it. You can even store it in the freezer! Check out our tips on How to Freeze Corn on the Cob in the Husk.
2) After microwaving corn in the husk, the husk and silk will slide right off the corn. The corn cooks in its own juices and it is tender crisp. And, it only takes a few minutes to cook.
I never knew I'd been cooking corn on the cob the hard way until I toured Long & Scott Farms. (They have a great corn maze to explore if you are ever in the area.) That's where I learned this easy trick.
See...no silk, except for a little teeny, tiny piece. It really works!
How to Microwave Corn on the Cob in the Husk
Follow these step-by-step directions to microwave an ear of corn or hop down to a quick video and the recipe card.
1. Leave the husks on the corn. You can trim the fuzzy end a little though.
2. Place the corn on a microwave-safe plate and microwave according to the following guidelines:
How Long To Cook:
- 1 ear - 2 minutes
- 2 ears - 4 minutes
- 3 ears - 5 minutes
- 4 ears - 6 minutes
Note that the times may vary slightly depending upon microwave wattage. Start with these times and add an additional minute as necessary.
3. Allow the corn to cool after cooking for about 5 minutes. Note: The corn will be very hot when the corn finishes cooking. Use a hand towel to hold the corn if necessary.
4. Cut about 1 inch off of the end of the corn that has a stub. Don't cut the end with the silk showing.
5. Grab the end of the corn with the silk and pull it away. Sometimes it takes a few tries to get things moving. If you are having difficulty, peel back the husk at the top a little or try holding the end with the silk in one hand and using the other hand to rock the corn a bit.
Enjoy corn in a favorite recipe on or off the cob, with a pat of butter...or fresh and hot. It's hard to beat fresh, sweet corn!
Please rate this recipe if you make it and tag @DinnerMom or #DinnerMom on social media. We love to see what you are cooking up!
📋 Recipe
Microwave Corn on the Cob in Husk
Ingredients
- 4 each corn on the cob
Instructions
- Place the corn on a microwave-safe plate and microwave on high as follows:1 ear – 2 minutes2 ears – 4 minutes3 ears – 5 minutes4 ears – 6 minutes
- Allow the corn to cool untouched after cooking for about 5 minutes.
- Cut about 1 inch off of the end of the corn that has a stub. Don’t cut the end with the silk showing.
- Grab the end of the corn with the silk and pull it away, rocking gently if needed to begin the process.
Notes
- Store corn in the husk in a cool place or the refrigerator until you're ready to cook it.
- You can also freeze corn on the cob in the husk.
- Timing will vary based upon microwave wattage. Start with suggestion and add additional time as necessary.
- Corn will be very hot. Hold one end with a hand towel.
- If you're having trouble pulling off the husk, peel the top back a little to help get it started.
Maga says
So easy!!!
Dee says
Thanks it’s perfect!
Judi from San Juan says
How can it be that I've lived for 84 years, been married for 66 years, raised 3 children and never knew about this? (Of course
there were no microwaves for part of that time.) Hooray for the internet!!! Superb tip!
Marjory Pilley says
I hope you have an amazing summer enjoying fresh corn this year!
Debbie says
Just too easy! Thanks!!!
Joe says
So easy.
marillyn says
Great recipe...so easy and so delicious
Ginny says
First time I ever tried this and they turned out perfect! I gave it a little twist and off it came. Never going back to the old way of hand pealing all of the silk. Thank you!
Tish says
Perfect process!
Mary Ellen says
I followed the directions for 2 ears and they were undercooked. I didn’t know that until removing from the husk. Didn’t know what to do to cook longer. Think I’ll
Go back to the boiling method
Marjory Pilley says
I'm so sorry it didn't work for you. It does vary a little based on the microwave and size of the husks. If you try it again, simply cover the corn on the cob with a wet paper towel and microwave for a few mintues more!
Linda Caldwell says
Worked great and easy work night side! Use for my salad as well! Thanks
Debra says
This is so fast, and so easy and delicious. Do not forget the towel!
Carl W. says
You state the obvious that microwave wattages vary. On what wattage are your cooking times based? Unlike most people, I know my cooking power wattage and I prefer to know what the baseline is so that I can adjust as necessary.
Marjory Pilley says
The microwave wattage for the microwave used was 1000 watts.
Leslie Harris says
Thanks
Callie says
This is the only way I will ever cook corn again! Timing was spot on for 4 husks and it slipped right out after it cooled for a few minutes. I peeled the husk back just a little at the top and grabbed it with a towel and then pulled the husk off from the bottom. So easy!!!
elisabeth morrissey says
Genius, sheer genius! I just tried it and I've never had corn part so easily from the husk.
Bear says
This work OK with smaller ears. If using large ears, up the cooking time about 1 or 2 minutes.
Also, I wrap each ear in a quite damp paper towel - keeps the husk from drying out and generates more steam.
Marjory Pilley says
Great tip! Thanks for sharing!
Judy Ashton says
Next time, I don't think I'll let it cool 5 minutes. It was warm at that point, and I prefer it hot.
Laurel Gurley says
Love this I put it on the barbecue before in the husk, but I believe I’ve taken the silk off first. That was good. I think your method is better and easier and quicker. When I was a kid, my mom bought a lot of corn in the husk, and I was the designated silk and husk remover outside by the trashcan
Marjory Pilley says
I'm so glad you enjoyed it! I find myself wanting to tell people about this trick at the grocery store! 🙂
Pat McNeely says
I was just telling a gentleman about micro corn at the grocers this morning...couldn‘t remember how long when he asked...been a long time since lastsummer.
Katina Miller says
So EASY! Thank you! I did 6 minutes for my 4 ears of corn and they were perfect!!
Karen Dresdale says
I made this recipe tonight with 2 ears of corn. It came out great! I had read that you don't have to shuck the corn, and so I tried this recipe. I added 40 seconds onto the end of it because the corn wasn't done enough for us.
Amy says
Worked perfectly! And I loved that the silk didn't end up all over the place.
Pat says
Excellent way to make corn on the cob and very fast also.
Rayne says
Came out great. And when you are a single person this is really useful!! Thanks!
Judee Ciota says
We love the ease of this recipe.
Jean says
This cooks it perfectly. I cut one inch off the stub end before microwaving. It fits in the microwave better and turns out just as good. I use a potholder at the silk end to squeeze the ear of corn out of the husk.
Mary says
I made my corn in the microwave and I couldn’t get a knife to cut the cu and I used my chef’s knife, corn wasn’t cooked either.
Marjory Pilley says
Hi! A couple of thoughts on the problems you encountered that may be helpful. Cutting above the hard handle may be helpful. A little corn is lost, but it is easier to cut. I've never had any trouble at that point. But, it's not a super easy cut. Also, the timing is dependent on your microwave wattage and the size of the corn. It sounds like it may have need to cook a minute of two longer. Hope these suggestions help.
Rose Slayback says
So much easier and quicker than cleaning corn then boiling or microwaving. My particular husband loved it.
Robin Weis says
Perfectly cooked corn and easy clean up!
Kathy B says
Perfect for one or two people!
Phyllis Arrowsmith says
Sooooooooooo easy
I will never have to shuck another ear of corn
Than you
Marjory Pilley says
Your welcome!🙂
Carla Vivrette says
Easy, peasy, and delicious.
Stephanie says
So easy! I’ve done both freeze the corn in the husk, and microwave it in the husk. Such a timesaver.
Mari Ann Dotson says
This was great. Cooked it quickly & it was moist. Thank you for sharing.
Trish says
Have done this in the past but forgot timing. Thanks for posting.
Kris says
All the comments I’ve been looking at are making me feel guilty. I’m 71 now and I’ve known about cooking corn this way from about the time I was in college. Microwaves still weren’t a common household item. I remember my mother telling me about it. She had heard it from someone else. Seems you could only do one or two at a time but I do remember that one was micro’d 3 min. I believe the wattage was the same on all microwaves then. I also remember that even without your method of removing the husks the silk was still very easy to brush off. I would try and tell people about it They looked at me like I was totally crazy. I used this method anyway. But then I didn’t have corn on the cob for some years and when I wanted it, no microwave. So was back to the old way. I have gone back to the microwaving in the last few years. One thing I have learned is that it is very easy to overcook them nowadays especially if you aren’t sure your remembering the time right. Very, very dry or burnt. I’m going to be trying your way of husking them as soon as I can get to the store and get corn. All this talk of corn has sent me way back in time when growing up and we grew this absolutely huge garden, especially corn, beans and tomatoes. We sold corn and green beans as u-pick or for a little more we would pick for people. We also did a lot of canning and freezing. We’d freeze corn, pressure canned the beans and canned tomatoes, jam, and fruits. The vegetables we froze and canned were always better tasting that the store bought items. Thank you for reminding me of some of the fun we had and for your cooking tips.
Joan Bourget says
And the kudos just keep coming. No other way of cooking can make corn on the cob better, except maybe on a grill, which I have not done.
Johnna Manning says
First time my husband and I have tried this. So delicious. Just printed your recipe out and taking one to my brother and sister-in-law.
Told them how good it was. They had given us the corn.
Marjory Pilley says
I’m so glad you enjoyed it! 😊
Helen says
Wow!
I can’t believe I just found out about cooking corn on the cob with husk on. It works perfectly the corn is great and there is no silk.
THANK YOU!!
Marjory Pilley says
Yay!!! I'm so glad you tried it!
Corn Lover says
Absolutely, the best way to cook corn on the cobb!
Bonnie says
Great way to save time on cooking corn in boiling water, and it tastes the same as boiling it. Easy way.
Thank You
Christina says
I've cooked my corn like this for years. So much easier & delish!
Christina says
Perfect, easy , thank you.
Paula says
This is so easy and tasty and the corn is ready and hot right when dinner is ready. I usually do 4 ears all at once and the 6 minutes is perfect.
Leland Powers says
I've had corn cooked this way that someone else cooked for me it really works and turns out great and tastes wonderful most definitely give it a try.
judilynn says
Slickest way to cook REALLY GREAT CORN !!!
Mama Lynn says
Been cooking corn on the cob for years like this! It's the easiest and miost tasty, in my opinion! Try it!!!
Patti says
Easy and taste great! Yes
Paula says
Discoved this recipe a few months ago and have been microwaving our fresh corn on the cob ever since. So easy and so less time consuming. I'm the kind of cook that puts the corn under high intensity lighting to make sure every little bitty string of silk is removed. This recipe does the trick, even for an OCD cook like me. Try it. You'll be glad you did!
Holli says
The ONLY WAY I make corn now!
Lisa says
Fantastic and easy way to cook and shuck all in one step! Thank you thank you!!!! Why did I just learn this at age 63?!?
Marjory Pilley says
I know the feeling. Better late than never! 🙂
Barbara says
Love this method! Saves so much time and tastes great!
Mary says
This is so easy and tastes out of this world and there is very little mess to clean up!!!
phx cooks says
I love corn very much. Thank you for sharing. This tip is very useful. I will share this tip for my family and my friends. I believe they love it too.
Ruth Picht says
What is the wattage of your microwave oven? Mine is only 800 but I do have "cheat sheets" to convert the time from 1100 and 1200 watt microwave ovens.
Marjory Pilley says
Hi! I'm using an older microwave that is 950 watts.
Cathy says
Forty plus years ago I was the secretary for a farm that grew corn. The wife of one of the owners would blanch ears of corn in the dishwasher before freezing it. By the way we sent our corn to Long & Scott to keep in their coolers until it was sold.
Marjory Pilley says
Wow! Thanks for sharing!
Guy Stewart says
I have been cooking corn on the cob like this for years. It's the only way to cook it. I watch people at the store shucking their corn and think "what a waste of time".
Alice@beefsteakveg says
Your tips is really useful for me because i love to eat corn so much. It helps me cook corn with time saving and keep its all energy. Thank you so much for your creative ideas and sharing.
Bchilly says
Awesome
Laurie says
This is a winner!! Sweet corn season here. If cooking for a crew I have no problem loading up the stock pot or pressure cooker.
Today, I'm in the process of moving but picked up this beautiful fresh corn at the market. They peel off part of the outer husk but leave enough on. Dinner for just me and the last thing I wanted to do was use pots or pans (plus it is 85 degrees). I used your method exactly. What a perfect outcome!! Thank you, thank you for sharing. It was difficult for me leave that itty bitty row of kernals on the cob for my pup. No butter or salt even need apply. SOO good! ?
Marjory Pilley says
I'm so glad you enjoyed it!
Connie says
I will try this tonight! Can't wait! Sounds amazing! I will add alittle more time like someone else said because of dentures!
Marjory Pilley says
Enjoy! And, the timing can vary a little depending upon the microwave and taste. Just pop it back in for another minute or so if it is not done to your liking!
Pam says
I, too tried this and had lots of trouble pulling off the husks when cooked.
5 minutes for two ears I don’t think was enough time as the kernels were a little crispy. Will try 6 minutes for two ears. Other sites have said 4 minutes per ear. Somewhere there’s a happy medium!
I was microwaving out of the husks for several years but this is easier and tastier.
Also, for freezing, I always par-boiled the ears (out of the husks) and froze them until needed. Never had a problem!
Thanks!
steaks says
I made this last week, it’s easy but so good, my family like this. Many thanks
Beverly Bernice Fountain says
You have made my day!!!! Just PERFECT 3 ears in 5 minutes I tired one.... Oh So GOOD the silk just slide off the kernels, the other two ears I cut off the cob and put right into my precooked Field Peas & Snaps. No more wasting time on waiting for corn to cook on the stove. Thank you so much.
Marjory Pilley says
Yay! It’s amazing! I add corn to everything this time of year!
Marian Luckenbill says
I do step #3 first, then the rest in the order you listed. If you cut the stalk end before cooking that's less handling you need to do while it's hot. If you grab the silk and husk tight enough at the top and just slightly shake it over a plate it falls right out. I've taught all my coworkers this method. Love this recipe!
Marjory Pilley says
Thanks for tip!
Erica Baker says
Tried it, and knowing my microwave tends to need a bit longer I upped the time by 30sec. But, my ear of corn needed a bit longer. But 2 min 30sec was decent enough. Next time I'll do 3 min for 1 ear. Other than that, which I'm sure is my own microwaves fault, directions were clear and helped tremendously. Very good.
Marjory Pilley says
I'm glad you found your sweet spot. It does vary a bit depending upon the microwave. Thanks for your tips!
Dara Michalski says
Yes, yes, yes! This is seriously a game changer. Works every time.
sarah says
It works! I had my doubts but it works!!!
Nancy says
I've been microwaving our corn for years! If you're having problems getting it to 'slide' out, just cut off a little bit more by the stem to make sure no husk is keeping it from sliding out. That's where I first had mine stuck because I wasn't cutting enough off of the bottom. Works every time now!
Marjory Pilley says
Great tip! Thank you!
Marilyn Widman says
I can't believe that in all my years of cooking corn on the cob that I never heard of this... It is WONDERFUL and I will never cook it any other way .....
Marjory Pilley says
Yay! It's magical!
Bryan says
Thanks!!! I’ve been cooking my corn a few years like this now. Who would have known after all of these years? Magical - love it!!! Mmmmmm ?
Marjory says
Thanks for your comment! I'm a convert too and will never boil or shuck it again!
habitat says
Really great! I shared it with my friends and they enjoyed it. Thanks for your sharing, please do it more
Marjory says
Thanks so much for sharing! I'm glad you enjoyed it.
eatfrysmith says
I followed your instructions. indeed very delicious, sweet and fragrant
Marjory says
I'm so glad you enjoyed it!
Robert Derby says
Just cook it and enjoy it
sanchez says
I was a bit surprised about this method, I have not actually done this method ever. It is very strange and unique!!
Great idea. Thank you!
Marjory says
It really does work!:)
sanchez says
I hope you have more tips, you are wonderful!
Darlene Quinn says
I have tried this method many, many times and never has the husk slid off the cob like in all of the posts and videos I have seen.
Marjory says
Hi! I'm sorry it didn't work out. Did you adjust the cook time slightly? Or, peel back the husk a little and rock to get it started?
Laura says
I’ve tried this several times. Seems to depend on how well done the corn is. When I cook my corn on the grill I know exactly how long to do it so it’s done perfectly. It slides off relatively easy every time. The other night I did it in my instant pot. It wasn’t quite done and was impossible to use this method plus the silks were all still stuck to the corn.
Chris says
This is really a nice method for camping with a RV. Less mess and doesn't heat up the RV. That's where I first heard of it. Funny when I served it to my uncle that said it wouldn't work. He now loves it this way.
Marjory says
Thanks for your comment! A new believer!!! 🙂
Terri says
Just trying the husk in the corn for the first time. Can you freeze it in the husk after cooking?
Marjory says
Hi! I have not done this, but readers have told me you can. I'm not sure if it will be quite as easy to pull off the husk and strands once it is defrosted though. Once it it has been removed from the husk, the corn can definitely be frozen on the cob or off the cob.
Dawn says
OMG! I was so glad I found your recipe! Delicious, quick AND NO SHUCKING! Yes ?
Marjory says
Yay! Thanks for your comment!
Jack Voorvaart says
I can't seem to get the corn to slide out of the husks.. I wind up shucking it just loke I did before when I boiled it. Any sugestions?
Marjory says
Hi! A couple of suggestions if the corn is not sliding out easily. 1) Try adding a minute to the cook time since it can vary depending upon the microwave. 2) Pull the husk back at the top to get it started. Not much just a little at the top 3) Hold the bottom and grab the peeled clean top with a towel and then rock the bottom a little and then pull. I hope that helps.
Carl in Boston says
Microwave cooking saves energy and water that would be wasted with traditional boiling. I'm not a microwave fan for cooking a lot of things, but corn is a winner. I especially like your method for stripping off the husks and silks.
Marjory says
Thanks so much for your comment! It's a big time-saver so I end up adding fresh kernels into so many more dishes.
Laura says
I’ve been doing this with corn for some years but on the grill. The BEST corn ever! I soak the corn in the husk in salted water for about an hour. Then wrap in foil and place on hot grill with indirect heat. 15 min, then flip and about 10-15 more min. Holy cow! The best corn! ‘Course you have to butter it before eating! And silicone gloves allow for handling. I’m trying your mic version tonight! Thank you!
Marjory says
Definitely trying this on the grill next time! Thanks for recipe!
Ruth Vowell says
We put up 72 ears of corn using the microwave method to shuck it and then sealed it and froze it. It didn't even last a year. This year we are buying 2 bags.
Marjory says
I need to stock my freezer too! 🙂
Joyce says
Do you mean it didn’t last because it was so good you used it up…..or do you mean it didn’t lastin that it didn’t freeze well? I’m thinking of freezing two dozen ears like this.
Karen says
Yes...a friend of mine will buy corn in the husk during the season and place it in the freezer. When you are ready for corn, take it out of the freezer let it thaw, then in the microwave it goes. Works great!
Marjory says
Fantastic! I can't wait to try it!
Cat says
I sprinkle 1/8 tsp of sugar in water and soak them 15 min. Before microwaving. Delish.
Marjory says
Wow! I've never heard of this. Can't way to try it! Thanks for the tip!
Phil says
What if it is frozen
Marjory says
Hi! I wouldn't recommend freezing corn without cooking it first! Once cooked, remove cut from cob and freeze in a single layer. After the corn is frozen it can be combined in a freezer bag.
Janice Price says
My mom alway froze corn in husk but I can't say about how it would work to cook like this as there were no microwaves back then lol
Marjory says
So interesting! I never thought to freeze it in the husk! Please comment back if you try it!
Kim says
I freeze corn on the cob whole.in freezer bags. Husk the corn and wash it , then let it dry real good and freeze in freezer bags. You have to boil it 5 or 7 minutes less than when fresh. Works and taste great.
Marcy S. says
I have cooked corn-on-the-Cobb this way several times after finding this method on Pinterest. It is the absolute best way to prepare it! None of the flavor is lost as happens when boiling corn. I’ve shared this with several friends. We all agree that the corn cooked this way is wonderful, unbeatable! In this cafe the easy way really is best!
Marjory says
Yay! Thanks for your comment (made my day!) I'm completely hooked and add a pop of sweet corn flavor to so many more dishes now! My latest obsession is on salads!
Maggie says
This was so easy and delicious. We loved it. This is how we plan to make corn on the cob from now on!
David says
Works like a charm every time! I have to be sure and let it sit for a few minutes before cutting and removing the husk though!
Marjory says
Thanks for commenting! It's very hot when it comes out!
Dotty says
I do mine this way but cook it about 4 minutes for each ear...I like it kind of tender due to having dentures...and I use a hot pad to help pull it out of the husk because it is hot...then I brush melted butter with salt on each piece....so good
Marjory says
Thanks for the tips!
Melody says
Hey Dotty,
I know & realize that this post of yours is dated - 6-19-2016 - 😃 👍
I wanted to share with you that my family hasn't brushed butter on our
freshly microwaved Corn on the Cob in many year's.!!
We get out a slice of bread - butter it with EXTRA butter on top of that &
add a little salt & pepper on top of the butter, & then we set it aside..
When the corn comes out of the microwave - we carefully remove husk & silk,
we lay the corn right on top of the buttered bread & roll it a couple of times &
waaa-laaa - we have us a perfectly "buttered ear of corn" that's ready to eat.!! .
We didn't have to chase the butter around any plates with a knife to butter
the corn & there was also no butter dripping on us or all over the place.!!
In our family it was & still is a win-win.!! . 😁 👍.. 💖.. . Mel..
Mary Beth says
Hello,
Another tip that learned from my-in-law is to cut a stick of butter lengthwise and then place one onto a side/salad plate. Use this to roll the corn over, evenly coating each ear while also not wasting as much butter (at least as much as I felt did before). The number of slices and size that we cut the butter depends on the number of ears and plates we plan for. Two people with a dozen ears can safely use 1/3 of a stick.
Beverly Frank says
I used this method all last year and LOVED it. I actually bought fresh corn every week while available where as in the past, only a couple times during season.
In the grocery store I'd share this technique with people 'looking at corn and considering'. Several people decided to go ahead and purchase fresh corn.
This year, I couldn't remember the length of time to microwave it.....so, I came to this site and am now writing it down and putting in my recipe file. THANKS So Much.
Marjory says
Thanks for your comment! Chuckling over here because I find myself spreading the work at the grocery store too!
Theresa says
Do you need to soak them first or microwave with a wet paper towel?
Marjory says
Not at all. Just keep the husk in place.
Roxanne says
"Leave the corn with the husks completely in tack. "
Intact. ;O)
BTW, if the ears don't fit in your microwave, it's just fine to cut off the stem end.
Marjory says
Thanks for the tip!
James says
Need to get bigger microwave, lol.
Bev says
I am amazed that the whole world does not know about this. Corn cooked this way is soooo good and so easy.
Marjory says
I couldn't agree more! I use this method all the time!
Nice Nee says
Very delicious...fair like
Especially with melted butter
Marjory says
I'm so glad you enjoyed it!
Lutrecia Koffi says
Lose the butter for a totally plant based delight. I use a little soy sauce.
Kat says
Me too I was truly amazed with this method and the convenience
Pauline says
A huge thanks from me too. It's really easy! 😀
Marjory says
Thanks for sharig! I'm so glad you like it!
John says
Thanx Marjory
I tried this and was very impressed!! less mess, and so quick and easy.
Marjory says
Thanks so much for stopping by and commenting. 🙂
Kathy says
I can't wait to try this! Especially since it is now in season! Thanks!!
Marjory says
Thanks for stopping by. I hope you like the method. I use it at least once a week!
Steve Wilkins says
Don't cover, as I did. I thought I'd be saving the moisture, but it just makes the husks soggy and stick to the ears. Works much better like shown !!!
Kathy Medina says
I normally only use microwave for heating up, but I will never cook corn on the cob any other way again. A lot faster, kitchen is not heated up & clean up is unbelievable.
Thank you for posting.
Ninie says
Thanks for this easy and useful tip!
Pamela says
I have tried cooking and cleaning the corn this way and it works great. I use a towel to hold the husk as I squeeze the cob out because it does get hot and gives me a good grip. Thanks for posting!