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.
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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 Corn on the Cob in the Microwave:
- 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!
Microwave Corn on the Cob Video
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Microwave Corn on the Cob
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.
Nutrition
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Pamela
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!
Ninie
Thanks for this easy and useful tip!
Kathy
I can’t wait to try this! Especially since it is now in season! Thanks!!
Marjory
Thanks for stopping by. I hope you like the method. I use it at least once a week!
John
Thanx Marjory
I tried this and was very impressed!! less mess, and so quick and easy.
Marjory
Thanks so much for stopping by and commenting. 🙂
Pauline
A huge thanks from me too. It’s really easy! 😀
Marjory
Thanks for sharig! I’m so glad you like it!
Bev
I am amazed that the whole world does not know about this. Corn cooked this way is soooo good and so easy.
Marjory
I couldn’t agree more! I use this method all the time!
Nice Nee
Very delicious…fair like
Especially with melted butter
Marjory
I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
Roxanne
“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
Thanks for the tip!
Theresa
Do you need to soak them first or microwave with a wet paper towel?
Marjory
Not at all. Just keep the husk in place.
Beverly Frank
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
Thanks for your comment! Chuckling over here because I find myself spreading the work at the grocery store too!
Dotty
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
Thanks for the tips!
David
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
Thanks for commenting! It’s very hot when it comes out!
Maggie
This was so easy and delicious. We loved it. This is how we plan to make corn on the cob from now on!
Marcy S.
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
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!
Phil
What if it is frozen
Marjory
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
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
So interesting! I never thought to freeze it in the husk! Please comment back if you try it!
Cat
I sprinkle 1/8 tsp of sugar in water and soak them 15 min. Before microwaving. Delish.
Marjory
Wow! I’ve never heard of this. Can’t way to try it! Thanks for the tip!
Karen
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
Fantastic! I can’t wait to try it!
Ruth Vowell
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
I need to stock my freezer too! 🙂
Laura
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
Definitely trying this on the grill next time! Thanks for recipe!
Carl in Boston
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
Thanks so much for your comment! It’s a big time-saver so I end up adding fresh kernels into so many more dishes.
Jack Voorvaart
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
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.
Dawn
OMG! I was so glad I found your recipe! Delicious, quick AND NO SHUCKING! Yes 😋
Marjory
Yay! Thanks for your comment!
Terri
Just trying the husk in the corn for the first time. Can you freeze it in the husk after cooking?
Marjory
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.
Chris
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
Thanks for your comment! A new believer!!! 🙂
Darlene Quinn
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
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
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.
sanchez
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
It really does work!:)
sanchez
I hope you have more tips, you are wonderful!
Robert Derby
Just cook it and enjoy it
eatfrysmith
I followed your instructions. indeed very delicious, sweet and fragrant
Marjory
I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
habitat
Really great! I shared it with my friends and they enjoyed it. Thanks for your sharing, please do it more
Marjory
Thanks so much for sharing! I’m glad you enjoyed it.
Bryan
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
Thanks for your comment! I’m a convert too and will never boil or shuck it again!
Marilyn Widman
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
Yay! It’s magical!
Nancy
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
Great tip! Thank you!
sarah
It works! I had my doubts but it works!!!
Dara Michalski
Yes, yes, yes! This is seriously a game changer. Works every time.
Erica Baker
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
I’m glad you found your sweet spot. It does vary a bit depending upon the microwave. Thanks for your tips!
Marian Luckenbill
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
Thanks for tip!
Beverly Bernice Fountain
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
Yay! It’s amazing! I add corn to everything this time of year!
steaks
I made this last week, it’s easy but so good, my family like this. Many thanks
Pam
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!
Connie
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
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!
Laurie
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
I’m so glad you enjoyed it!