This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Influencer, I earn from qualifying purchases.
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!
Want to save this recipe?
I’ll email the recipe link to you, so you can come back to it later. Plus receive more great recipes and tips.
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
Want to save this recipe?
I’ll email the recipe link to you, so you can come back to it later. Plus receive more great recipes and tips.
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.
Nutrition
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!