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!
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📋 Recipe
Microwave Corn on the Cob in Husk
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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.
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Nutrition
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!