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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!
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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
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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.
Nutrition
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!
Susan says
You might try it again. I tried it for the first time last night and cooked 4 ears for 12 minutes. That was perfect for us. Different people prefer different levels of 'doneness/tenderness.' It was super delicious! I had to give it a pretty good shake to get it out of the husk, but it was worth it.
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!