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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
Lindy says
I tried recipe and the cobs were very delicious and easy to handle.
Emigdio Frixione says
I loved it! Sweeter than ever! Easy to make.
Walter Furry says
We are empty nesters, so we are cooking two cobs only. No point in waiting for water to boil. If the corn is already shucked. Buttered and salted it was delicious. Could I wrap it in a wet paper towel and get similar results.
Marjory Pilley says
Yes you can cook shucked corn wrapped in a damp paper towel and get the same result.
Stanley Randolph says
Thanks for the info much cleaner no pot of boiling water my go to method now
Marlene says
This way of cooking corn on the cob is awesome but 70% of the time it just won’t slide out and I have to unwrap it resulting in lots of silk to deal with.
Marjory Pilley says
Hi! Some trouble shooting ideas: Try cooking it just a bit longer (microwave powers vary quite a bit.) When it's done, peel just a little bit back from the part that has been cut, hold the husk with a towel and then rock it a little until it slides out of the husk. I hope that helps.
Marlene says
I will do that and also peel back the top a little bit. Thanks!
Cindy Beamer says
This blew my mind! Corn on the cob has never been easier..thank you!
LOTTIE says
Never been easier or more importantly better or tastier t
Debbie says
So easy corn was juicy I left in microwave for 2 minutes when done cooking then cooled on counter for 5 minutes and peeled no mess never cooking corn any other way
Dennis Cutcher says
this is awesome, I will be doing this for now on.Thanks......
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!