I love summertime because it means fresh corn on the cob is in season. There’s nothing quite like biting into a juicy ear of corn, slathered in butter and sprinkled with salt. But sometimes, shucking corn can be a chore, and you just want a quick and easy way to enjoy this delicious vegetable. That’s where cooking shucked corn in the microwave comes in. It’s a simple method that saves time and effort, while still giving you that mouthwatering corn on the cob experience. In this article, I’ll share with you my favorite method for cooking shucked corn in the microwave.
Gather Your Ingredients
Before we get started, let’s gather the ingredients you’ll need for this recipe:
– Shucked corn (2-4 ears)
– Butter (optional)
– Salt and pepper (optional)
Step 1: Prepare the Corn
The first step in cooking shucked corn in the microwave is to prepare the corn. Start by shucking the corn and removing all the silk strands. Make sure to remove any loose husks as well. Once the corn is shucked, rinse it under cool water to remove any remaining silk.
Step 2: Season the Corn
This step is optional, but it adds some extra flavor to your cooked corn. If you like, spread a thin layer of butter on the corn and sprinkle it with salt and pepper. You can also get creative and experiment with different seasonings like garlic powder, paprika, or even a squeeze of lime juice.
Step 3: Wrap the Corn
Once your corn is prepared and seasoned, it’s time to wrap it up. Take a microwave-safe dish or plate and wrap each ear of corn individually in a damp paper towel. The damp paper towel will help create steam and keep the corn moist during the cooking process.
Step 4: Microwave the Corn
Now it’s time to cook the corn. Place the wrapped corn on the microwave-safe dish and cover it with a microwave-safe lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap. This will help trap the steam and cook the corn evenly.
Step 5: Cook and Enjoy
Finally, it’s time to cook the corn in the microwave. Set your microwave to high power and cook the corn for about 4-5 minutes per ear. The exact cooking time may vary depending on your microwave’s power and the size of the corn, so you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly. When the corn is done, carefully remove it from the microwave using oven mitts or a towel, as it will be hot.
Unwrap the corn and let it cool for a minute or two before serving. This will allow the steam to escape, making it easier to handle. Serve your shucked corn with additional melted butter and seasonings if desired.
Why Microwave Corn?
You might be wondering why you should cook corn in the microwave instead of boiling it or grilling it. Well, there are a few reasons why this method is my go-to:
1. Time-saving: Cooking shucked corn in the microwave is much quicker than boiling it on the stove. It takes just a few minutes per ear, compared to the fifteen or so minutes it takes to bring a pot of water to a boil and then cook the corn.
2. Easy and convenient: Shucking corn can sometimes be a messy and time-consuming task. By cooking shucked corn in the microwave, you can skip the shucking step altogether and simply enjoy the sweet kernels without any hassle.
3. Moist and tender: Cooking corn in the microwave with a damp paper towel helps create steam, which keeps the corn moist and tender. Boiling or grilling corn can sometimes result in dry or tough kernels, but the microwave method ensures a juicy and flavorful bite every time.
In conclusion, cooking shucked corn in the microwave is a quick and easy method that allows you to enjoy delicious corn on the cob without the hassle of shucking. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have perfectly cooked corn that’s moist, tender, and full of flavor. So the next time you’re craving corn on the cob, give this microwave method a try – you won’t be disappointed!