I love summertime for many reasons, and one of them is the abundance of fresh corn! There’s nothing quite like sinking my teeth into a perfectly cooked ear of corn, bursting with sweet and juicy kernels. And while there are countless ways to prepare corn, my favorite method is microwaving. In this article, I’ll share with you my tried and true method for microwaving corn, which results in deliciously tender ears in a matter of minutes.
Gather Your Ingredients
Before we get started, let’s gather our ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients:
– Fresh corn on the cob
– Butter (optional)
– Salt and pepper (optional)
Prepare the Corn
Now that we have everything we need, it’s time to prepare the corn. Follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Husk the Corn
Carefully remove the husks and silks from each ear of corn. Make sure to remove all the silky threads as they can become tough and chewy when cooked. Once husked, rinse the corn under cool water to remove any remaining debris.
Step 2: Wrap in Damp Paper Towels
Take a sheet of damp paper towel and wrap it around each ear of corn. This will help retain moisture and prevent the corn from drying out while it cooks.
Step 3: Place in Microwavable Dish
Arrange the wrapped ears of corn in a microwavable dish, ensuring that they are not touching each other. It’s important to have space between them to allow for even cooking.
Microwave the Corn
Now comes the exciting part – microwaving the corn!
Step 1: Set the Cooking Time
The cooking time may vary depending on your microwave’s wattage and the number of ears you’re cooking. As a general guideline, start with 3-4 minutes per ear of corn.
Step 2: Cover and Cook
Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or microwave-safe wrap. This will help trap the steam and cook the corn evenly. If you don’t have a lid or wrap, you can also use a microwave-safe plate to cover the dish.
Step 3: Cook in Intervals
Microwave the corn on high power for the initial cooking time. After the time is up, carefully remove the dish and check the doneness of the corn. Use oven mitts or a kitchen towel to handle the hot dish. If the corn is still not tender, continue cooking in 1-2 minute intervals until it reaches your desired level of tenderness. Be cautious not to overcook the corn as it can become chewy.
Step 4: Let it Rest
Once the corn is cooked to perfection, allow it to rest in the microwave for a couple of minutes. This will allow the heat to distribute evenly and the corn to cool slightly before handling.
Serving and Seasoning Options
Now that our corn is cooked and ready to be enjoyed, let’s talk about some serving and seasoning options to take it to the next level!
Butter:
Spread a pat of butter over each ear of corn while it’s still warm. The heat will melt the butter, making each bite even more flavorful and indulgent.
Salt and Pepper:
Season the corn with a sprinkle of salt and pepper to enhance its natural flavors. You can also experiment with different seasonings like paprika, chili powder, or garlic powder for a bolder taste.
Grilling:
If you’re a fan of the smoky flavor, you can give your microwaved corn a quick finish on the grill. Simply place the cooked corn on a preheated grill for a couple of minutes, turning occasionally, until it gets some beautiful grill marks.
The Perfect Side Dish
Microwaving corn is not only quick and easy, but it also produces incredibly tender and delicious results. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, meal planning for the week, or simply craving a taste of summer, this method is a game-changer. So the next time you have fresh corn on hand, give this microwave method a try and savor the amazing flavors of perfectly cooked corn on the cob. Happy eating!