Growing up, corn on the cob was always a summer staple in my house. There was nothing quite like sinking your teeth into those sweet and juicy kernels, slathered in butter and sprinkled with salt. But as I got older and started living on my own, I found myself missing that delicious taste of corn. Sure, I could have boiled it on the stove, but who has time for that? That’s when I discovered a surprisingly simple and delicious method – cooking corn in the microwave.
Is it Possible?
Yes, it absolutely is!
Believe it or not, you can cook corn in the microwave and get the same mouthwatering results as if it were boiled or grilled. And the best part? It’s incredibly easy and takes just a fraction of the time. No more waiting for a pot of water to boil or firing up the grill. With this method, you can have perfectly cooked corn on the cob in a matter of minutes.
The Perfect Corn
Choosing the right corn
Before we dive into the process, let’s talk about the most crucial piece of the puzzle – choosing the right corn. The key to getting that burst of sweetness in every bite is picking corn that is fresh and in season. The fresher, the better. Look for corn with bright green husks, tightly wrapped around plump and evenly spaced kernels. Avoid any corn with brown or dry husks, as it indicates that the corn is past its prime.
Preparing the corn
Once you’ve got your hands on the perfect corn, it’s time to prepare it for the microwave. Start by removing the husks and silks from the corn. Make sure to peel back the husks carefully, without removing them entirely. Once you’ve peeled away the husks, remove any remaining silks by running your hands over the cob or using a clean kitchen brush.
The Microwaving Process
The water bath
Now that your corn is prepped, it’s time to cook it in the microwave. But first, we need to create a steamy environment to ensure that the corn cooks evenly and stays moist. The secret lies in a water bath. Grab a microwave-safe dish and fill it with about an inch of water. Place the water-filled dish in the microwave and turn on the power.
Timing is everything
Before placing the corn in the microwave, wrap each ear with a damp paper towel. This will help retain moisture and prevent it from drying out during the cooking process. Arrange the wrapped ears of corn in the microwave-safe dish, making sure not to overcrowd them. Close the microwave door, set the timer, and let the magic happen.
Power and cooking time
Depending on the wattage of your microwave, the cooking time may vary. As a general guideline, for an 800-watt microwave, two ears of corn will take around 4-6 minutes to cook thoroughly. For higher wattage microwaves, reduce the cooking time by a minute or two. Keep a close eye on the corn as it cooks, and adjust the time accordingly.
Safety First
It’s important to remember that the dish and water in the microwave will become hot during the cooking process. Use oven mitts or a towel when handling the dish to avoid burns. Also, be cautious when removing the corn from the microwave, as it will be hot. Allow the corn to cool for a few minutes before handling it further.
The Final Touches
Butter and seasonings
Now that your corn is perfectly cooked and piping hot, it’s time to add those final touches. Slather the corn with a generous amount of butter while it’s still warm. The heat will melt the butter and help it spread evenly over the kernels. Sprinkle some salt and pepper for an added burst of flavor or experiment with different seasonings like chili powder, garlic powder, or Parmesan cheese.
Grill marks optional
If you’re a fan of those beautiful grill marks on corn, don’t worry, you can achieve that in the microwave too. After the corn is fully cooked and buttered, place it on a preheated grill pan for a minute or two on each side. This will give you those enticing grill marks without the hassle of firing up the grill.
Corn on Demand
One of the many benefits of cooking corn in the microwave is that you can enjoy it whenever the craving strikes. No need to wait for a summer barbecue or a special occasion. With this method, you can cook corn on the cob in just a matter of minutes, any time of the year.
So, the next time you find yourself yearning for that delicious taste of corn on the cob, give the microwave method a try. You’ll be pleasantly surprised by how simple and mouthwatering it can be. Remember to choose fresh corn, create a steamy environment with a water bath, and adjust the cooking time according to your microwave’s wattage. Whether you prefer it with just butter and salt or fancy some grill marks, this method will surely satisfy your corn cravings. Happy microwaving!