I remember the first time I tried cooking corn in the microwave. I was hesitant at first, unsure if it would turn out as delicious and tender as the traditional boiled corn. But to my surprise, the microwave method yielded perfectly cooked corn in just a fraction of the time. Since then, I’ve never looked back. In this article, I’ll share with you my quick and easy guide on how to cook corn in the microwave.
Gather Your Ingredients and Tools
Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s make sure we have everything we need. Here are the ingredients and tools you’ll need to cook corn in the microwave:
Ingredients:
Tools:
Prepping the Corn
The first step in cooking corn in the microwave is to prepare the corn itself. Here’s what you need to do:
1. Husk the Corn:
Start by removing the husks and silks of the corn. Peel away the outer green leaves, one by one, until you reach the tender kernels inside. Make sure to remove any remaining strings of silk.
2. Rinse the Corn:
Give the corn a quick rinse under cool water to remove any remaining silk or debris.
Cooking the Corn
Now that we have our prepped corn ready, let’s move on to the cooking process. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to cook corn in the microwave:
1. Place the Corn in a Microwave-Safe Dish:
Take your microwave-safe dish or plate and arrange the corn cobs in a single layer. Make sure they’re not too crowded, as you want the microwave’s energy to reach each cob evenly.
2. Add a Splash of Water:
To ensure the corn stays moist and cooks evenly, add a splash of water to the bottom of the dish or plate. This will create steam, helping to lock in the corn’s natural flavors.
3. Cover and Microwave:
Using a microwave-safe plastic wrap or lid, cover the dish or plate. This will help trap the steam inside and speed up the cooking process. The cover should be secure but not completely sealed, allowing some of the steam to escape.
4. Microwave on High:
Place the dish or plate in the microwave and cook on high power for about 3 to 5 minutes per ear of corn. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the wattage of your microwave and the size of the corn cobs. Keep a close eye on the corn to prevent overcooking.
5. Let it Rest:
Once the cooking time is up, carefully remove the dish or plate from the microwave using oven mitts or a kitchen towel. CAUTION: The dish will be hot, so handle it with care. Leave the corn to rest for a few minutes before removing the cover.
Serving and Seasoning
Finally, it’s time to enjoy our perfectly cooked corn. Here’s how you can serve and season the corn:
1. Remove the Husks:
Once the corn has cooled slightly, carefully remove the plastic wrap or lid. Use tongs or oven mitts to hold the corn, as it may still be hot. Peel back the husks, starting from the top, and remove them completely.
2. Butter and Season:
Now, this step is optional, but highly recommended for maximum flavor. Take a knob of butter and rub it all over the cooked corn. The warmth of the corn will help melt the butter and create a deliciously creamy coating. Sprinkle some salt and pepper to taste, if desired.
3. Enjoy Your Corn:
Grab a hold of the corn and take a satisfying bite into those sweet and juicy kernels. Whether you’re enjoying it as a side dish or as the star of a summer cookout, your microwave-cooked corn will surely impress.
Conclusion
Cooking corn in the microwave is a quick and easy way to enjoy this summertime staple without the hassle of boiling a pot of water. With just a few minutes in the microwave, you can have perfectly cooked corn every time. So, the next time you’re craving corn on the cob, give this microwave method a try and savor the sweet and tender goodness.