Microwaving corn on the cob cooks in three minutes. Cooking the corn on the cob in the husk allows the corn to steam resulting in perfectly cooked corn. This method is the best way to remove silk from corn on the cob. The best part is it won't heat up your kitchen in the summer!
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Tips and Tricks
How many pieces can you do at once? I typically only do one piece of corn at a time for three minutes on high in the microwave. If you want to do more, make sure the pieces are not touching and add one minute to the cook time. I would not do more than three pieces at a time due to space concerns.
How do you get the husk off? To get the husk off you cut the stem of the corn on the cob off with a sharp knife. Then using a towel to hold the husk and push the corn cob out of the husk. It should remove easily and with very little if any silk.
What kind of knife do you use? It is best to use a very sharp chef’s knife or a serrated knife. If you are having a hard time, your knife is probably not sharp enough. The knife should go fairly easily through the cob with pressure.
What do you serve with corn on the cob? Corn on the cob is best in the summer time. It goes great with almost anything but the best is Brown Butter Lobster Rolls or From Frozen Burgers. Summer corn can be cut off the cob or eaten right off the cob.
How do you store corn on the cob? You can store cooked corn on the cob with the kernels on or off the cob. Store in an airtight container for up to five days.
How do you reheat corn on the cob? I like to reheat the corn kernels off the cob and in some melted butter either in the microwave until warmed through or gently on the stove in melted butter.
What can you use leftover corn on the cob for? Take the kernels off the cob and mix into your favorite salad, quesadilla, make a corn salsa, make corn chowder or add to your nachos. Cooked corn kernels can also be a flavorful and colorful addition to pasta, soups or a stirfry.
Ingredients
How do you buy corn on the cob? The best place to buy corn on the cob is at the farmers market because it will be the freshest. When looking at corn on the cob you want to see moist/sticky tassels (the silk at the top) and avoid any pieces that have dry or black tassels. This means the corn is old.
Another thing to look for is that the corn feels plump without any missing kernels inside (don’t peak, that dries it out!) with a brightly colored husk. It is okay if the husk is a little moist on the outside, this means it is very fresh. Finally, avoid any pieces of corn on the cob that have small brown holes in the husks, this could indicate bugs.
How do you store corn on the cob? Like most fresh produce, it is best to eat it as soon as you buy it. However, you can store corn on the cob in the fridge for a few days in a plastic bag.
You want to keep the husk on to avoid drying out the kernels. The longer the corn is stored, the more sugar is converted to starch.
How long should you let the corn on the cob rest? It is best to let the corn on the cob rest for at least five minutes until the husk is cooler to the touch. If it is still hot, use a towel to hold the husk while cutting off the stem.
What can you do with the leftover corn cobs? You can save them in the freezer for later to make pressure cooker corn broth for corn chowder. You don't have to freeze them, but I like to store them for fall or winter when I'm missing summery flavors.
Method
Why do you use the microwave? The microwave heats the corn on the cob and creates steam inside the husk. This cooks the corn perfectly without having to wait for a boiling pot of water. This method also makes it very easy to remove the husk and all the silk that comes with it. Simply microwave, cut off the stem and peel back the husk.
How do you handle the hot corn on the cob? Microwaving corn on the cob creates steam, which is very hot. So carefully (with tongs or a towel) remove the corn on the cob from the microwave and allow to rest on a cutting board.
Where do you cut the corn on the cob to get the husk off? You cut off the stem part of the corn on the cob.
Hint: Use a towel or tongs to handle hot corn!
Variations
There are lots of flavorings you can add to corn on the cob once it is cooked. Some of my favorite corn on the cob flavors are
- Melted butter with salt and pepper
- Melted butter with Tajin
- Melted butter with Cajun seasoning
- Melted butter with white miso
- Melted butter with flavored salt
- Melted butter with BBQ dry rub
- Melted butter with garlic paste and parmesan cheese
- Mayo with chili powder, cotija cheese and and lime (Mexican street corn inspired)
- Olive oil with salt and pepper
Top Tip
Buy the freshest corn you can find for the best flavor
Microwave Corn on the Cob in the Husk
Ingredients
- 1 corn on the cob husk in tact
Instructions
- Place the corn on the cob (with the husk still on the cob) in the microwave and cook for 3 minutes on high.
- Remove from the microwave carefully with a towel or tongs and place on a cutting board. Allow to rest for about 5 minutes until slightly cooled.
- Using a sharp knife (chef knife or serrated knife is best), cut the stem completely off.
- Holding the corn with a towel, starting at the silk end, push out the cob from the husk. The husk should remove easily.
- Top with whatever seasoning you want or cut off the cob and enjoy in a salad.
Notes and Accommodations
- Keep the husk on to microwave corn.
- If you want to do more than one piece of corn, make sure they are not touching and add 1 more minute to cook time per each extra piece of corn.
- Do not do more than 3 pieces at once.
- Corn will be hot when it comes out of the microwave, use a towel to handle.
This post was previously published on July 24, 2019. It has been updated with clearer instructions and tips and tricks on August 1, 2023.
Food Safety
- Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
- Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat or seafood
- Wash hands after touching raw meat or seafood
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- Never leave cooking food unattended
- Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove
