Steaming Sweet Corn: Quick Microwave Method

Cooking corn in the microwave is a quick and easy way to prepare corn without the mess of shucking. This method steams the corn, locking in moisture and retaining its natural juiciness. It is also healthier than other cooking methods as it doesn't require oil or butter. The process is simple: place the corn in the microwave, husk and all, and heat for 3-5 minutes, depending on the number of cobs and the power of your microwave. Once cooked, cut off the stem and slide the corn out of the husk.

Microwave corn with husk on

Microwaving corn with the husk on is a quick and easy way to cook corn on the cob. It is also a very convenient method as it does does not require any shucking or cleaning up of silk strands. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Prepare the Corn

Leave the husks on the corn. You can trim the fuzzy end a little. Rinse the corn briefly under running water.

Step 2: Microwave the Corn

Place the corn on a microwave-safe plate. The number of corn ears that can be cooked at once may vary depending on the size of the plate and the microwave. As a general guideline, you can cook:

• 2 ears for 4 minutes
• 3 ears for 5 minutes
• 4 ears for 6 minutes

Microwave the corn on high power for the recommended time. The cooking time may vary depending on the microwave's wattage and the size of the corn. It is better to start with less time and increase it if needed to avoid overcooking the corn.

Step 3: Let the Corn Cool

After microwaving, let the corn cool down for about 5 minutes. The corn will be very hot, so use a hand towel or pot holder to handle it.

Step 4: Remove the Husk and Silk

Cut about 1 inch from the end of the corn with the stub, not the end with the silk. Then, grab the end of the corn with the silk and pull it away. If it is difficult to remove the husk, try peeling back the husk at the top a little or holding the end with the silk in one hand and rocking the corn with the other. The silk and husk should come off easily, leaving you with perfectly cooked and tender corn.

Tips:

• You can store corn in the husk in a cool place or the refrigerator until you are ready to cook it.
• Corn cooked in the microwave tends to be sweeter as it is not boiled in water, which can leach out some of the sugars.
• You can also freeze corn on the cob in the husk for later use.
• For an extra flavour boost, you can spread butter and sprinkle salt on the corn after cooking.

Corn without husk: wrap in damp paper towel

Cooking corn in the microwave is a quick and easy way to prepare corn without the mess of traditional methods. Here is a detailed guide on how to cook corn without the husk, using a damp paper towel:

Firstly, gather your tools. You will need a microwave-safe plate, a cutting board, a serrated knife, a towel or oven mitt, and of course, your corn. The number of corn cobs you are cooking will determine the cooking time, so keep that in mind.

Now, wrap your corn in a damp paper towel. The paper towel will create a steamable environment, retaining moisture and keeping the corn juicy. Place the wrapped corn on the microwave-safe plate and put it in the microwave.

For one corn cob, microwave for 3 to 5 minutes on full power. If you are cooking two cobs, increase the cooking time to 5 to 6 minutes. For three or four cobs, the general rule is to add 2 minutes of cooking time for each additional cob. So, for three cobs, microwave for 8 minutes, and for four cobs, microwave for 10 minutes. Always use full power, and remember that cooking times may vary depending on the power of your microwave, the size and thickness of the corn, and your desired level of softness.

Once the corn is cooked, use tongs or oven gloves to remove it from the microwave. Be very careful, as the corn will be extremely hot. Cut off the stem end of the corn, about half an inch from the bottom. Finally, slide the corn out of the paper towel, and it's ready to serve!

You can jazz up your corn with some butter, salt, and black pepper, or add some extra flavour with herb or garlic butter. Fresh herbs and spices like paprika, chili powder, red pepper flakes, or tajin also complement corn very well. You can also sprinkle on some cheese or add the corn to a variety of dishes like pasta salads, tacos, or corn chowder. Enjoy!

Place corn on microwave-safe plate

To cook corn in the microwave, you'll need to place the corn on a microwave-safe plate. This could be a microwave-safe dinner plate, or the built-in dish of your microwave.

If you're cooking with the husk on, simply place the corn directly on the plate. If you're cooking without the husk, you can add a couple of tablespoons of water to the plate first.

The number of corn cobs you're cooking at once will determine the cooking time. For one cob, microwave for 3 to 4 minutes on full power. For two cobs, microwave for 5 to 6 minutes. For three or four cobs, the general rule is to add 2 minutes of cooking time for each additional cob. So, for three cobs, microwave for 8 minutes, and for four cobs, microwave for 10 minutes.

It's important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the power of your microwave, the size and thickness of the corn, and your desired level of softness. It's best to start with a shorter cooking time, and then continue in 30-second increments until your corn is as soft as you like it.

Add water to plate

Cooking corn in the microwave is a quick and easy way to prepare corn, especially if you only need to cook a couple of ears. It is also a great way to retain the corn's natural juices and sweetness.

To cook corn in the microwave, you will need to add water to a plate. Here is a step-by-step guide:

• Start by removing the corn husks and corn silk from fresh corn.
• Put 2 tablespoons of water onto a large, microwave-safe dinner plate.
• Place the corn cobs onto the plate. For best results, do not overlap the cobs and cook no more than four cobs at a time.
• Cover the cobs loosely. You can use an inverted second dinner plate or a couple of layers of damp paper towels.
• Put the plate with the corn cobs, water, and cover into the microwave.
• Microwave until the kernels are tender and have deepened in colour. This usually takes around 4 to 5 minutes.
• Use tongs to transfer the hot corn cobs from the wet plate to another clean plate.
• Serve the corn with your desired toppings or seasonings.

By following these steps and adding water to a plate, you can easily cook corn in the microwave and enjoy a tasty and healthy snack or side dish.

Cover with inverted plate

Cooking corn in the microwave is a quick and easy way to prepare corn, especially when you're short on time or don't want to use a grill or stove. It's also a great way to retain the corn's natural juices and sweetness.

To cook corn in the microwave, you'll need to cover the corn with an inverted plate. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

Step 1: Prepare the Corn

Start by removing the husk and silk from the corn. You can do this by cutting off the bottom of the corn, about one row of corn from the stem. This will make it easier to remove the husk and silk later. Place the corn on a microwave-safe plate.

Step 2: Add Water

Put a small amount of water onto the plate with the corn. You only need enough water to create steam, so a couple of tablespoons should be sufficient. The water will help create steam and cook the corn evenly.

Step 3: Cover with an Inverted Plate

Take another microwave-safe dinner plate and place it upside down on top of the corn. This will trap the steam and ensure that the corn cooks evenly on all sides. Make sure the plate is large enough to cover the corn completely.

Step 4: Microwave

Place the covered corn in the microwave and set the timer. For two cobs of corn, microwave for 4 to 5 minutes. If you are cooking more corn, you will need to increase the cooking time. For each additional cob, add 1 to 2 minutes to the cooking time.

Step 5: Check for Doneness

After microwaving, carefully remove the top plate using oven mitts or tongs. The corn and plate will be hot, so be cautious. Check if the corn is tender and if the kernels have turned a deeper yellow colour. If not, place the cover back on and microwave in 30-second increments until the corn is cooked to your liking.

Step 6: Serve

Once the corn is cooked, transfer it to a clean plate using tongs. You can insert corn holders into the ends of the cobs to make it easier to handle. Serve the corn as it is, or spread some butter and sprinkle salt for a classic taste. You can also get creative with toppings, such as Mexican-style with mayonnaise, cheese, garlic powder, chili powder, and cilantro.

Frequently asked questions