Learn the steps to make corn on the cob in the microwave. It only takes 5 minutes and the kernels end up perfectly steamed every time.
Yes, you can totally cook corn on the cob in the microwave and yes, it’s delicious. You do it by putting the corn cobs on a plate with some water on it. Then you cover the cobs loosely and microwave them. The steam from the water cooks the kernels perfectly.
Ever since I discovered this way of cooking corn, it’s my go-to method when I want corn quickly. It’s the easiest way especially if you only need to cook a couple ears of corn.
Unless I’m grilling. If I already have the grill going, then the corn goes on there for sure. But if the grill isn’t on, this is the way to go!
Video: Microwave Corn On The Cob
How To Microwave Corn On The Cob
Prep The Corn
Start by removing the corn husks and corn silk completely from the fresh corn. Discard. Put 2 tablespoons of water onto a large microwave-safe dinner plate.
My plates are Corelle which are pretty inexpensive, long-lasting, and they can go in the microwave, dishwasher, freezer and even the oven (up to 350°F).
Put two cobs of corn onto the plate. Top the cobs with an inverted second dinner plate. (You can microwave up to four cobs of corn at a time, but you’ll want to microwave a little longer and flip them halfway through.)
Microwave The Corn
Put the plate with the corn cobs, water, and inverted plate into the microwave. Microwave until kernels are a deeper yellow in color and tender, 4-5 minutes total. I usually just put it for 4 minutes and then look at that point.
If you look at the picture with the steps below, you’ll see that the cooked corn kernels are a deeper color than the raw corn.
Get The Corn Ready To Eat!
Use tongs to transfer the hot corn cobs from the wet plate to another clean plate. Insert corn holders into the ends of the cobs. Spread the corn with butter and sprinkle with salt.
Or you can top it however else you’d like. I quite like this Mexican topping over here. It’s a traditional Mexican street food mixture made of mayonnaise, cheese, garlic powder, chili powder, and cilantro. You smear it all over the cooked corn. Soooo good!
I also have created a Butter for Corn on the Cob which has bacon and bacon fat along with some other flavors that are perfect with corn.
Step-By-Step Microwave Corn Image
More Corn Recipes
If you like corn, try my Air Fryer Corn on the Cob. You’re also going to LOVE the other corn-based recipes that I’m linking to here.
- Cheesy Jiffy Corn Casserole
- Simple Corn Salad
- Creamed Corn
- Creamy Spicy Corn Salad
- Black Bean and Corn Salsa
- Elote
- How to Grill Corn on the Cob
- How To Make Grits
And, for more delicious side dish inspiration, check out all of my side dish recipes over here. Enjoy!
Podcast Episode: Microwaving Corn On The Cob
Listen to me explain briefly about how to make this corn, along with some other great tips, by clicking the play button below:
Listen to more Recipe of the Day episodes here.
Print
Microwaved Corn on the Cob Recipe
- Prep Time: 1 minute
- Cook Time: 4 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Microwave
- Cuisine: American
DESCRIPTION
Learn the steps to make corn on the cob in the microwave. It only takes 5 minutes and the kernels end up perfectly steamed every time.
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp. water
- 2 cobs of corn*, shucked and all husks and silk removed
- 2 Tbsp. butter
- 1/4 tsp. salt
Instructions
- Put water onto a large microwave-safe dinner plate.
- Put two cobs of corn onto the plate.
- Top with an inverted second dinner plate.
- Microwave until kernels are deepened a bit in color and tender, 4-5 minutes.
- Drain water from plate. Insert corn holders into the ends of the cobs, if using.
- Spread corn with butter and sprinkle with salt.
Love this recipe? I’d appreciate it if you could scroll down and add a *5 star rating* to help others know they’ll love it as well!
Notes
*To do 4 cobs of corn, do everything exactly the same except microwave for 3 minutes. Then flip the cobs over and microwave until kernels are darkened and tender, another 2-3 minutes.
This post originally appeared in August 2017 and was revised and republished in April 2024.
Fast and Awesome!!
Glad you enjoyed, Mike!
I agree with the comments below. I thought this was just going to be a one-time thing because I was in a hurry. But it was so good, I might never cook it another way again!
Tamara, I agree with everyone too. I never thought I’d be someone cooking regularly in the microwave. But when it comes to corn on the cob, this is such a tasty and easy way to do it!
I was in a hurry and didn’t have time to boil a pot of water. I googled for if you could microwave corn on the cob instead. Wow! I thought it would just be this one time, but I’m cooking them this way forever now. Thank you!
Timing was perfect for 4 cobs – 3 mins + 2-3 after flip. Thanks Christine!!
You’re welcome, Chuck! Happy it worked well for you.
Have never microwaved cob corn will have to try this Thanks
You’re welcome, Sheila!
I had no idea you could cook corn on the cob in a microwave. That is really awesome! I can’t wait to try this!
Thanks, Donna!
This is one I can get behind!!!
Hooray! Enjoy, Saundra!
I have tried using the microwave for this, hardly can tell the difference. Just wrap them in paper towel and microwave lol.
Thanks, Calvin!
I’ll have to try the microwave method (with husks and without husks).
Enjoy, Susan!
So much easier than stovetop cooked corn on the cob.
Thanks, Deborah!
I could live off microwaved fresh corn on the cob during the summer. Yum!!
Sounds great, Michael!
Never thought of using the microwave,I always boil mine,Thanks for the tip!
You’re welcome, Debbie!
Can also microwave the corn in the husk for 4 minutes, husks holds the moisture in, thereby cooking the corn. Remove from oven and slip corn and most of the silk out of the husk…e joy
Thanks for letting us know your method, Paul! Hope you enjoy.
Too many unnecessary steps. I nuke mine in the husks for 6-7 minutes (1100 watt) on the turntable, after pre-soaking them in water for 5 minutes. Then I peel them (using silicone oven mitts), butter and salt lightly. No extra dirty dishes, and much simpler.