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Microwaved Corn on the Cob

Microwaving Corn on the Cob

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. 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.

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! Yesss!

Use tongs to transfer the hot corn cobs from the wet plate to another 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!

Step-By-Step Microwave Corn Image

More Corn Recipes

If you like creamed corn, you’re going to LOVE the other corn-based recipes that I’m linking to here.

And, for more delicious side dish inspiration, check out all of my side dish recipes over here. Enjoy! -Christine xo

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Microwaved Corn on the Cob Recipe

  • Author: Christine Pittman
  • 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

Scale
  • 2 Tbsp. water
  • 2 cobs of corn*, shucked and all husks and silk removed
  • 2 Tbsp. butter
  • 1/4 tsp. salt

Instructions

  1. Put water onto a large microwave-safe dinner plate.
  2. Put two cobs of corn onto the plate.
  3. Top with an inverted second dinner plate.
  4. Microwave until kernels are deepened a bit in color and tender, 4-5 minutes.
  5. Drain water from plate. Insert corn holders into the ends of the cobs, if using.
  6. Spread corn with butter and sprinkle with salt.

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 June 2022.