Sweet corn is a summertime favorite, bursting with natural sweetness and crisp kernels. If you want to enjoy this delicious vegetable without the fuss of boiling water or firing up the grill, cooking sweet corn in the microwave is your best friend. It’s fast, simple, and locks in the corn’s natural flavor and juiciness. Ready to learn how? Let’s dive in!
What You’ll Need
– 1 or 2 ears of fresh sweet corn
– Microwave-safe dish or plate
– Water
– Plastic wrap or microwave-safe cover
– Butter, salt, and pepper (optional)
– Corn holders or tongs (for handling hot corn)
Step-by-Step Instructions to Cook Sweet Corn in the Microwave
1. Prep the Corn
Start by peeling back and removing the husks and silk strands from the ears of corn. Make sure to get rid of all the silk – those tiny threads can be pesky! Rinse the corn under cold water to wash away any remaining silk bits.
2. Add Water for Steaming
Place the corn in a microwave-safe dish. Add about a tablespoon (or up to 1/4 cup) of water to the dish. This small amount of water creates steam during cooking, which keeps the corn moist and tender.
3. Cover the Corn
Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or loosely wrap it with microwave-safe plastic wrap. Leave a small vent for steam to escape, so the corn doesn’t get soggy or explode.
4. Microwave Time
Microwave the corn on high for 3 to 5 minutes. The exact time depends on the size of the ears and the wattage of your microwave:
– For smaller ears or crisper kernels, aim for closer to 3 minutes.
– For larger ears or softer kernels, go for 5 minutes.
If cooking multiple ears, you may need to increase the time slightly (for example, 2 ears may take 4 to 6 minutes). Halfway through, you can turn the ears over for even cooking.
5. Let It Rest
Carefully remove the dish from the microwave using oven mitts or a towel – it will be hot! Let the corn sit covered for a minute or two; this resting time allows the steam to finish cooking the kernels perfectly.
6. Season and Serve
Uncover the corn and add your favorite seasonings. A pat of melted butter, a sprinkle of salt and pepper, or even a dash of garlic powder or chili flakes can elevate the flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips for Perfect Microwave Sweet Corn
– Cook with the husk on: Some people microwave corn with the husk intact. This method steams the corn naturally, and after cooking, the husk and silk slide off easily. Just microwave the corn for about 4 minutes per ear, then let it cool slightly before shucking.
– Use a damp paper towel: If you prefer husking before cooking, wrap the corn in a damp paper towel to keep it moist during microwaving.
– Adjust cooking times: Microwaves vary, so start with less time and add more if needed to avoid overcooking.
– Try seasoning blends: Beyond butter and salt, experiment with herb blends, smoked paprika, or a squeeze of lime for a tasty twist.
Why Microwave Sweet Corn?
Microwaving sweet corn is a game-changer for busy days or when you want a quick side dish. It takes just minutes, saves you from heating up the stove or grill, and keeps the kernels juicy and sweet. Plus, cleanup is minimal – no pots or pans to scrub!
Quick Summary
Microwaving sweet corn is simple: husk and clean the corn, add a bit of water, cover, and microwave for 3-5 minutes. Let it rest, season, and enjoy a delicious, fresh-tasting ear of corn in no time.
Enjoy your sweet corn with ease and flavor anytime!