Olivia Carter
Corn on the cob is a delicious summer staple that can be enjoyed year-round. While many people choose to boil corn on the stovetop, using a microwave oven is a quick and convenient alternative. Cooking corn on the cob in the microwave oven is a simple process that requires minimal prep work. With the right technique, you can enjoy perfectly cooked corn on the cob in just a few minutes.
First, you’ll want to start by choosing fresh corn on the cob. Look for ears of corn that have bright green husks and plump, well-formed kernels. Avoid any corn that has dried or discolored husks, as this could indicate that the corn is past its prime.
Next, remove the husks and silk from the corn. Peel back the husks and remove any silk that may be attached to the kernels. Rinse the corn under cool water to remove any remaining silk.
Cook Corn On Cob: Tips and Tricks
When it comes to cooking corn on the cob, there are a few tips and tricks that can help you achieve delicious results every time. Whether you’re using a microwave oven or another cooking method, these tips will come in handy.
1. Selecting the Perfect Corn
Before you start cooking, it’s important to choose the right corn. Look for ears that are firm, with bright green husks. The silk should be slightly brown, and the kernels should be plump and well-formed. Avoid corn with dry or discolored husks.
2. Husking and Cleaning
Remove the husks and silk from the corn before cooking. Peel back the husks, taking care not to tear them, and remove the silk strands. Rinse the corn under cold water to remove any remaining silk.
Pro Tip: Soaking the corn in cold water for 10 minutes before husking can make the process easier.
3. Cooking in the Microwave Oven
To cook corn on the cob in a microwave oven, place the husked and cleaned ears of corn in a microwave-safe dish. Add a tablespoon of water for each ear of corn. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap and microwave on high for 3-4 minutes per ear.
Pro Tip: Rotate the corn halfway through cooking to ensure even heat distribution.
4. Letting the Corn Rest
After cooking, let the corn rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the kernels to continue cooking and become more tender.
5. Seasoning and Serving
Once the corn is cooked, you can season it with butter, salt, pepper, or other desired seasonings. Serve the corn on the cob as a side dish or as part of a larger meal.
| Tips for Cooking Corn on the Cob: |
|---|
| Select fresh and firm corn. |
| Soak the corn before husking. |
| Cook in the microwave for 3-4 minutes per ear. |
| Let the corn rest before serving. |
| Season with butter, salt, and pepper. |
By following these tips and tricks, you’ll be able to cook corn on the cob like a pro. Enjoy the sweet and delicious flavors of this summer favorite!
Selecting the Right Corn
When it comes to cooking corn on the cob in the microwave oven, selecting the right corn is essential for a delicious and satisfying dish. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when choosing your corn:
Freshness
For the best results, always choose fresh corn on the cob. Look for corn that has bright green husks and tight, moist silk. The husks should feel slightly damp and the kernels should be plump and juicy. Avoid corn with dry husks or wilted silk, as it may have lost its freshness and flavor.
Variety
There are several varieties of corn available, each with its own unique flavor and texture. Common varieties include sweet corn, which is the most popular for its tender and sweet kernels, and white corn, which has a milder flavor. Experiment with different varieties to find your favorite taste.
Additionally, you may come across other specialty varieties such as bi-colored corn (yellow and white kernels) or heirloom corn, which often has a more distinct flavor profile. Don’t be afraid to try something new and explore the diverse world of corn varieties.
By selecting the right corn and ensuring its freshness, you can enhance the flavor and texture of your corn on the cob cooked in the microwave oven. So next time you’re at the grocery store or farmers market, take a moment to choose the perfect ears of corn for your next meal. Enjoy!
Preparing the Corn
Before cooking the corn on the cob in the microwave oven, you need to prepare it properly. Follow these steps to prepare the corn:
Selecting the corn
Choose fresh corn on the cob from the grocery store or local farmer’s market. Look for corn that has bright green husks, tassels that are brown and slightly sticky, and plump kernels that are in tight rows.
Shucking the corn
To shuck the corn, remove the husks and silk from each ear. Start by pulling back the husks from the corn, exposing the silk. Gently remove the silk by hand or use a vegetable brush to help loosen it. Once the corn is free of husks and silk, give it a rinse under cool water to remove any remaining debris.
Trimming the ends
Trim the ends of the corn if necessary. If you have any excess stalk or dry ends, cut them off with a sharp knife to neaten the appearance of the corn.
Now that you have prepared the corn, it is ready to be cooked in the microwave oven.
Cooking in the Microwave
Using a microwave is a convenient and quick way to cook corn on the cob. Here’s how:
Step 1:
Start by husking the corn and removing the silk. Place the corn cob on a microwave-safe plate or dish.
Step 2:
Add a tablespoon of water to the plate to help steam the corn and keep it moist during cooking. Alternatively, you can lightly coat the corn with butter or olive oil for added flavor.
Step 3:
Cover the plate with a microwave-safe lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap. This will help trap in the steam and heat during cooking.
Step 4:
Place the plate in the microwave and cook on high for 2-5 minutes, depending on the size of the corn and the desired level of tenderness. Cooking times may vary, so check the corn periodically to prevent overcooking.
Step 5:
Once the corn is cooked, carefully remove it from the microwave using oven mitts or a dish towel, as it will be hot. Let the corn sit for a minute or two to cool before handling.
Step 6:
Serve the corn on the cob with your favorite seasonings, such as salt, pepper, or herbs. Enjoy!
Note: Cooking times may vary depending on the wattage of your microwave. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the corn is cooked to your desired level of tenderness.
Serving and Enjoying
Once your corn on the cob is cooked to perfection in the microwave, it’s time to serve and enjoy this tasty treat. Here are a few serving suggestions to take your corn on the cob to the next level:
1. Flavored Butter:
Spread some flavored butter on your hot corn on the cob for an extra burst of flavor. You can make garlic butter, herb butter, or even spicy chili butter to add a delicious twist.
2. Seasonings:
Sprinkle some salt, pepper, or your favorite seasoning blend on the corn for added taste. You can also experiment with different spices like paprika, cayenne pepper, or garlic powder to enhance the flavor even more.
Note: Be careful while handling hot corn on the cob and take necessary precautions to avoid burns.
Now that your corn on the cob is ready, grab a napkin and enjoy the sweet and savory flavors straight from the microwave. Whether you’re having a backyard BBQ or a cozy family dinner, corn on the cob will always be a crowd-pleaser!
FAQ
Can I cook corn on cob in a microwave oven?
Yes, you can cook corn on the cob in a microwave oven. It is a quick and easy way to cook corn without the need for boiling water.
How long does it take to cook corn on the cob in the microwave?
The cooking time can vary depending on the wattage of your microwave oven, but typically, it takes around 4-5 minutes per ear of corn.
Do I need to husk the corn before cooking it in the microwave?
Yes, it is recommended to husk the corn before cooking it in the microwave. You can remove the husk and silk from the corn and then place it in a microwave-safe dish or wrap it in a damp paper towel.
Can I add butter or seasoning to the corn before cooking it in the microwave?
Yes, you can add butter or seasoning to the corn before cooking it in the microwave. You can apply butter to the corn or sprinkle it with salt, pepper, or other desired seasonings. Just make sure to wrap the corn in a damp paper towel to keep it moist while cooking.
