How to Microwave Fresh Corn, the Ridiculously Easy Way • Plus 15 Fabulous Fresh Corn Recipes

How to microwave fresh corn... a fabulous technique that's so easy it's ridiculous. Forget about the mess, pots and silks all over the place. This method is fast and clean and there's a video to show you exactly how it's done!

Here at The Café, we enjoy fresh corn in soups, salads and a myriad of delicious entrees. When I see the first beautiful ears appear at our local grocery each year, I get excited and my mind starts swirling with all sorts of ways to use this delicious produce.

That wasn't always the case, however... I used to steer away from corn because of the mess and hassle involved with shucking, the big steaming pot of water and the inconsistent results if everything wasn't timed just perfectly. But then one life-changing (in a culinary sense) day, I learned how to microwave fresh corn. I couldn't believe how quick, easy and mess-free it was. Where had this fabulous trick been all my life?

A magical trick!

A woman standing next to me in front of a huge display of corn at our local grocery store shared this amazing little hack. We were both busy filling bags with corn when she asked, "Do you know the microwave trick for cooking corn?" I looked at her blankly and answered "No, what are you talking about?"

She proceeded to share a super simple way to cook corn in the microwave that eliminated the messy shucking, big pot of water and inconsistent results. I was somewhat skeptical but gave it a try the minute I returned home.

The results were AMAZING... sweet, crisp-tender corn, perfectly cooked in minutes! I haven't prepared corn on the stovetop since that enlightening day.

 How to microwave fresh corn - the Ridiculously Easy way!

1. Place the corn in your microwave with the husk on (the husk seals in the moisture). You can place the ear(s) right on the tray of your microwave or on a microwave-safe plate.
2. Cook on high power for 3-4 minutes.
   • Keep in mind that every microwave is a little different, depending on the power level (wattage) so you'll need to experiment at first to determine exactly how long it will take. For example, my microwave is a 950-watt, drawer-style model. It takes 3 minutes to perfectly cook one medium-size ear of corn.
   • You'll need to adjust the timing for additional ears of corn. I add one minute for each extra ear. It may take more or less time with your microwave.
   • You can also adjust the time for your desired level of doneness. We like our corn crisp-tender with no puckered kernels. If you prefer yours more cooked, add additional 30-second increments, as needed.
3. Allow the corn to cool (it will continue to steam and finish cooking) for 4-5 minutes.
4. Cut off  1 inch at the stem end (the end without the silks).
5. Holding onto the silk end with a kitchen towel or pot holder, squeeze the cob from the husk, gently rocking a bit to get it going. The corn will squeeze out like toothpaste with any husk or silk!
6. Enjoy the corn right on the cob or slice it off (check out our favorite, mess-free method in the video below) and use it for soups, salads, salsa, etc.

It's often easier to learn a  new technique with a demonstration so here's a video to show you exactly how this easy way to cook fresh corn works:

Our favorite recipes featuring fresh corn

Now that you know how to microwave fresh corn, we have a delicious collection of recipes for you to enjoy!

Thought for the day:

You will keep in perfect peace
    those whose minds are steadfast,
    because they trust in You.
Trust in the Lord forever,
    for the Lord,
the Lord Himself,
is the Rock eternal.
Isaiah 26:3-4

What we're listening to for inspiration:

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If you enjoy any of these recipes, please come back and leave a star rating and review! It's so helpful to other readers to hear your results, adaptations and ideas for variations.