I. Introduction
Corn on the cob is a summertime favorite and a staple of barbeques and cookouts. However, if you don’t have access to a stove or grill, or simply want a quick and easy way to cook it, you might wonder if you can cook corn on the cob in the microwave. In this article, we will explore the benefits and convenience of microwaving corn on the cob and provide a step-by-step guide to master this easy cooking method.
II. Quick and Easy: How to Cook Corn on the Cob in the Microwave
Cooking corn on the cob in the microwave is quick, easy, and takes only minutes. Here’s how you can do it:
- Pull off the outer husks of the corn.
- Rinse the corn and remove the silk threads.
- Place the corn in a microwave-safe dish and add enough water to cover the bottom.
- Cover the dish with plastic wrap or a microwave-safe lid.
- Microwave on high for 4-6 minutes depending on the size of the corn, flipping it halfway through.
- Using oven mitts or a kitchen towel, remove the dish from the microwave and carefully remove the plastic wrap or lid.
- Let it cool slightly before serving with butter, salt, and pepper.
Microwaving corn on the cob has a few benefits over traditional cooking methods like boiling or grilling. It is faster, requires less water, and retains more of the corn’s natural flavor. Plus, cleanup is a breeze!
To make sure your corn on the cob is cooked to perfection in the microwave, here are a few tips:
- Adjust cooking time based on the wattage of your microwave and the size of the corn.
- Use oven mitts or a kitchen towel to protect your hands when removing the hot dish from the microwave.
- If you prefer your corn on the cob to be less juicy, you can wrap it in a paper towel before microwaving to absorb excess moisture.
III. Microwave Magic: The Surprising Way to Cook Corn on the Cob
Microwaving corn on the cob might be seen as an unconventional method, but it’s a good alternative to boiling or grilling. Not only is it faster, but it also makes it easier to control the cooking process, resulting in perfectly cooked corn every time. When compared to traditional cooking methods, microwaving corn on the cob has its perks:
- Boiling corn on the cob can take up to 10-15 minutes, and often requires a large pot of boiling water. Microwaving it, on the other hand, takes 4-6 minutes and requires only a small amount of water.
- Grilling corn on the cob can result in uneven cooking and requires constant monitoring. Microwaving it ensures even cooking and is hands-free once it’s in the microwave.
One of the benefits of microwaving corn on the cob that people might not be aware of is that it can help to preserve more of the corn’s nutritional value. Traditional cooking methods, especially boiling, can cause some of the nutrients to leach out into the water. Microwaving, however, uses less water and keeps more nutrients in the corn.
IV. Corn on the Cob for Busy People: How to Cook it in the Microwave
If you’re a busy individual, using the microwave to cook corn on the cob is a no-brainer. It saves time and hassle, leaving you with more time to focus on other things. Another advantage is that you can cook multiple ears of corn at once. Here’s how:
- Arrange up to 4 ears of corn in a circle on a microwave-safe plate.
- Add about 1/4 cup of water to the plate, making sure it’s evenly distributed.
- Cover the plate with plastic wrap and microwave on high for 7-10 minutes, turning the corn once halfway through cooking.
If you’re looking to add more flavor to your microwaved corn on the cob, try brushing it with melted butter and sprinkling it with your favorite herbs or spices like chili powder or garlic powder. You can even sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese for a tangy kick.
V. Need a Fast Side Dish? Try Cooking Corn on the Cob in the Microwave
Microwaved corn on the cob is a great option for a fast side dish. It’s easy to prepare and pairs well with many dishes. Here are a few ideas:
- Serve with grilled chicken or steak for a classic summertime meal.
- Pair with other picnic favorites like potato salad and coleslaw.
- Use it as a topping for salads or pizzas.
If you’re having guests over, you can also try serving microwaved corn on the cob with flavored butters like garlic herb or lemon dill.
VI. Mastering the Microwave: How to Cook Perfect Corn on the Cob
Like any cooking method, microwaving corn on the cob takes a bit of practice. Here are a few common mistakes to avoid:
- Not accounting for the wattage of your microwave – cooking time may vary based on the wattage of your microwave, so adjust accordingly.
- Overcooking the corn – since microwaving is a fast cooking method, it’s easy to overcook the corn. Check it frequently and adjust cooking time as needed.
- Not adding enough water – adding too little water can cause the corn to dry out or burn, adding too much can result in overly juicy corn.
To add extra flavor to your microwaved corn on the cob, try spreading it with flavored butter or seasoning it with your favorite spices. You can also try topping it with chopped herbs like cilantro or chives.
VII. Conclusion
Microwaving corn on the cob is a quick, easy, and convenient method to cook this classic summertime favorite. It’s perfect for busy individuals, or those who don’t have access to a stove or grill. Experiment with different flavors and cooking times to find your perfect recipe, and enjoy fresh, delicious corn on the cob anytime!
If you’ve never tried microwaving corn on the cob before, we recommend giving it a try.
