What’s the best way to cook corn? No debate: It’s cooking it in the microwave. Whether you're dealing with fresh ears from the farmer's market or a bag of frozen kernels, you'll find that microwaving corn brings out all those deliciously sweet flavors in a fraction of the time — and no waiting for a pot of water to boil.

 

Corn at its peak is so good, you want to cook it as gently as possible. Surprisingly, the microwave is the best way to let all that natural sweetness shines through, and it takes hardly any effort at all. All you have to do is place the corn in a Shallow Dish, cover with the lid, and microwave on full power for a few minutes depending on your microwave’s wattage. For full directions, check out our directions for how to microwave corn!

 

Want some mouthwatering recipe ideas? Keep reading for our favorite microwave recipes, including classics like corn on the cob and even tasty twists like polenta or grits.

Need more inspiration? Try these ideas for incorporating fresh corn into your meals:

 

Microwaving corn with Anyday is all about making cooking easy and fun. It's a quick way to bring out the sweet taste of corn, saving you time for the things you enjoy most. Read on for more of our microwave corn recipes, from corn on the cob to Speedy Polenta!

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How to Microwave Corn on the Cob
No cookout is complete without grilling a few ears of corn. For the best way to grill corn, we recommend skipping the traditional stovetop boil and opting to par-cook it in the microwave. Corn will steam to perfection in the same time it takes to boil the water. This will save you overall cooking time and locks in more nutrients, preserving each kernel's juiciness. Plus, it conserves water! When the rest of the meal is ready to go, finish the corn on the grill to achieve a little char, about 30 seconds for each side.

Microwave corn recipes
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Cajun Shrimp Boil
This Low Country boil is traditionally enjoyed with a crowd, but our version is just as festive and delicious in smaller servings. Juicy shrimp, sweet corn, and hearty kielbasa sausage are simmered with Cajun spices for a vibrantly flavored meal. Eating with your hands is encouraged!

Microwave corn recipes
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Creamy Corn Spoonbread
“Bread” is a bit of a misnomer for this buttery, custard-like dish that you’ll definitely want to serve with a spoon. Studded with juicy corn kernels and spicy jalapeños to balance the cheesiness, this is a rich side dish that holds its own alongside any hearty entree.

Microwave corn recipes
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Mexican Street Corn Soup (Elote Soup)
Spicy, sweet, and creamy, this corn soup has all the flavors of classic Mexican street corn (elote). The sharpness of the crumbled cotija cheese cuts through the sweet corn and balances the smokiness of the chipotle peppers. It’s a little like visiting Mexico without ever leaving your kitchen.

Microwave corn recipes
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David Chang's Shrimp and Polenta
This whole meal comes together in the time it takes to cook just polenta on the stove. Dave's take on this Lowcountry classic uses dashi (an umami-packed broth made from bonito, a dried fish) to flavor the polenta. Topped with smoky shrimp and bacon and perfectly poached eggs, it's a hearty entree that's sure to win over microwave skeptics.

Microwave corn recipes
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Speedy Polenta
Sometimes you’re in the mood for something that’s lighter than pasta and creamier than rice. Polenta (coarsely ground cornmeal) is the Goldilocks of grains for that craving. Cooking in the microwave makes this difficult-on-the-stove dish easily achievable on a weeknight. Simmered simply in water and milk, it’s the perfect canvas for hearty bolognese, braised stew, or tomato sauce.

Microwave corn recipes

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