How to Microwave Corn

//cookanyday.com/cdn/shop/files/ANYDAY_Q1_20239423_360x.jpg?v=1683302149 How to Microwave Corn
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Prep Time

2 mins

Cook Time

3-4 mins

Free Time

to husk more fresh corn!

Forget the grill — microwaving corn on the cob results in crisp, sweet kernels bursting with juice and flavor. You won’t want to eat corn any other way! It takes only a few minutes to cook, and you don't have to worry about boiling a big pot of water. Plus, it retains its natural sweetness and flavor without any added fats or oils.

Why Use An Anyday? By using an Anyday Shallow dish, you are guaranteeing that the corn’s own moisture (and flavor!) stays locked into in each kernel. Plus, the Anyday transforms into a serving dish that will look great on your picnic table!

All of Anyday’s recipes are tested (and retested!) in many different microwaves and home kitchens to make sure they work — and work well.

Anyday Basics, Anyday Basics, Vegetables, Corn, corn kernels, corn on the cob, Fresh Corn, group__ Anyday Basics, Summer Recipes Anyday Basics, Vegetables

What You’ll Need

What You’ll Need

The Medium Shallow Dish

Look no further for making poached eggs, desserts, dips, and small portions of meat or fish.

The Anyhand Mitts

Handle hot Anyday dishes with care with these microwave mitts that double as trivets!
Try Anyday

Select your serving size and microwave wattage in the dropdown. The recipe will change accordingly.

1 ear fresh corn

Select your microwave wattage in the dropdown. The cook times in this recipe will automatically change accordingly.

[[video-wattage]]

To find your microwave’s wattage, look at the front panel, the side of the door, in the back, in the user manual, or Google the model number. If both an input and output wattage are listed, use the output.

Wattage translates to how powerful the microwave is. The higher the wattage, the faster your food will cook. The lower the wattage, the longer the cook time.

When in doubt, start with less time — you can always add more.

Microwave oven by power - 1000w
1000w

Recommended 

Dish

The Medium Shallow Dish

Ingredients

  • 1 ear of fresh corn

Preparation

  1. Husk the corn, if necessary. Cut or break the corn cob in half and rinse.
  2. Place in an Anyday dish and cover with the lid (knob lifted).
  3. Cook in the microwave for 3-4 minutes, or until the corn kernels are tender.

Serving suggestions & tips

  • Middle Eastern Spice: Butter or ghee, za'atar seasoning, and lime juice
  • Corn Cacio e Pepe: Olive oil, black pepper, and parmesan cheese.
  • Sweet Heat: Butter, hot honey, and chopped crispy bacon.
  • Elote: Crema, Tajin, chopped cilantro, and crumbled tortilla chips.

Recipe notes

  • While yellow corn may turn bright yellow when cooked through, some white or bi-color corn may be tricky to determine doneness. Try cutting off a few kernels to test them out, and adding more cook time if needed.
  • If you are buying from your local farmer, ask how sweet the corn is. If it’s more neutral in flavor, you might need help from a pat of butter and salt.
  • Microwave ovens vary, even with the same wattages. Adjust cooking times as needed.

Microwave Match Up: Corn on the Cob

See for yourself— microwaving corn is simply faster, start to finish.

Appliance Cook Time
Microwave in an Anyday dish 5-6 mins
Grill* 20 mins
Stovetop* 13 mins
Instant Pot (Pressure Cooker)* 20 mins
*Includes preheat time

Step by Step: Microwaving Corn on the Cob

Break the corn cob in half

Cover with the lid (knob lifted).

Cook in the microwave.

Corn is done when the kernels are tender.

All You Need to Know About Microwaving Corn

How long does take to cook corn in the microwave?

Ingredient Cook Time
1 ear of fresh corn 3-4 mins
2 ears of fresh corn 3-4 mins
3 ears of fresh corn 4-5 mins
4 ears of fresh corn 5-6 mins
5 ears of fresh corn 5-6 mins
6 ears of fresh corn 6-7 mins
7 ears of fresh corn 7-8 mins
Cook time calculated for 1000w microwave

It typically takes around 4-6 minutes per ear of corn to cook in the microwave. To tell when corn on the cob is cooked through, look for plump, juicy kernels and a bright yellow color. You can also test it by piercing a kernel with a fork, it should be tender but not mushy.

Can you cook corn in the husk in the microwave?

Cooking corn in the husk in the microwave is an ultra-seasonal way to enjoy fresh corn. Simply dampen the husk or wrap it in a paper towel and microwave for 4-6 minutes per ear.

How to microwave frozen corn kernels?

Microwaving frozen corn kernels is a breeze! Place them in an Anyday with some water, cover them with the lid, and microwave for 2-3 minutes.

How to freeze microwaved corn?

To freeze microwaved corn, first, cook the corn on the cob in the microwave, then cut the kernels off and let them cool. Portion into Anytime Freezer Trays or an air-tight bag. Freeze for later use. 

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