Forget boiling a huge pot of water! When a craving for sweet, juicy corn on the cob strikes, this microwave method is your secret weapon. In less than 5 minutes, you can have a perfectly cooked, tender ear of corn ready to be slathered in butter and sprinkled with salt. It’s the ultimate summer side dish, made unbelievably simple.
Ingredients
• 1 ear of fresh corn
• Butter or vegan butter, for serving (optional)
• Salt, to taste (optional)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Corn: Completely remove the husk and all silk from the ear of corn.
2. Wrap It Up: Tightly wrap the shucked ear of corn in a sheet of wax paper. Place it on a microwave-safe plate or a paper towel.
3. Microwave: Cook on high for 2 to 3 minutes. Cooking time may vary slightly depending on the size of the corn and the power of your microwave.
4. Let It Rest: Carefully remove the plate from the microwave (it will be hot!). Let the corn stand, still wrapped, for 1-2 minutes to finish steaming.
5. Serve: Unwrap the corn, season with butter and salt if desired, and enjoy immediately!
Nutritional Information
• Per 1 ear of corn, without butter or salt.
• Calories: 120
• Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 27g
• Protein: 5g
• Fiber: 3.5g
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 6mg
Pro Tips
• For extra juicy corn, leave the husk on! Simply microwave the corn in its own husk for 3-4 minutes. Let it cool slightly, then the husk and silk will slide right off.
• Don’t skip the rest time. Letting the corn stand for a minute or two after cooking allows the kernels to finish steaming, making them perfectly tender and plump.
• Get creative with toppings! Try a sprinkle of smoked paprika, a squeeze of lime juice, or a dusting of nutritional yeast for a cheesy, savory flavor.
• Adjust cooking time based on the number of ears. Add about 1-2 minutes for each additional ear of corn you cook at the same time.
FAQ
Q: Is this microwave corn recipe vegan
A: Yes, this recipe is easily made vegan. The corn itself is naturally plant-based. Simply use your favorite vegan butter or a drizzle of olive oil instead of dairy butter to keep it 100% vegan.
Q: What are some creative vegan toppings for this corn
A: For a delicious vegan twist, try a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor, a dash of smoked paprika, a squeeze of fresh lime juice, or a mix of chili powder and cilantro.
Q: How can I make this corn part of a complete vegetarian meal
A: To make this a more filling vegetarian meal, pair the corn with a protein source like a black bean burger, grilled tofu skewers, or serve it alongside a hearty quinoa salad.
Q: Can I use something other than wax paper to wrap the corn
A: Absolutely. If you don’t have wax paper, wrapping the shucked corn in a damp paper towel works perfectly to create steam. Alternatively, you can follow the pro tip and microwave the corn directly in its own husk for an even juicier result.
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5-Minute Microwave Corn on the Cob
Ingredients
Method
- Prepare the Corn: Completely remove the husk and all silk from the ear of corn.
- Wrap It Up: Tightly wrap the shucked ear of corn in a sheet of wax paper.
- Place it on a microwave-safe plate or a paper towel.
- Microwave: Cook on high for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Cooking time may vary slightly depending on the size of the corn and the power of your microwave.
- Let It Rest: Carefully remove the plate from the microwave (it will be hot!)
- Let the corn stand, still wrapped, for 1-2 minutes to finish steaming.
- Serve: Unwrap the corn, season with butter and salt if desired, and enjoy immediately!
- Don't skip the rest time.
- Letting the corn stand for a minute or two after cooking allows the kernels to finish steaming, making them perfectly tender and plump.
- Adjust cooking time based on the number of ears.
- Add about 1-2 minutes for each additional ear of corn you cook at the same time.
