How do you shuck corn in the microwave? Well, that’s a brilliant question, the answer to which is shockingly simple.
In 3 simple steps, and with all your work done in under 5 minutes, I can guarantee that you will be enjoying piping hot shucked corn in whatever way you prefer to eat it.
You know, one of my fondest childhood memories includes the time I spent at my grandparent’s house, where my grandfather used to fire up the grill and grandma used to prep the food.
But, I dreaded the inevitable time when grandma would call out to help her in shucking a bucket load of corn. While I loved eating the sweet golden kernels, I hated was the time-consuming nuisance of peeling away leaf after leaf and getting those silky threads tangled up between your fingers.
That is until I was introduced to this great hack of shucking corn in my microwave by my college roommate.
It’s magical, how drastically it can cut down the prep time to almost under 5 minutes, from husk-covered cob to a steaming shucked corn cob on your plate.
Now that summer’s here with those endless BBQ invitations. You can wow your guests at the next BBQ using these easy steps to shuck your corn in the microwave, and I’m certain you’ll be saying “Aww shucks” from all the compliments you would be getting.
What way would you prefer to shuck corn, the easy way or the hard way?
If you answered the easy way, then you are a genius. Ain’t nobody got time for shucking corn all day long.
- The hard way: which you most probably were doing, before you found the savior that this article is (peeling away leaf after leaf, then moving on to stripping away the corn silk layer)
- The easy way (aka not your Nana’s way): using the microwave.
Yes, sir, that’s the secret hack that I was talking about earlier. You can use a microwave to shuck corn, neatly and quickly, and all it takes is 5 minutes of your time.
How to shuck corn in the microwave?
It’s as simple as 1,2,3. Follow the tips below to easily and effectively shuck your corn in the microwave with no hassle at all and it’s all done in under 5 minutes.
Chop-chop: Hold the corn from the stalk side and eyeball about four to five of the bottom rows of the kernels. Using a sharp knife, cut off those rows. You will now be left with an ear of corn with one open end.
Zap it: Place it on a microwave-safe plate and put it in the microwave on high, for about 4-5 minutes, turning the unsheathed cob halfway in between.
Press and shake: Using oven-safe mitts, start pressing the corn from the closed end, all the while shaking it (something like you would do with a toothpaste tube as it nears its end)
And presto, watch with joy as the newly shucked corn pops out from its husk ever so easily, all with the help of just a microwave.
Does shucking corn in the microwave remove the silks too?
Yup! that’s the beauty of this method.
Not only can a microwave remove the green husks of corn, but it also removes those pesky silk strands along with it. No additional steps are required. Everything is done in one simple step, as discussed above.
Do you shuck corn before or after microwaving?
Essentially, the microwave will be shucking your corn for you. No need for any kind of extra prepping before putting the corn in the microwave.
If you are using the microwave method, then simply placing the entire corn (with the husk on) in the microwave and zapping it for around four minutes will automatically enable you to shuck the corn by simply pressing and rolling it out.
Will the microwave cook the kernels too if I shuck them in the microwave?
Are you worried about turning your sweet corn on the cob into popcorn on the cob? Worry not, my dear. That’s not going to happen unless your kernels are dried out.
Zapping the fresh unshucked corn in the microwave for around 2-5 minutes will considerably soften it up, however, in no way will it be cooked through.
Depending upon your microwave wattage, if you do want to cook your corn all the way through, tender enough for eating, give it an additional 3-4 minutes.
Can I shuck multiple cobs at the same time in the microwave?
Yes, you can. But if you need to cook in bigger batches, then this microwave method may not be the most efficient.
The 4-5 minutes cooking time (which may vary depending on your microwave wattage) mentioned above is for when you have to shuck a single ear of corn in the microwave.
The general rule of thumb is to add two minutes per ear of corn. In other words:
- 6 minutes for 2 ears
- 8 minutes for 3 ears
- 10 minutes for 4 ears
If you are going to be cooking more than four ears of corn at a time, then consider boiling as an efficient alternative
Can I shuck corn in the microwave directly after taking it out from the fridge?
Well, yes you can. But results may vary.
As with all things that are placed to cook in the microwave directly from the fridge, it can create hot pockets in various places, meaning some parts of the corn might be cooked through while other parts will still not be heated thoroughly.
It would be better if you place the corn outside for a while to allow it to come to room temperature, then place it in the microwave for shucking.
WAIT!! There’s more.
Below, I’ll share my secret tip for adding flavor.
Before you shuck the corn in the microwave, try these few additional steps to go from wow to mind-blowing WOAH!!
- Soak the un-shucked corn in water for a few minutes.
- Microwave for around 2 minutes, turn it over, and microwave for another two minutes.
- Take it out of the microwave and let it continue to steam in its husks for a bit.
- Then shake and roll to shuck the corn.
The husks will trap all those glorious natural juices inside as well as add an unmistakable deep husky flavor to the corn.
What if the corn that I bought has already been shucked?
If you have bought that prepackaged corn from the supermarket that has already been husked, then all you have to do is to wrap those ears of corn individually with either baking paper or damp kitchen towels and microwave them as you would normally do with unhusked corn to tenderize the kernels.
Wrapping Up
No matter whichever way you like to enjoy your corn, shucking it isn’t going to be a nightmare anymore if you follow these simple steps of heating it in the microwave for a few minutes. As always, remember to shake and squeeze to slide off the husks and silk.
Now you can easily enjoy summer’s freshness without the hassle of that time-consuming husking.
How do you prefer to eat corn on the cob? I usually like mine with a pat of butter and a sprinkling of sea salt on top.
FAQ
How can I cook corn on the cob perfectly?
To cook fresh summer corn on the cob to perfection, start by removing the corn husk and silk. Then, wrap each ear of fresh corn in a damp paper towel before microwaving it for 2-4 minutes. Alternatively, you can grill your fresh corn on the cob or boil it in salted water for 5-7 minutes.
What are some dish recipes that use leftover cooked corn?
There are many delicious dishes you can make with leftover cooked corn! Try making a refreshing summer salad with fresh or frozen corn kernels, cherry tomatoes, avocado, and cilantro. You could also make crispy and flavorful corn fritters by mixing together leftover cooked corn with flour, eggs, milk, and spices before frying them up.
Can I microwave frozen or canned corn?
Yes! To microwave frozen or canned sweetcorn kernels simply place them in a microwave-safe bowl covered with plastic wrap or a damp paper towel. Microwave for 1-2 minutes until heated through.
What is the best way to remove stubborn silk from freshly husked ears of sweetcorn?
The easiest way to remove stubborn silk from freshly husked ears of sweetcorn is to use a soft-bristled vegetable brush dipped in cold water. Gently scrub each ear of sweetcorn under running water until all traces of silk have been removed.
How do I prepare my own homemade tamales using dried maize/corn husks?
To prepare your own homemade tamales using dried maize/corn husks first soak them in hot water for at least an hour until they become pliable. Then fill each softened husk with masa dough (made from ground hominy), shredded meat (such as pork), beans or cheese before folding over both ends and steaming them for about an hour.
How can I quickly boil corn without overcooking it?
To quickly boil corn, place the ears of summer corn in a pot of boiling water for just a few minutes. Then remove them from the heat and let them sit covered for 5-10 minutes to finish cooking. Serve with chili powder and sour cream.
What is the best way to keep cooked corn moist while serving?
To keep cooked corn moist while serving, wrap each ear in a damp paper towel before placing it on the table. This will help prevent it from drying out and becoming tough.
Can you suggest any cob recipes that are perfect for brunch?
For a delicious brunch recipe using fresh summer corn, try making sweetcorn fritters or grilled Mexican street-style elote (corn on the cob). Both dishes are quick and easy meals that everyone will love!
How do you create your own unique recipes using fresh ingredients like corn?
When creating recipes with fresh ingredients like love corn, start by experimenting with different flavor combinations such as adding chili powder or sour cream. Also consider cooking times and methods such as steaming or grilling to bring out their natural flavors.
Is there an easy way to steam multiple ears of corn at once?
Yes! To steam multiple ears of summer corn at once, simply wrap them in wet paper towels and microwave for 2-4 minutes depending on how many you have. This method ensures even cooking throughout all the cobs.