Memorial Day’s here, and the grill is calling your name! But let’s be honest, sometimes you just want a super speedy side dish that lets you get back to the fun. That’s where my absolute favorite Easy Microwave Corn On The Cob For Memorial Day Bliss comes in. Seriously, you can have perfectly tender, buttery corn in about 10 minutes flat, and it’s SO fuss-free. I discovered this trick years ago when I was scrambling to whip up sides for a last-minute cookout, and it’s been my go-to ever since. No boiling, no grilling necessary – just pure, delicious corn goodness with zero stress. Trust me, this little microwave magic is going to make your holiday spread even better!
Why You’ll Love This Easy Microwave Corn On The Cob
Seriously, this recipe is a lifesaver, especially when you’re trying to get everything ready for a Memorial Day bash. Here’s why it’s my absolute go-to:
- It’s Ridiculously Fast: We’re talking about juicy, perfectly cooked corn in under 10 minutes total. I mean, what’s better than that when you’re in a rush?
- So Easy, Anyone Can Do It: Forget complicated steps. Just wrap it up and pop it in. It’s honestly simpler than making toast!
- Amazing Taste, Minimal Effort: The microwave steams the corn so beautifully, keeping it super tender and sweet. Then you just add butter and seasonings – pure deliciousness without all the fuss.
- Perfect for Picnics & Parties: Whether it’s Memorial Day or just a Tuesday, this corn is the easiest side dish ever. It means more time for you to actually hang out with your guests!
Gather Your Ingredients for Easy Microwave Corn On The Cob
Alright, let’s get down to what you’ll need for this super simple corn situation. It’s nothing fancy, just the good stuff:
- 4 ears of fresh corn, husked (make sure those silky bits are off!)
- 2 tablespoons of butter, make sure it’s softened so it spreads like a dream
- Salt, just a pinch
- Freshly ground black pepper, to your liking
Step-by-Step Guide to Perfect Easy Microwave Corn On The Cob
Okay, promise me you’ll follow these steps as closely as you can. It’s really straightforward, but these little details make all the difference between good corn and *wow, this is amazing* corn. You’ll be eating like you spent hours tending a grill, but you’ll have barely warmed up your kitchen!
Prepare the Corn for Microwaving
First things first, grab your ears of corn and give ’em a good rinse under cool water. You want to get off any stray bits of husk or silk. Then, grab a couple of paper towels and dampen them a little – not soaking wet, just a little moist. Wrap each ear snugly in its own damp towel. This helps create steam, which is our secret weapon for tender, delicious corn!
Microwave to Perfection: The Easy Microwave Corn On The Cob Method
Now for the magic! Place the wrapped corn ears on a microwave-safe plate. Don’t overcrowd the plate; give them a little breathing room if you’re doing more than two. Pop that plate into your microwave and set it to high for about 4 to 5 minutes. The key here is to give them a little flip or rotate them halfway through cooking. This ensures everything heats up evenly so you don’t get any sad, undercooked spots or rubbery bits. Be super careful when you take them out – that corn will be HOT and full of steam!
Butter and Season for Ultimate Flavor
Once you’ve carefully unwrapped the steamy corn (watch out for that heat!), it’s time for the best part. Slather on that softened butter while the corn is still piping hot. The heat will make it melt and spread perfectly. Then, sprinkle generously with salt and give it a grind of fresh black pepper. Honestly, that’s all it needs, but you can totally go wild with other spices if you want! Then serve it up right away. I like to serve this with some creamy chicken pasta for the ultimate Memorial Day meal.
Tips for the Best Easy Microwave Corn On The Cob
Making this corn in the microwave is already super simple, but there are a few little things you can do to make it absolutely perfect every single time. It’s all about paying attention to the details, even when you’re going for speed!
First off, microwave time can be a bit tricky. Every microwave is different, you know? So, start with the suggested 4-5 minutes, but don’t be afraid to add another 30 seconds or a minute if it’s not quite tender enough for you. You’re looking for that perfect “give” when you squeeze it gently, not mushy, but definitely not tough. Also, use the freshest corn you can find. That means corn that feels plump and has bright green husks. Old corn just doesn’t have that same sweet pop, no matter how you cook it. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a sprinkle of garlic powder or a dash of smoked paprika to your butter before spreading it – it adds a whole other layer of yum! It’s also a great way to use up things you might have leftover, kind of like how some people try to use fruit in baking, but for savory sides it’s even easier!
Variations to Elevate Your Easy Microwave Corn On The Cob
Okay, so the basic microwave corn is already amazing, right? But what if you want to jazz it up a bit for your Memorial Day spread? I’ve got a few fun ideas that are still super easy but totally amp up the flavor. Think of these as little sprinkles of extra awesome on your corn!
First off, let’s talk butter. Don’t just stick to plain old butter! Try mixing in some minced garlic for a garlic butter explosion, or a pinch of chili powder and cumin if you’re feeling spicy. A little bit of chopped fresh cilantro or parsley stirred in right before serving also adds a lovely freshness. And if you want to get really fancy, a drizzle of sriracha or a sprinkle of crumbled cotija cheese can turn your simple corn into something truly special. It’s like giving your corn a little party outfit! These flavor twists are almost as fun as trying to figure out how to make a spicy potato gratin feel super sophisticated.
Serving Suggestions for Your Memorial Day Feast
This easy microwave corn on the cob is the perfect sidekick for all your Memorial Day cookout favorites! Imagine it alongside some juicy burgers, perfectly grilled chicken, or even some tasty pulled pork. It’s also fantastic with lighter fare, like a big, fresh salad or some yummy pepperoni pizza rolls if you’re going for a more casual vibe. It’s that universally loved side dish that just makes everything taste better and adds a burst of summer sweetness to the whole meal!
Frequently Asked Questions about Easy Microwave Corn On The Cob
Can I cook corn on the cob in the microwave without paper towels?
You sure can! While the damp paper towel is my go-to because it helps steam things up beautifully, you can also microwave corn without it. Just place the husked ears directly on a microwave-safe plate. You might want to cover the plate loosely with microwave-safe plastic wrap, poking a few vent holes, or even a damp paper towel on top, just to keep some moisture in. It might cook a smidge differently, so keep an eye on it, but it’ll still work!
How do I know if the corn is cooked?
The best way is to gently pick up an ear with tongs (careful, it’s steamy!) and give it a little squeeze. It should feel firm but have a slight give to it, almost like a firm pillow. You can also carefully pierce a kernel with a sharp knife or toothpick. If it pierces easily and releases a milky liquid, it’s ready! If it’s tough to pierce or the liquid is watery, it needs a little more time. No one wants crunchy, raw corn after all!
What if my microwave corn is too hard?
Oops, happens to the best of us! If your corn comes out a little too firm, don’t panic. Just pop it back into the microwave, maybe add another 30-60 seconds, and keep an eye on it. Sometimes, it’s just a matter of timing. Also, make sure you started with fresh corn; older corn can sometimes be a bit tougher. You can also try plunging it into an ice bath for a minute if it’s a little overcooked and dry, which can sometimes help revive some moisture for serving.
Can I microwave corn on the cob with the husk on?
You absolutely can microwave corn with the husk on, and it’s a really popular method too! Just make sure to trim off the very bottom end of the husk. Then, you’ll pop the whole ear into the microwave for about 4-6 minutes. When it’s done, let it steam for a minute, then carefully peel back the husk and silk. It often comes out super juicy! It’s just a slightly different way to get to that delicious, tender corn goodness.
Nutritional Information (Estimated)
Just a heads-up, this is a rough idea of what you’re getting in one ear of this yummy corn. Serving sizes and exact amounts can change things up, of course!
- Calories: Around 120
- Fat: About 5g
- Protein: Roughly 4g
- Carbohydrates: Around 19g
- Sugar: About 6g
- Sodium: Roughly 10mg (this will change a lot based on your salt!)
It’s a pretty light and tasty side, don’t you think?
Print
Easy Microwave Corn On The Cob
- Total Time: 10 min
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and quick method for preparing delicious corn on the cob in the microwave, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 4 ears of corn, husked
- 2 tablespoons butter, softened
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the corn ears under cool water.
- Wrap each ear of corn tightly in a damp paper towel.
- Place the wrapped corn on a microwave-safe plate.
- Microwave on high for 4-5 minutes, rotating halfway through.
- Carefully unwrap the corn.
- Spread softened butter over the hot corn.
- Season with salt and pepper to your preference.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of garlic powder or chili powder to the butter.
- Adjust microwave time based on your microwave’s wattage and the size of the corn.
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Cook Time: 5 min
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Microwave
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ear
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: microwave corn on the cob, easy corn recipe, quick corn side dish, summer recipe, memorial day recipe, corn on the cob