Cooking Corn In Microwave With Paper Towel
Corn on the cob is a staple of summer barbecues and outdoor picnics, but not everyone has access to a grill or stovetop. Luckily, you can cook corn in the microwave with just a few simple steps and a paper towel. Not only is this method quick and easy, but it also retains the corn's natural sweetness and flavor. In this article, we'll guide you through the process of cooking corn in the microwave with a paper towel, along with some tips and tricks to make it even better.
Why Cook Corn in the Microwave?
Cooking corn in the microwave is a great alternative to other methods, especially if you don't have access to a grill or stovetop. It's also faster than boiling, which can take up to 10 minutes, and more energy-efficient than using a large pot of boiling water. Microwaving corn also helps to retain its natural sweetness and flavor because it doesn't leach into the water like it would when boiling. Plus, you can cook multiple ears of corn at the same time, making it ideal for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week.
What You'll Need
Before we start, let's gather the necessary materials:
- Fresh corn on the cob (as many ears as you need)
- Sharp knife
- Large microwave-safe plate
- Paper towel
- Butter, salt, and pepper (optional)
Instructions
Now that we have everything we need, it's time to start cooking!
- Remove the husks and silk from the corn. To do this, start by pulling the outer husks down to the base of the ear. You can then remove the silk by hand, or use a clean kitchen towel to rub it off.
- Using a sharp knife, cut off the stem end of each ear of corn so it can stand upright without tipping over.
- Wet a paper towel with water and then wring out the excess. Lay the damp paper towel on the bottom of the large microwave-safe plate.
- Place the ears of corn on top of the paper towel, making sure they aren't touching each other.
- Cover the corn with another damp paper towel.
- Microwave the corn on high for 3-5 minutes, depending on how many ears you're cooking and the strength of your microwave. You may need to adjust the time accordingly. When done, the corn should feel hot to the touch.
- Carefully remove the plate from the microwave and let the corn sit for a minute or two to cool down.
- Using oven mitts or a clean kitchen towel, remove the ear of corn from the plate and serve with butter, salt, and pepper if desired.
Tips and Tricks
Here are some tips and tricks to make cooking corn in the microwave even better:
- If you're cooking more than four ears of corn, you may need to cook them in batches to ensure they all cook evenly.
- If you want to add some flavor to your corn, try brushing it with some melted butter or olive oil before microwaving.
- If you don't have a microwave-safe plate, you can use a large bowl or casserole dish instead.
- If your corn is particularly thick or large, you may need to microwave it for an extra minute or two.
- For a more traditional grilled flavor, you can also wrap the ears of corn in damp paper towels and then wrap them in aluminum foil before microwaving. This will create a steaming effect and give the corn a smoky flavor.
Conclusion
Cooking corn in the microwave with a paper towel is an easy and convenient way to enjoy this summer staple without a grill or stovetop. With just a few simple steps, you can have hot and delicious corn in minutes, all while retaining its natural sweetness and flavor. So next time you're in the mood for some corn on the cob, give this method a try!