Skip to Content

How to Cook Frozen Corn on Cob in Microwave

Sharing is caring!

*This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my disclosure to learn more.

Are you looking to quick ways to cook frozen corn on the cob in microwave as a quick fix to diminish your hunger? It’s super easy to stash fresh corn on the cob in the freezer, and use it at a later time.

Cooking frozen corn on a cob in a microwave depends on the size and quantity. For a meal that feed two people, it is possible to cook 2 to 3 frozen corn on the cob in the microwave at one at a time. 

How do you cook frozen corn on the cob in the microwave? Use a sealed microwave safe dish with a lid and add water until it’s a half-inch deep on the bottom. Depending on the number of frozen corns cobs, the cooking time may vary. 

2-3 frozen corns may take 10 minutes while 4-6 ears or frozen corn could take 15 minutes to fully cook. Remove the hot corn from the microwave, smeared with butter and sprinkle with salt or seasonings for additional taste.

To make it work, do not defrost the frozen corn prior to cooking. Whether you are microwaving frozen corn or is fresh corn on the cob, the appliance is easiest and most convenient way to prepare the meal and side dishes. 

In addition, it is pretty easily to reheat cooked corn on the cob in the microwave in just a minute or two. Cooking corn in a microwave is quick, so the microwave cooking process is relatively simple. 

In this article, we are going to share microwave tips for the best way to microwave frozen corn on the cob to help you make delicious meal anytime. Answered below are frequently asked question to make the entire process run smoothly.

Is it safe to microwave frozen corn on the cob

Absolutely yes! It’s safe to microwave frozen corn on the cob.

Use a microwave safe dish with half-inch filled water and cover with lid, it is safe to microwave frozen corn on the cob. Depending on the number of ears, it may take about 10 to 12 minutes in total to completely cook frozen corn on the cob. 

Also, when microwaving frozen corn on the cob, avoid defrosting the corn prior to cooking. Because you are cooking in an enclosed lid with water to generate steam, there is no need to thaw prior to cooking. 

Do you need to thaw frozen corn on the cob?

Generally, frozen corn recommended to be thawed before cooking on the stove top, oven or grill for easier and shortened length of cooking. However, when using microwave to cook frozen corn on the cob, you do not need to thaw them prior to cooking.

Thawing them a night before can reduce the cooking time taken by the frozen corn cooked in the microwave, oven, grill, and stove. 

But how exactly do you thaw an ear of frozen corn without placing it in the fridge overnight? Place the frozen cobs in a large ziploc bag and place in a bowl of cold running water for 30 minutes, if the water is running at a trickle, it should defrost quit quickly.

How long does it take to microwave frozen corn on the cob?

The time frozen corn takes in the microwave depends on the number of frozen corn being microwaved. On average, 4-6 small sized ears of corn can take an average of 14-15 minutes for them to be fully microwaved, and 2-3 ears frozen corn time reduces to 10-12 minutes. 

In addition, one pound of frozen corn on a cob when microwaving can take about 5 minutes, though it really depends on the wattage of the microwave. 

Even though microwaving the frozen corn takes just a few minutes, it’s important to move the cobs around at regular intervals to distribute the heat around the frozen corn. 

How do you know when frozen corn on the cob is done in the microwave?

When the frozen corn has been microwaved fully, the yellow color becomes intense, the corns starts to smell cooked, and the heat is evenly distributed to all the sides of the ear. In addition, the temperature of the kernels must reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit to kill potential bacteria.

However, it is good to understand that it’s tough to tell whether the frozen corn is ready to be removed from the microwave without tasting, taking internal temperature, or touching it. 

The more straightforward method to determine the frozen con on the cob is heated up is by taking the internal temperature, whereby its temperatures range from 74℃, which is equivalent to 165℉. Alternatively, once the frozen corn is fully microwaved, the corn cob may be left with some icy spots in the middle, but you are not eating the cob, just the kernels.

Again, opt to use the manual method, whereby you can be checking whether the corn is warm after every 3 minutes of microwaving. The duration to check depends on the quantity of the frozen corn, then rotate the cobs and continue nuking if necessary.

Remove the frozen corn once all the sides are hot and the kernels have reached the proper internal temperature.

Tips to microwave frozen corn on the cob

Other than using microwave safe dish to cook frozen corn on the cob in the microwave, there are more things you need to know for a juicy and sweet result instead of dried out kernels.

The following guidelines should be taken into consideration when microwaving frozen corn on the cob:

  • Break up the frozen corns into smaller lumps to decrease the cooking time.
  • Add a couple tablespoons of water to make the corn softer and cook thoroughly.
  • Place the frozen corns in a dish covered with a lid to trap steam from escaping and intensive the cooking process.
  • The duration of microwaving should be 4-5 minutes for one pound of frozen corn, but it varies depending on the amount of frozen corn and the wattage of the appliance.
  • When the frozen corn is not fully heated up, microwaving must be continued until all the sides have reached 74℃ or 165℉.
  • When you finish microwaving, the excess water due to melted ice should discarded so the corn is not soggy or extremely overcooked.

To speed up the cooking process, wash the corn off in cold water to eliminate some of the frozen ice. Also, running the frozen corn under cold water for a couple minutes can help to cook faster, but it will rinse away some of the natural flavor. 

Best way to microwave frozen corn.

Microwave is the best way to cook frozen corn on the cob because it is simple and does not take very long. 

All you need is frozen corn on the cob, microwaveable dish and lid to get it started. If you want to add some flavor, have salt, pepper, butter on the side. 

Let’s go over steps to cook frozen corn on the cob in the microwave: 

  • Put the corn in a safe dish and place it in a microwave. Seal with a microwavable lid to keep the moisture trapped inside to evenly steam the frozen corn, but be sure to leave a corner open so that the steam pressure can escape and vent.
  • Add water to the dish until it reaches about half-inch deep in the container. 
  • Microwave 4 to 6 frozen corns for about 15 minutes, and 2 to 3 frozen ears for about 10-12 minutes.
  • Check the condition every 3 to 5 minutes to evaluate whether it will take more or less time, and also to rotate the cobs around for even cooking all around.
  • Once finished microwaving, remove the corn and check whether all sidesarehot; if not, continue microwaving for 1 minute at a time until the proper internal temperature is reached.
  • Microwaved corn can be smeared with butter, and seasonings to add flavor.
How to cook frozen corn on the cob in microwave

Microwaving Frozen Corn on Cob: Conclusion

Frozen corn on the cob is always available and filled with nutritional vitamins and minerals. Easily take it out from the freezer and add to your salad or make a nutritious side dish that pairs with the meal.

Simply, fill a microwave safe dish with 1/4 cup of water, or add a 1/4 cup of milk and 1 tablespoon of butter to make it more flavorful. Mix it well and place the corn on the cob inside the dish.

Season the corn with salt, pepper or your choice. Cover with a lid to secure steam. If you are using a wetted paper towel or plastic wrap, leave a little hole to make sure the steam can escape so that no pressure builds un inside. 

Depending on the size and amount of corn on the cob, start with 2 to 5 minutes intervals and check the corn frequently until it is all hot. 

Let it sit in the microwave for a minute before taking them out to avoid from burst of steam, and be extra careful removing the lid as the steam will release rapidly. Double check that the frozen corn on the cob has been cooked on all sides, then serve with your meal when ready.