One of the most frequently asked questions by corn lovers is whether you can reheat corn on the cob in microwave. Why? Well, because we all know that the microwave is easy to use, quick to work with, and retains the taste of the food.
Corn, whether it’s on the cob or not, is a delight to the tastebuds. The juicy and tender grain has a one of a kind taste. Once it have been cooked, you can eat it right from the cob by adding salt, spices, and butter, or you could add it in salads, vegetables, or soups among many other options.
Can you reheat corn on the cob in the microwave? To reheat corn on the cob in the microwave, wrap the ear with a damp paper towel, place it on a microwave safe plate and nuke for 2 minutes.
This article details the steps to reheat corn on the cob in the microwave. Covered below are answers to the question you may have about the process, including tips that are helpful in completing the process.
Is it safe to microwave corn on the cob?
It is definitely safe to microwave corn on the cob as it is one of the best ways to reheat it.
As always, there are a few precautions to take such as using a microwave safe dish and wrapping the corn with a paper towel or using a microwave cover to trap the steam that prevents the kernels from drying out.
Corn on the cob is commonly boiled, grilled, or steamed to cook it. However, using a microwave to cook or reheat corn on the cob is one of the most efficient ways to do so as it is quicker, easier, and even tastier.
While the boiling water may wash away the natural taste from the corn, microwave retains the taste, and hence is a lot more tasty. The best part is you don’t need to be a professional to use the microwave to reheat corn on the cob.
A microwave safe dish is always necessary while using a microwave. Using a lid to cover the corn will help to ensure that the corn on the cob doesn’t dry out.
If you are covering the corn with a damped paper towel, you may want to seal it with microwave safe plastic wrap for a concentrated heating effect. This way it steams better as you prevent the moisture from escaping.
Can you microwave corn on the cob to reheat it?
Yes, you can microwave corn on the cob to reheat it. Microwaving is one of the best and easiest ways of reheating corn on the cob.
Boiling corn on the cob is time consuming, not everyone has access to a grill and setting up a steamer requires a lot of attention.
You will need to take a few precautions while using a microwave to reheat it, but the effort is minimal in comparison. Most importantly, use a microwave safe dish, and wrap the ear with a wet paper towel or cover with a lid to confine the steam.
Reheat two cobs of corn in the microwave will only take 3 to 4 minutes. It’s best to add a tablespoon of water to the microwave safe dish for every cob of corn.
When reheating in the microwave, stick with 1 minute intervals and flip and rotate the corn on the cob after each duration. Though it may seem simple enough, these steps are quite effective at expediting the process resulting in delicious reheated corn on the cob.
How long do you reheat corn on the cob in the microwave?
To reheat corn on the cob in the microwave will take about 2 minutes. Nuke in intervals of 60 seconds so that you can flip the corn to the other side at the half way point.
You will know that the corn on the cob is done reheating by touching the hot surface and observing steam billowing away from the kernels. Pull off a single kernel for a taste test and if it is not really hot then you can pop the corn in the microwave for another 30 seconds.
How do you know when corn on the cob is reheated in the microwave?
You will know that the corn on the cob is done reheating in the microwave as the sweet corn smell gradually increases and ultimately by taking the internal temperature of a few kernels. Corn should be reheated to an internal temperature of 165 degree Fahrenheit to reduce the risk of food borne illness.
If you touch the corn and it is very hot, it is a good sign that the corn on the cob has been steamed well and is done reheating. However, this is not foolproof as the external temperature can be much lower than the true internal temperature.
If necessary, microwave for another 30 seconds or until the temperature registers above 165 degrees F.
If you find the corn on the cob not cooked well and are about to pop it back into the microwave once again, then remember to seal it with a plastic wrap or a wet paper towel beforehand. Not only does this protect the corn from drying out, but it improves the heat transfer by trapping steam against the kernels.
How to Store Cooked Corn on the Cob
Corn on the cob should be stored under 40 degrees Fahrenheit within 2 hours of being cooked. Not only does this extend the freshness of your corn, but also allow you to enjoy tender and crispy kernels after reheating the corncob in the microwave.
If you have leftover corns from the other day or you par cook ears in advance to prepare in advance of your busy schedule, then you should store cooked corn on the cob in an airtight container in your fridge or freezer so they are ready to reheat at a moments notice.
Carefully wrap them before placing in the fridge with other food items. It is easy for them to absorb unwanted smells and tastes from the fridge, so you should not put them in unwrapped.
Additionally, the texture of the corn kernels can change due to exposure to air circulating in the fridge. The airflow will cause them to dry out and shrivel in size and shape, they won’t taste plump and juicy anymore.
Furthermore, freezing corn on the cob can be useful in helping to retain the flavor and juiciness of the kernels. If you have store the corncobs in an airtight container inside a freezer, the ears can easily be reheated whenever the convenience is necessary.
When you store precooked corn on the cob properly, then reheating is a breeze and can be done at anytime without a hassle. Reheat the leftover goodness for a taste and texture that you are going to enjoy.
Tips to reheat corn on the cob in the microwave
Using a wet paper towel to cover the corn on the cob while reheating it in the microwave helps steam the corn well and cooks it on the inside.
You will need to cover the corn on the cob with a dampened paper towel, and you can follow that up with a piece of microwave safe plastic wrap to further prevent the escape of moisture, thereby steaming the corn on the cob very efficiently.
Adding salt and spices along with butter to the corn on the cob before microwaving will absolutely enhance the flavor. However, when doing this you will want to use a microwave cover instead of a paper towel which will wipe away most of the flavorings.
Here are a few additional tips to consider when reheating corn on the cob in the microwave:
- If the corncob was cook a few days beforehand, then adding a tablespoon of water will help restore some of the moisture lost from the corn when under refrigeration.
- To ensure better cooking of the corncob, you may also want to flip the cob on corn half way through cooking.
- Don’t hesitate to cut it into two pieces if the cob of corn is too long for your microwave safe dish.
- Remove the silk and clean the corncob well before you put it into the microwave for reheating.
Best way to reheat corn on the cob in the microwave
Though you can reheat corn on the cob in a pot of boiling water, a steamer or on the grill, the best way is to use the microwave. Using a microwave is quick, easy and effective and retaining moisture, sweetness, nutrients and flavor.
You may have to zap a couple corns are a time, so feeding the entire family may take a few rounds in the appliance.
Method to reheat corn on the cob in microwave:
- Wrap the corn on the cob in a wet paper towel.
- Put the prepared corncob on a microwave-safe plate.
- Add a tablespoon of water to the dish.
- Use a microwave cover as a lid over the plate.
- Microwave corn on the cob for 60 seconds.
- Rotate the corn and nuke for an additional 60 seconds.
- Check the doneness of the corn. Precooked corn needs to be reheated to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit for safe eating.
- Reheat for 10 second increments if more time is needed.
- Take out your corn. Serve with a pat of butter, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Enjoy!