The Easiest Way to Cook Corn on the Cob

The season for eating fresh, sweet, crunchy corn on the cob is finally here. That also means time spent peeling errant silk strands off sticky kernels, disposing of large husk piles, and boiling in pots of steaming water. It means breaking out corn tools to prep, cook, and serve the best fresh corn ever. It means dripping butter and clumps of salt and needing to floss after a meal—but it's so worth it. It is the taste of summer.

Now, imagine if you could have that wonderful taste, minus most of the effort. Thanks to TikTok, we recently learned about a cooking hack that produces corn on the cob in a shockingly easy way. Pop a full unpeeled cob in the microwave, cook for four minutes (or less or more, depending on how you like it), and then slice off the bottom few inches to open it up. Squeeze the husk and the entire cooked cob will slide out, not a strand of corn silk in sight. 

There are now numerous TikTok videos about this method that, not surprisingly, are getting loads of attention from amazed and impressed viewers. One called it “the greatest cooking hack EVER!” Another commented, "I was a chef for 20 years and never even heard of this until I tried it, and I can't believe it and it worked, I'm amazed, this is the greatest thing since sliced bread." 

Keeping the husk on while cooking retains the moisture and results in better corn (you could do the same on a grill). Apparently it is not necessary to soak the cobs or wrap them in wet paper towels before microwaving; the inner moisture is sufficient. 

One person pointed out that this cooking method is ideal for people with disabilities who might struggle to husk tough cobs and pick out silks between the kernels. 

Critics expressed concern about bugs and worms, which often appear in corn. Husking before cooking gives you a chance to pick them out. The videos did not address this issue, but presumably you'd do a quick check before eating. 

This is a great cooking method for anyone who lives solo or does not have a large family to feed. It's ideal for people in apartments, without outdoor space to grill, or who don't want to steam up a space with a pot of boiling water.

Not surprisingly, Allrecipes' community members have been using this method for years. Even our very own Chef John raves about this technique, even if he occasionally forgets about it.

There's lots to love about quick-cooking a cob of corn in the microwave and reducing the mess in the process. Sounds ideal all around.