• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Easy and Delish logo

  • About
    • Meet Denise!
    • COOKBOOK
    • Contact
    • Press
  • All Recipes
  • BRAZILIAN FOOD
  • Conversions
    • How Many Sticks of Butter in a Cup?
    • How Many Teaspoons in a Tablespoon?
    • Temperature Conversion (Chart & Calculator)
    • US Cups to Ounces to Grams for Common Ingredients (Charts)
    • Volume Conversions (Table for Dry & Liquid Ingredients)
    • Baking Substitutions (with Charts & Tables)
  • Shop
  • Videos
  • Português
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • Home
  • Página Inicial
  • About
  • Sobre Mim
  • All Recipes
  • Todas as Receitas
  • Shop
  • Conversions
  • Vídeos
  • Português
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • RSS
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×
    Home > How-To

    Published: Jul 21, 2023 by Denise Browning · "This post may contain affiliate links which won’t change your price but will share some commission." · Leave a Comment

    How to Shuck Corn | 2 Quick Ways

    Gluten FreeDairy FreeVegetarianVeganWhole30Paleo

    Jump to Recipe ↓
    pin showing unshucked and also shucked and cooked ears of corn on the cob in a plate.

    Find out how to shuck corn easily in the microwave, in 2 different ways. Sure, there are several ways to shuck corn on the cob, but here you'll get our quick secret to getting your sweet corn free of husk and silk without any mess or hassle. 

    shucked corn on the cob over husk with some butter pat, seasonings,a nd herbs on top of the cob.

    Corn husk removal (or shucking corn) is a breeze if you know the easiest way to shuck corn, either cooking it in the process or not.

    Here we teach you the secret to getting your sweet corn free of the husk and silk without having to clean your kitchen or designated area afterwards.

    So come along and learn how to husk corn the easy way!

    How to pick good corn

    Corn on the cob is one of the most delicious and popular summertime side dishes. But how to choose a good corn?

    Well, it is easier than you think. Here is how:

    • Seasonality: The sweetest, juiciest, and freshest corn on the cob are available when in season. Its peak season in the U.S. is between May and September. 
    • Visual clues: Look for husks that are: 1. Bright green and tightly woven; 2. With glossy, light brownish tassels attached. If the silk tassels are either dry or black, don't buy them! Also, smell the corn. Yes, fresh corn smells fresh (not musty).
    • Touch clue: Grab the corn and squeeze it. If it is damp to the touch, it means it is juicy, not dry!
    • Weight: Lift the corn! If the ear of corn feels heavy, it is plump, not light.
    a pile of several ears of fresh corn.

    How to Shuck Corn on the Cob

    Sure you can use the traditional method for shucking corn on the cob which consists of separating the husks at the top, pulling down and ripping them off, and then removing the corn silk.  But it will take more time and will leave with a messy area to clean afterward. 

    several ears of fresh corn shucked using the traditional method.

    Here I teach the easiest and quickest way to shuck corn on the cob, without any mess to clean. The best way to do it is in your microwave. Yep!

    But there are 2 ways to husk corn on the cob in the microwave:

    two ears of corn, one whole and another one with a cut-off end on a cutting board.

    1. Without Cooking

    The first way is to shuck the corn in the microwave without fully cooking it and then use it in recipes that call for uncooked corn.

    • To do this, use a sharp Chef's knife to cut 1 inch off the end of the corncob on a cutting board.
    cut off end of an ear of fresh corn before shucking.
    • Place it on a microwave-safe plate, and then microwave corn on the cob for 2 minutes. This helps heat penetrate the husk without steaming your corn.  
    an easr of corn in a plate inside of a microwave.
    • Finally, cut a slit into the husk and the corn will come out cleanly. The slit will help release the cob more easily! 

    2. Fully Cooking

    The second way is for when you want to cook the corn.

    • To do that, microwave the corn, in a microwave-safe plate, for 4 minutes with the husk intact. The intact husk where the cob is encased works like a natural pouch where the heat will help to steam the corn (plus cooking the corn in the husk adds an amazing flavor). 
    whole unchucked summer vegetable on teh cob on a cutting board.
    • Then, cut off 1 inch from the end and your corn will come out cleanly. If you prefer, smear on some salted butter and enjoy!
    microwaved whole corn on the cob on a cutting board with an end about being cut off.

    NOTE: When handling hot corn make sure to wear kitchen gloves or use a kitchen towel. 

    How to Remove Corn Kernels

    After shucking corn on the cob in the microwave, you can easily de-kernel corn from the cob either:

    1. By placing the whole corn in the center of a bundt cake pan. Then, cut down or separate the kernels from the cob using a sharp knife.
    2. However, if you don't have a bundt cake pan, place one small bowl, upside down, inside of a large bowl. Then, position the cob on top of the small bowl and cut down the kernels with a knife. 

    FAQS

    four ears of the summer vegetable in a platter with garnishes on top and around them.

    Do you shuck corn before or after cooking?

    It depends on the method you use to shuck corn and the purpose. If you use the traditional method, the corn is shucked before cooking. However, if you use the microwave method, you can shuck corn on the cob before or after cooking it. Then, use the shucked corn in recipes that call for uncooked corn or eat the cooked corn right after shucking it in the microwave.    

    Is it easier to shuck corn before or after cooking?

    Cooking corn in their husks, either by boiling or steaming in the microwave, makes shucking much easier than before cooking. After cooking the corn, the husk (and silk) slides right off. 

    a hand holding an ear of the summer vegetable with butter and seasoning on top.

    Do you soak corn before shucking?

    If cooking the corn in the microwave, you can run water over each ear to soak it completely and then microwave for 2-4 minutes to either partially or fully cook the corn. But it is not necessary! You can microwave your corn without soaking it.  

    How many ears of corn can I microwave at one time?

    It will depend on the size of your corn ears and your microwave capacity. A regular microwave can cook 3 or more big ears at one time.

    Do you refrigerate unshucked corn?

    Yes! Although corn is best consumed the very same day you buy it, you can store unhusked ears in a sealed plastic bag in the crisper drawer of the fridge for up to 2-3 days. But do not put them together in a plastic bag. If possible, store each individually in a bag.  

    Can you freeze fresh, unshucked corn?

    Yes, absolutely! Because you are freezing the ears in the husk, this will help to prevent freezer burns. However, you still have to place the corn in a plastic bag, remove as much air as possible, and then, freeze it for 6 to 9 months. 

    Do I have to thaw frozen unshucked corn before cooking?

    No, you don't! When you are ready to cook it, just remove the unshucked corn from the freezer and cook it right away, by boiling or microwaving it.  

    Nutrition

    According to Women's Health Magazine, one medium ear of sweet yellow corn contains about 77 calories, 1 g of fat, about 14.6 g of net carbohydrates, and 3 grams of protein. In addition, corn is rich in magnesium, thiamin, and folate.

    Corn recipes to enjoy:

    • 35 easy corn recipes
    • Chocolate popcorn recipe
    • Corn chowder recipe
    • Grilled corn on the cob
    • Portuguese cornbread recipe
    • Sweet corn cake recipe
    • Corn nachos recipe
    • Italian cornbread 
    • Cornmeal cake recipe
    • Corn gratin recipe
    • Baked tamale casserole
    • Gluten-free creamy corncake
    • Sweet popcorn recipe

    PIN & ENJOY!

    pin showing unshucked and also shucked and cooked ears of corn on the cob in a plate.
    two cooked shucked corn on the cob with a at of butter and some seasonings on top.
    Print SAVE Saved Recipe! Pin
    5 from 2 votes

    How to Shuck Corn | 2 Quick Ways

    Find out how to shuck corn easily in the microwave, in 2 different ways. Sure, there are several ways to shuck corn on the cob, but here you'll get our quick secret to getting your sweet corn free of husk and silk without any mess or hassle. 
    Course:Side Dish
    Cuisine:American
    Keywords:corn on the cob, how to, how to shuck corn, microwave method
    Servings 2 people
    Calories77.4 kcal
    Author Denise Browning
    Cost $ 1.50 per person

    Equipment

    • 1 microwave
    • 1 plate
    • 1 cutting board
    • 1 Chef's knife

    Ingredients

    • 2 Whole Fresh Corn NOTE: You can consume corn if you are on a low-carb diet but pay attention to the portion you intend to eat. But it is NOT keto-friendly!
    • 1 Tablespoon Butter optional (For a vegan, Paleo, and Whole30 recipe, use vegetable oil or coconut butter)
    • Table Salt to taste optional
    • Fresh Cracked Black Pepper to taste optional

    Instructions

    Without Cooking

    • The first way is to shuck the corn in the microwave without fully cooking it and then use it in recipes that call for uncooked corn.
    • To do this, cut 1 inch off the end of the corncob, place it in a microwave-safe plate, and then microwave corn on the cob for 2 minutes. This helps heat penetrate the husk without steaming your corn.
    • Finally, cut a slit into the husk and the corn will come out cleanly. The slit will help release the cob more easily!

    Fully Cooking

    • The second way is for when you want to cook the corn.
    • To do that, microwave the corn, in a microwave-safe plate, for 4 minutes with the husk intact. The intact husk where the cob is encased works like a natural pouch where the heat will help to steam the corn (plus cooking the corn in the husk adds an amazing flavor).
    • Then, cut off 1 inch from the end and your corn will come out cleanly. If you prefer, smear on some salted butter and enjoy! NOTE: When handling hot corn make sure to wear kitchen gloves or use a kitchen towel.

    Recipe Video

    Recipe Notes

    HOW TO REMOVE CORN KERNELS FROM THE COB
    1. After shucking corn on the cob in the microwave, you can easily de-kernel corn from the cob either:
      1. By placing the whole corn in the center of a bundt cake pan. Then, cut down or separate the kernels from the cob using a sharp knife.
      2. However, if you don't have a bundt cake pan, place one small bowl, upside down, inside of a large bowl. Then, position the cob on top of the small bowl and cut down the kernels with a knife.
    STORAGE
    • FRIDGE: Although corn is best consumed the very same day you buy it, you can store unhusked ears in a sealed plastic bag in the crisper drawer of the fridge for up to 2-3 days. But do not put them together in a plastic bag. If possible, store each individually in a bag.  
    • FREEZER: Because you are freezing the ears in the husk, this will help to prevent freezer burns. However, you still have to place the corn in a plastic bag, remove as much air as possible, and then, freeze it for 6 to 9 months. 
    • THAWING: Do not thaw it! When you are ready to cook it, just remove the unshucked corn from the freezer and cook it right away, by boiling or microwaving it.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 77.4kcal | Carbohydrates: 16.8g | Protein: 2.9g | Fat: 1.2g | Saturated Fat: 0.3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Sodium: 13.5mg | Potassium: 243mg | Fiber: 1.8g | Sugar: 5.6g | Vitamin A: 168.3IU | Vitamin C: 6.1mg | Calcium: 1.8mg | Iron: 0.5mg

    ** Nutrition labels on easyanddelish.com are for educational purposes only. This info is provided as a courtesy and is only an estimate, since the nutrition content of recipes can vary based on ingredient brand or source, portion sizes, recipe changes/variations, and other factors. We suggest making your own calculations using your preferred calculator, based on which ingredients you use, or consulting with a registered dietitian to determine nutritional values more precisely.

    Please note that health-focused and diet information provided on easyanddelish.com is for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice, nor is it intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. Consult with your doctor or other qualified health professional prior to initiating any significant change in your diet or exercise regimen, or for any other issue necessitating medical advice.

    DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?Comment and rate the recipe. Also follow us on Pinterest at @easyanddelish for more delish recipes.

    « Steak Sandwich
    Lentil Soup Recipe »

    Filed Under: How-To Tagged With: dairy-free, gluten-free, paleo, vegan, vegetarian, whole30

    Subscribe

    for your weekly recipe fix.

    Please read our privacy policies before subscribing

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




     

    Primary Sidebar

    Hi, I'm Denise Browning!

    photo of Denise Browning smiling
    I'm a professional Chef with an expertise in Brazilian food. I am also a busy mom of two girls, living in Texas. Here you will find budget-friendly, healthy Brazilian and Global Recipes made Easy and Delish! I'd love to help you feed your family healthy dinners (many low carb) with a few splurges because life is all about balance! Join our community and happy cooking!

    About Me

    ORDER NOW!

    Cover of The Complete 5-Ingredient Cookbook by Denise Browning

    GET YOUR COPY NOW!

    The easy keto dessert ebook cover
    5 EASY KITCHEN SECRETS THAT WILL BLOW YOUR MIND!
    Signup for Free to Receive Easy & Delish Recipes on a Budget.
    Featured Image
    Click here & join us on PINTEREST
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • RSS
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
    • PortuguêsPortuguês
    Portrait of Denise Browning, author of Easy and Delish

    Hi, I'm Denise Browing a professional chef and cookbook author. My mission is to help you cook budget-friendly, healthy global meals for your family with some occasional splurges. They are sure to bring a lot of excitement to your table

    More about me →

    Popular

    • A close up of beef brisket with veggies
      Easy & Juicy Beef Brisket Recipe
    • A bowl of cabbage soup
      The BEST Cabbage Soup Diet Recipe and 7-Day Diet Soup Chart (Printable)
    • A pot of shrimp in coconut sauce
      One Pot Shrimp in Coconut Sauce
    • close up de camarao internacional sendo regado com o molho
      Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp Skillet Recipe (5-Ingredient)

    Order Now!

    Cover of The Complete 5-Ingredient Cookbook by Denise Browning

    Get Your Copy Now!

    The easy keto dessert ebook cover
    Click Here & Join Us on Pinterest

    Seasonal

    • close up image of a pile of vegan sweet potato brownies with caramel on top.
      Sweet Potato Brownies
    • close up image of a jar of chocolate chia pudding garnished with toppings.
      Chocolate Chia Pudding
    • a bunch of roast beef sliders with aioli and herbs on the side.
      Roast Beef Sliders
    • close up of two fig bars, one whole and one bitten partially on top.
      Fig Bars

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    Recipes | Brazilian Recipes | Contact | Privacy Policy

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2023 Easy and Delish