Micro-Steamed Corn With Garlic-Chili Butter

Corn is pretty much custom-made for the microwave. The husks trap in steam as it heats up, effectively creating a steam chamber inside, cooking the kernels quickly and efficiently. All you need for an ear of microwaved corn is a quick buttery spread you can whip up as it cooks.

SSERVINGS: 4

INGREDIENTS:

• 4 ears corn in the husk
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1 small clove garlic, minced or grated on a Microplane (about ½ teaspoon)
• 2 tablespoons sliced scallions
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Place the corn on a microwave-safe plate and microwave on high power until cooked through, about 6 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, combine the butter, minced garlic, sliced scallions, and chili powder in a small bowl. Mash the ingredients together with a fork until you achieve a smooth and well-combined mixture. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
3. Husk the cooked corn and remove any remaining silks. Rub each ear of corn with the garlic-chili butter while it’s still warm from the microwave.

SERVING OPTIONS:

• Mexican Street Corn: After rubbing the corn with garlic-chili butter, spread a generous layer of mayonnaise over the corn. Roll the corn in crumbled cotija cheese, and sprinkle with extra chili powder and chopped cilantro for a classic Mexican street corn, also known as “Elote.”
• Corn Salad: Cut the cooked corn kernels off the cob and toss them with cherry tomatoes, diced avocado, black beans, and a lime-cilantro dressing. This colorful and refreshing corn salad makes a great side dish for any barbecue or summer gathering.
• Grilled Corn: After microwaving the corn, transfer it to a hot grill for a few minutes to get some charred marks. Brush it with the garlic-chili butter while grilling for a smoky and spicy twist on grilled corn.
• Corn Tacos: Shave the cooked corn off the cob and sauté it with some diced bell peppers and onions. Fill soft tortillas with the corn mixture, top with the garlic-chili butter, and garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime.
• Cornbread Topping: Mix the microwaved corn kernels with cornbread batter and bake it to create a delightful cornbread casserole. Brush the top with more garlic-chili butter for added flavor.
• Corn Salsa: Dice the cooked corn and mix it with diced red onions, jalapeños, bell peppers, and chopped cilantro. Add a splash of lime juice and a drizzle of the garlic-chili butter for a zesty corn salsa that pairs well with tortilla chips or grilled meats.
• Corn Chowder: Use the microwaved corn kernels in a creamy corn chowder along with potatoes, carrots, onions, and thyme. Stir in some of the garlic-chili butter to add a hint of spice to the comforting soup.
• Corn and Avocado Salad: Combine the microwaved corn with diced avocado, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and fresh basil. Dress the salad with the garlic-chili butter, a dash of balsamic vinegar, and season with salt and pepper.
• Corn Bruschetta: Cut slices of baguette, toast them, and spread the garlic-chili butter on top. Arrange the microwaved corn on the buttered toasts and drizzle with a balsamic glaze for a unique corn bruschetta appetizer.
• Corn Stir-Fry: Sauté the microwaved corn with a mix of colorful bell peppers, snap peas, and tofu or shrimp. Add the garlic-chili butter at the end and toss to coat the vegetables and protein with the flavorful sauce.

Feel free to experiment with these serving ideas or invent your own delicious ways to enjoy the microwaved corn with garlic-chili butter. The simplicity and versatility of the recipe make it perfect for creating a variety of tasty dishes. Enjoy!