We’ve all had those days when cooking feels like climbing Everest. This recipe transforms pantry staples into a hot meal in 5 minutes flat—no pots, no chopping, no patience required.
Boxed rice and canned corn unite in a microwave-safe bowl for maximum laziness. Bonus: You’ll dirty exactly one dish while pretending to be a culinary wizard.
Let’s nuke this meal into existence—we’ll cover microwaving hacks, texture fixes, and flavor upgrades to keep your taste buds (and couch time) intact.
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Lazy Microwave Boxed Rice with Canned Corn
Course: Main CourseCuisine: American2
2
minutes5
minutes250
kcal7
minutesIf you're looking for a meal that requires minimal effort, this lazy microwave boxed rice with canned corn is for you. With just a box of microwave rice and a can of corn, you can create a flavorful dish in minutes. No elaborate cooking skills required, just pop it in the microwave and you're ready to eat.
Ingredients
of microwave rice
of corn drained
of butter or olive oil optional
salt and pepper to taste
herbs for garnish . optional
Directions
- Start by following the instructions on the microwave rice box.
- Heat the rice in the microwave according to the package directions, usually about 90 seconds to 2 minutes.
- Once the rice is done, carefully remove it from the microwave.
- In a separate microwave-safe bowl, add the drained corn and heat for 1-2 minutes until warm.
- Combine the warm rice and corn in a serving bowl, and add butter or olive oil if desired.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, and mix well.
- Garnish with fresh herbs if using, then serve immediately..
Notes
- Feel free to customize this recipe by adding spices or cooked protein for more flavor. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated in the microwave for a quick meal later. This dish is versatile and can be paired with various sides or enjoyed on its own!
Can You Microwave Boxed Rice?
Absolutely—we’ve resurrected many forgotten boxes during midnight snack emergencies. Most boxed rice requires water, but some precooked pouches (like Uncle Ben’s Ready Rice) steam in their packaging. Check labels: if it says “microwave-safe,” you’re golden.
Microwaving Boxed Rice Without Water
Skip water only if instructions explicitly allow it. My mom Linda once nuked a “just add sauce” box dry during a holiday party prep—cue smoke alarm solo. Lesson: stick to liquid ratios unless the brand says otherwise. For crispy rice emergencies, stir in 1 tbsp water and microwave 30 seconds more.
Microwaving Rice in the Original Packaging
Many boxes have hidden microwave lines under the flap. Look for phrases like “vent here” or perforated edges. Brands like Zatarain’s and Rice-A-Roni often use heat-safe inks. If unsure, transfer to a bowl—Linda’s charred cardboard confetti still haunts our family gatherings.
Ingredients for Lazy Microwave Boxed Rice With Canned Corn
This recipe thrives on shortcuts. Grab:
- 1 box microwaveable rice (we use Knorr Mexican Rice for zest)
- 1 can sweet corn kernels (drained)
- 1 tbsp butter or olive oil (optional but glorious)
Boxed Rice Alternatives (Instant, Precooked, or Seasoned)
No box? Use 1 cup instant rice + seasoning. For precooked pouches (90-second Mahatma Jasmine), reduce microwaving time by 25%. Linda swears by Vigo Yellow Rice—its saffron notes make canned corn taste fancy. If you’re looking for a delicious side dish, a microwave jasmine rice recipe is a great option. It allows you to enjoy the fluffy texture and fragrant flavor of jasmine rice in just a few minutes.
Canned Corn Substitutes (Frozen, Fresh, or Roasted)
Frozen corn needs 15 extra seconds due to ice crystals. Fresh kernels? Microwave 1 minute first. Craving smokiness? Toss drained corn with paprika before adding—it’s Linda’s “company’s coming” trick from her infamous 2017 Super Bowl spread. When it comes to cooking frozen corn cobs in the microwave, a few adjustments can make a big difference. For instance, using a damp paper towel can help retain moisture while ensuring they heat evenly.
Ready to make magic happen? Let’s tackle the 5-minute microwaving dance next—spatula optional, napkin mandatory.
How to Make Lazy Microwave Boxed Rice With Canned Corn
I perfected this recipe during a Netflix marathon when even takeout felt too ambitious. You’ll need: a microwave-safe bowl, boxed rice, canned corn, and the willpower not to eat straight from the bowl. Consider how easy it is to whip up a delicious microwave rice recipe with just a few simple ingredients. This method takes the convenience of microwave cooking to the next level, allowing for a tasty meal in minutes.
Step-by-step Microwaving Instructions
- Dump rice and seasoning into bowl. Add water per box instructions—usually 1 cup liquid for 1.5 cup rice.
- Stir in drained corn (trust me, ½ cup is sweet spot). Top with butter if you’re feeling lavish.
- Microwave uncovered 3 minutes. Stir. Nuke 2-4 more minutes until liquid absorbs. Let sit 1 minute—patience pays in fluffiness.
Pro tip: My cousin Dave once microwaved for 8 minutes straight. We ate charcoal. Always pause halfway to stir! It’s fascinating how the microwave can sometimes enhance flavors, especially when it comes to certain foods. Some items taste better when heated in the microwave than when baked, making them perfect candidates for a quick meal.
Tips for Avoiding Overcooked or Dry Rice
Undercooked? Add 1 tbsp water, microwave 30 seconds. Overcooked? Stir in 1 tsp oil or broth to revive. Cover with a damp paper towel while resting—it’s like a spa day for grains. Reviving stale bread can be just as simple. Using a wet paper towel in the microwave for 30 seconds can bring old bread back to life, making it soft and enjoyable again.
Brands vary: Minute Rice needs 5 minutes total, Zatarain’s takes 7. Set timers religiously. Linda’s secret: tap the bowl edge after cooking—hollow sounds mean done!
Also See: Gooseberry Fool – Spring Treat (Microwave Puree)
What Does Lazy Microwave Boxed Rice With Canned Corn Taste Like?
Imagine buttery diner rice meets sweet corn bursts—like sunshine in bowl form. Seasoned boxes (think Mexican or garlic herb) add depth without effort. It’s takeout vibes with pajama-level comfort. For a quick and tasty side dish, a microwave Mexican rice recipe can bring that same flavor profile to your table in no time. With just a few simple ingredients, you can enjoy a delicious homemade version that pairs perfectly with any meal.
The corn stays crisp-tender if drained well. For extra zing, I sneak in lime zest—but that’s as fancy as we get before 7 PM.
Also See: Microwave Caramel Apple Cake: Quick and Delicious!
Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them
We’ve all been there. Last Tuesday, I created a rice brick. Here’s how to salvage glory:
Undercooked Rice Fixes
If grains crunch like popcorn, add 2 tbsp water. Microwave 1-minute bursts, stirring between nukes. Let steam 3 minutes post-cooking—heat redistribution works miracles. When working with corn in any form, especially canned, this step is crucial.
Adjusting Liquid Ratios for Different Brands
| Brand | Liquid Per 1 Cup Rice |
|---|---|
| Minute Rice | 1 cup water |
| Rice-A-Roni | 1.25 cups water |
| Knorr | 1.5 cups water + corn juice |
Corn adds moisture! Subtract 2 tbsp water if using juicy veggies. For seasoned rice, reduce salt—canned corn brings its own brine. Microwave canned corn is a convenient option, making it easy to add sweetness and texture to your meals. Just heat it up, and you have a delicious side dish ready in minutes.
Now that we’ve mastered the basics, let’s jazz things up—next up, global flavor twists that’ll make your microwave blush.
Lazy Microwave Boxed Rice Recipe Variations
We once survived a week-long power outage living off boxed rice and canned goods. Here’s how we turned survival mode into flavor town—no stovetop required.
Mexican-style Microwave Rice With Corn and Lime
Zesty fiesta vibes in 90 seconds? Done. After microwaving, stir in 1 tsp chili powder, ½ tsp cumin, and a squeeze of lime. Top with cilantro if your fridge isn’t a wasteland. Pro move: save 2 tbsp corn liquid to replace water—it amplifies sweetness without added sugar.
My roommate once subbed Tajín for chili powder. We now keep a shaker in the silverware drawer. Warning: addictive tang ahead.
Garlic Butter Microwave Rice With Canned Corn
Butter makes everything better—even laziness. Before nuking, add 1 tbsp melted butter + ½ tsp garlic powder to dry rice. Post-cook, toss in corn and ¼ cup parmesan. Stir vigorously to create a faux-risotto texture worthy of paper plates. For a delicious side dish, try preparing some quick microwave garlic butter corn. This simple recipe brings together sweet corn and garlic butter in just minutes, making it a perfect accompaniment to any meal.
During a snowstorm last year, we used garlic-infused olive oil from a holiday gift set. Game-changer: the oil’s subtle heat made canned corn taste fire-roasted.
Microwave Rice With Corn and Black Beans
Protein-packed and pantry-friendly. Drain a can of black beans (low-sodium preferred) and mix with corn before microwaving. Add ½ tsp smoked paprika to the rice’s cooking liquid—it mimics grill char without the backyard effort. This combination works wonderfully as a quick and budget-friendly meal option. If you’re looking for something even simpler, consider cheap microwave canned black bean salsa rice, which offers a delicious and easy way to enjoy these ingredients together.
For “fancy” nights, we garnish with avocado slices. Confession: the avocado is purely for Instagram. We eat it straight from the bowl otherwise. Microwaving avocado can also be a quick way to soften it up for your dishes. This method enhances the flavor and makes it easier to mash or spread.
Mastered these twists? Let’s tackle the real challenge: keeping leftovers edible past Thursday. With a few clever tricks, transforming those leftovers into gourmet meals is easier than ever.
Now It’s Your Turn to Try!
We’ve covered everything from microwave safety to flavor variations for your lazy boxed rice with canned corn. This 5-minute meal proves convenience doesn’t have to sacrifice taste.
Grab your favorite boxed rice and canned corn – let’s make dinner happen before your next Zoom meeting ends. Tag us CanYouMicrowaveWiki with your creations!
