30-minute Classic Southern Fried Corn
This recipe for Southern-style fried corn offers a quick and tasty side dish. It combines fresh corn with butter and a hint of butter, adding a subtle smoky flavor to the overall taste. Perfect for barbecues, family dinners, or holiday feasts, this easy-to-follow recipe highlights the natural sweetness of corn while keeping things simple and authentic.
Ingredients
- 8 Ears of fresh sweet corn Husked and cleaned (e.g., Silver Queen)
- 6 tablespoons Unsalted butter divided
- 1 Salt
- ½ teaspoon Black pepper Freshly cracked
- ½ teaspoon Garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons Sugar Optional, if corn isn’t naturally sweet
Instructions
- Prepare the Corn: Start by shucking the corn. Remove the husks and silks completely. To make this easier, you can microwave the corn for about 1–2 minutes before peeling. This loosens the silks for quicker removal. Stand each ear upright in a large bowl to catch kernels, then use a sharp knife to cut downwards. To gather the most corn, ensure your cuts are made near the cob. This method provides the highest output when extracting kernels.
- Scrape the Cob: Run the blunt edge of the knife along the cob to release the rich, creamy liquid inside. This step is essential for achieving the rich and slightly creamy texture characteristic of Southern fried corn.
- Heat the Skillet: Set a cast iron pan on the stove at medium temperature. Cast iron skillets distribute heat evenly and enhance the caramelization of the corn, creating the iconic flavor of skillet corn.
- Sauté the Ingredients: Add 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Once melted, add the corn kernels and their starchy milk. Stir to coat the corn evenly in the butter. Sprinkle the kosher salt, freshly cracked black pepper, garlic powder, and sugar (if using) over the corn. Stir to combine.
- Cook to Perfection: Cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally. The kernels should become tender and lightly caramelized, creating a balance of sweetness and nuttiness.
- Finish with Butter: Add the remaining butter and cook for an additional 3–5 minutes. This final touch ensures a glossy, flavorful finish.
- Serve Immediately: After cooking, place the dish on a serving platter. To enhance both the visual presentation and flavor profile, consider garnishing with freshly chopped herbs like parsley or chives. Serve hot and enjoy your fried corn recipe alongside your favorite dishes.
Notes
- Calories Per Serving: Approx. 220 kcal (44 grams)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dietary Tags: Vegetarian (with butter substitution), Gluten-Free
- Nutritional Info Per Serving: 10g fat, 3g saturated fat, 29g carbohydrates, 3g fiber, 5g protein, 200mg sodium
