Skillet Fried Corn: A Sweet and Savory Summer Delight

Skillet fried corn is a quintessential summer side dish, bursting with fresh, sweet corn flavor and a hint of savory goodness. It’s incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal ingredients and time, yet delivers maximum taste. This recipe is perfect for using up that abundance of sweet corn you might find at your local farmers market or grocery store during peak season. Whether you’re grilling out, hosting a potluck, or simply looking for a quick and delicious weeknight side, skillet fried corn is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

This recipe will guide you through creating the perfect skillet fried corn, offering variations and tips for achieving the best possible results. Get ready to experience the taste of summer in every bite!

Why You’ll Love This Skillet Fried Corn Recipe

* **Simple and Quick:** This recipe requires just a handful of ingredients and comes together in under 30 minutes.
* **Fresh and Flavorful:** The natural sweetness of corn shines through, complemented by savory elements.
* **Versatile:** Skillet fried corn can be served as a side dish, topping for tacos or salads, or even mixed into dips.
* **Perfect for Summer:** It’s the ideal way to showcase fresh, seasonal corn.
* **Customizable:** Easily adaptable to your preferences with different herbs, spices, and even additions like bacon or peppers.

Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Fresh Corn:** The star of the show! About 6-8 ears of corn, shucked. You can also use frozen corn kernels (about 4-5 cups) if fresh corn is not available.
* **Butter:** Adds richness and flavor. Unsalted butter is recommended so you can control the amount of salt in the final dish.
* **Onion:** Diced onion provides a savory base. Yellow or white onion works well.
* **Garlic:** Minced garlic enhances the overall flavor profile.
* **Salt and Pepper:** Essential seasonings to bring out the flavors of the corn and other ingredients.
* **Optional Add-ins:** These are suggestions to customize your skillet corn. Consider adding:
* **Bacon:** Cooked and crumbled bacon adds a smoky and salty element.
* **Jalapeño:** Diced jalapeño peppers for a touch of heat.
* **Red Bell Pepper:** Diced red bell pepper for sweetness and color.
* **Fresh Herbs:** Chopped fresh herbs like chives, parsley, or cilantro brighten up the dish.
* **Cream Cheese or Heavy Cream:** A small amount adds creaminess and richness.
* **Lime Juice:** A squeeze of lime juice provides a tangy contrast.
* **Cotija Cheese or Feta Cheese:** Crumbled cheese adds a salty and savory topping.

Equipment You’ll Need

* **Large Skillet:** A cast iron skillet is ideal for even cooking and browning, but any large skillet will work.
* **Sharp Knife:** For cutting the corn kernels off the cob.
* **Cutting Board:** To protect your countertop while cutting.
* **Mixing Bowl:** For tossing the corn kernels with seasonings.
* **Measuring Spoons and Cups:** For accurate ingredient measurements.
* **Wooden Spoon or Spatula:** For stirring and scraping the corn in the skillet.

How to Make Skillet Fried Corn: Step-by-Step Instructions

This recipe is divided into clear, easy-to-follow steps, complete with explanations and tips to ensure your success. Prepare to enjoy the most delicious skillet fried corn you’ve ever tasted!

**Step 1: Prepare the Corn**

* **Shuck the Corn:** Remove the husks and silks from the corn on the cob. Make sure to get rid of all the silk strands. A vegetable brush can help with this.
* **Cut the Kernels:** There are a few methods for removing the kernels:
* **Method 1 (Bundt Pan):** Stand the corn cob upright in the center of a Bundt pan. Use a sharp knife to slice down the sides of the cob, allowing the kernels to fall into the pan. This method helps contain the kernels and prevents them from scattering all over your countertop.
* **Method 2 (Cutting Board):** Place the corn cob on a cutting board. Hold the cob firmly at one end and carefully slice down the sides with a sharp knife. Rotate the cob and repeat until all the kernels are removed. Be careful not to cut too close to the cob, as this will include the tough part of the kernel.
* **Method 3 (Microwave then Cut):** Microwave the corn on the cob for 2-3 minutes. This slightly cooks the corn and makes the kernels easier to cut off. Let it cool slightly before handling. Then, use either the Bundt pan or cutting board method to remove the kernels.
* **Measure the Kernels:** You should have approximately 4-5 cups of corn kernels. If using frozen corn, measure out the desired amount.

**Step 2: Prepare the Other Ingredients**

* **Dice the Onion:** Finely dice one medium onion. The smaller the dice, the more evenly it will cook and distribute its flavor throughout the dish.
* **Mince the Garlic:** Mince two cloves of garlic. Freshly minced garlic provides the best flavor. You can use a garlic press or mince it finely with a knife.
* **Optional: Prepare Add-ins:** If using any add-ins like bacon, jalapeño, or red bell pepper, prepare them now. Cook and crumble the bacon, and dice the peppers.

**Step 3: Cook the Onion and Garlic**

* **Melt the Butter:** In a large skillet (preferably cast iron) over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Let the butter melt completely and coat the bottom of the skillet.
* **Sauté the Onion:** Add the diced onion to the skillet and sauté until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
* **Add the Garlic:** Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it will become bitter.

**Step 4: Add the Corn and Cook**

* **Add the Corn Kernels:** Add the corn kernels to the skillet with the onion and garlic. Stir well to combine.
* **Season:** Season with salt and pepper to taste. Start with about ½ teaspoon of salt and ¼ teaspoon of pepper, and adjust as needed.
* **Cook the Corn:** Cook the corn, stirring occasionally, until it is tender and slightly browned, about 10-15 minutes. The corn should become more vibrant in color and start to caramelize slightly.
* **Tip:** For a more caramelized flavor, avoid stirring the corn constantly. Allow it to sit undisturbed for a few minutes between stirs, allowing it to brown on the bottom of the skillet.
* **If using frozen corn:** Cook until heated through and any excess moisture has evaporated. This might take slightly less time than using fresh corn.

**Step 5: Add Optional Ingredients (If Using)**

* **Add-ins:** If using any of the optional add-ins, now is the time to add them. Stir in the cooked bacon, diced jalapeño, or red bell pepper.
* **Cream Cheese or Heavy Cream:** If using cream cheese or heavy cream, add a tablespoon or two to the skillet and stir until melted and smooth. This will create a creamier sauce for the corn.
* **Fresh Herbs:** Stir in any chopped fresh herbs like chives, parsley, or cilantro during the last minute of cooking to preserve their flavor and color.

**Step 6: Finish and Serve**

* **Taste and Adjust Seasoning:** Taste the corn and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or other spices to your liking.
* **Lime Juice (Optional):** Squeeze a wedge of lime juice over the corn for a tangy finish.
* **Serve Immediately:** Serve the skillet fried corn immediately while it is hot. Garnish with crumbled cotija or feta cheese, if desired.

Tips for the Best Skillet Fried Corn

* **Use Fresh, High-Quality Corn:** The quality of the corn will greatly impact the flavor of the dish. Choose corn that is plump, juicy, and has bright green husks.
* **Don’t Overcook the Corn:** Overcooked corn can become mushy. Cook it until it is tender and slightly browned, but still has some bite.
* **Use a Hot Skillet:** A hot skillet is essential for achieving that slightly caramelized flavor. Make sure the skillet is heated before adding the butter and vegetables.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Skillet:** If you are making a large batch of corn, cook it in batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet. Overcrowding will lower the temperature of the skillet and prevent the corn from browning properly.
* **Adjust Seasoning to Taste:** Seasoning is key to bringing out the flavors of the corn. Taste the corn throughout the cooking process and adjust the seasoning as needed.
* **Experiment with Add-ins:** Don’t be afraid to experiment with different add-ins to create your own unique version of skillet fried corn.

Variations on Skillet Fried Corn

* **Spicy Skillet Fried Corn:** Add diced jalapeño peppers or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
* **Creamy Skillet Fried Corn:** Add cream cheese or heavy cream for a richer, creamier dish.
* **Mexican Skillet Fried Corn:** Add black beans, diced tomatoes, and a blend of Mexican spices for a south-of-the-border twist. Top with cotija cheese and cilantro.
* **Bacon Skillet Fried Corn:** Cook and crumble bacon and add it to the corn during the last few minutes of cooking for a smoky, salty flavor.
* **Grilled Skillet Fried Corn:** Grill the corn on the cob until slightly charred, then cut off the kernels and proceed with the recipe. This will add a smoky flavor to the dish.

Serving Suggestions

Skillet fried corn is a versatile side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses. Here are a few serving suggestions:

* **Grilled Meats:** Serve it alongside grilled chicken, steak, pork chops, or burgers.
* **Fish:** It’s a great accompaniment to grilled or pan-seared fish.
* **Tacos and Burritos:** Use it as a filling for tacos, burritos, or quesadillas.
* **Salads:** Add it to salads for a burst of sweetness and flavor.
* **Dips:** Mix it into dips like guacamole or salsa.
* **Cornbread:** Serve it as a topping for cornbread.
* **Vegetarian Dishes:** It’s a delicious addition to vegetarian dishes like black bean burgers or grilled halloumi.

Make Ahead and Storage Instructions

* **Make Ahead:** You can cut the corn kernels off the cob and dice the onion and garlic ahead of time. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
* **Storage:** Leftover skillet fried corn can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat it in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave.

Skillet Fried Corn Recipe

**Yields:** 6-8 servings
**Prep time:** 15 minutes
**Cook time:** 15 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 6-8 ears of fresh corn, shucked
* 2 tablespoons butter
* 1 medium onion, diced
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Optional add-ins: cooked and crumbled bacon, diced jalapeño, diced red bell pepper, chopped fresh herbs, cream cheese or heavy cream, lime juice, cotija or feta cheese

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Corn:** Shuck the corn and cut the kernels off the cob using your preferred method.
2. **Prepare Other Ingredients:** Dice the onion and mince the garlic. Prepare any optional add-ins.
3. **Cook Onion and Garlic:** In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the diced onion and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
4. **Add Corn and Cook:** Add the corn kernels to the skillet with the onion and garlic. Season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the corn is tender and slightly browned, about 10-15 minutes.
5. **Add Optional Ingredients:** If using, add any optional add-ins like bacon, jalapeño, or herbs during the last few minutes of cooking.
6. **Finish and Serve:** Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Squeeze a wedge of lime juice over the corn, if desired. Serve immediately.

Enjoy your delicious and easy skillet fried corn! This recipe is a testament to how simple ingredients and a little bit of technique can create a dish that’s both comforting and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re using it as a side dish, a topping, or an ingredient in a larger recipe, skillet fried corn is sure to be a hit. So grab some fresh corn and get cooking!