I’m totally fond of corn recipes made in a skillet. They’re simple to cook, tasty, and ideal for any event. No matter if you need a side dish for Thanksgiving, a dish for a summer barbecue, or just a swift and simple meal, skillet corn is the ideal option.
There are so many different ways to make skillet corn, from classic Southern-style fried corn to sweet and creamy honey-butter corn. You can use fresh corn on the cob or frozen corn, and customize your recipe with your favorite seasonings and toppings. Whether you prefer your corn crispy and chewy or soft and buttery, there is a skillet corn recipe out there for you.
In this article, I will share some of my favorite skillet corn recipes, as well as tips and tricks for making the perfect skillet corn every time. Whether you are a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, these recipes are sure to impress. So grab your skillet and let’s get cooking!
Ingredients
When it comes to making skillet corn, the ingredients are simple and few. Here are the key ingredients you will need to make this delicious side dish:
- Fresh Corn: The star of the show, fresh corn is what makes this dish so delicious. You can use either fresh or frozen corn, but fresh is always best when it’s in season.
- Butter: Butter is used to cook the corn and adds a rich, savory flavor to the dish.
- Salt: Salt is essential for bringing out the natural sweetness of the corn.
- Pepper: Pepper adds a bit of heat and complexity to the dish. Freshly ground black pepper is recommended for the best flavor.
- Garlic: Garlic adds a depth of flavor to the dish and pairs well with the sweetness of the corn.
- Onion: Onion is another great flavor enhancer that pairs well with corn.
- Sugar: A touch of sugar can be added to balance out the flavors and enhance the natural sweetness of the corn.
- Kosher Salt: Kosher salt is a larger, coarser salt that is perfect for seasoning the corn.
- Milk: Some recipes call for adding milk or cream to the corn to make it creamier. However, this recipe does not require any milk or cream.
- Flour: Similarly, some recipes call for adding flour to the corn to thicken it up. This recipe does not require any flour.
Overall, the ingredients for skillet corn are simple and easy to find at any grocery store. With just a few key ingredients, you can make a delicious and satisfying side dish that is perfect for any meal.
Preparation Steps
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KTwWUCaaYm0&embed=true
When it comes to making skillet corn, the preparation steps are crucial to ensure the perfect outcome. As someone who has made skillet corn many times, I’ve discovered a few tips and tricks that can make the process easier and more efficient.
The first step is to shuck the corn and remove the silk. I find it helpful to lay the corn on its side and use a sharp knife to cut off the bottom of the ear. This creates a flat surface that makes it easier to stand the corn up and cut off the kernels. Using a sharp knife, cut the kernels off the cob, being careful not to cut too deep and include the tough part of the cob.
Once you have your kernels, it’s time to brown and caramelize them in the skillet. Melt butter in a large nonstick pan or skillet over medium-high heat. If you prefer a vegan or dairy-free option, you can use vegan butter instead. Once the butter is melted, add in the corn, salt, and pepper. Stir well to coat the kernels with the butter.
Cook the corn on medium-high heat, stirring often, for 30-40 minutes. This will give the kernels enough time to brown and caramelize, which adds a delicious nutty flavor to the dish. Be sure to stir often to prevent the corn from burning or sticking to the pan.
Overall, the preparation steps for skillet corn are relatively simple. Shuck and cut the corn, melt the butter, and cook the kernels until they’re brown and caramelized. With a little bit of patience and attention to detail, you can create a delicious side dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
Cooking Methods
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When it comes to cooking skillet corn, there are a few different methods you can use to achieve delicious results. Here are some of the most popular methods:
Skillet
Using a skillet is the most traditional method for cooking skillet corn. A cast iron skillet is the best option for achieving a crispy and charred finish on the corn. Simply heat up the skillet over medium-high heat and add a bit of oil or butter. Once the skillet is hot, add the corn and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the corn is charred and tender.
Cast Iron
Cooking skillet corn in a cast iron skillet is a great way to achieve a crispy and charred finish on the corn. Start by heating up the skillet over medium-high heat and adding a bit of oil or butter. Once the skillet is hot, add the corn and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the corn is charred and tender.
Nonstick Skillet
Using a nonstick skillet is a great option for those who want to avoid using oil or butter in their cooking. Simply heat up the skillet over medium-high heat and add the corn. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the corn is tender and slightly charred.
No matter which method you choose, be sure to season your skillet corn with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add in additional ingredients like herbs, spices, or cheese to give your skillet corn a unique and flavorful twist.
Variations and Substitutions
When it comes to skillet corn recipes, there are many variations and substitutions you can make to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. Here are some ideas to consider:
Butter Substitutes
For a vegan or dairy-free option, you can substitute butter with vegan butter or coconut oil. These alternatives will still provide the richness and flavor that butter adds to the dish.
Bacon Fat
For a smoky flavor, you can substitute butter with bacon fat. Simply cook bacon in the skillet until crispy, remove the bacon, and use the rendered fat to cook the corn. This will add a delicious smoky flavor to the dish.
Fresh Herbs
To add some freshness and brightness to the dish, consider adding fresh herbs like cilantro, parsley, or basil. Simply chop the herbs finely and sprinkle them over the cooked corn. This will add a pop of color and flavor to the dish.
Canned Corn
If fresh corn is not available, you can use canned corn as a substitute. Simply drain the canned corn and add it to the skillet with some butter or oil. While fresh corn is always preferred, canned corn can still make a delicious skillet corn recipe in a pinch.
Overall, there are many variations and substitutions you can make to a skillet corn recipe to suit your preferences. Whether you are looking for a vegan option, a smoky flavor, or some freshness, there are many ways to customize this dish.
Nutritional Information
As someone who enjoys cooking and eating healthy, I always like to know the nutritional information of the food I’m preparing. Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional value of skillet corn:
- Calories: One cup of skillet corn contains approximately 130-150 calories, depending on the recipe and ingredients used.
- Fat: Skillet corn is a low-fat dish, with only 2-5 grams of total fat per serving.
- Saturated Fat: Most skillet corn recipes are low in saturated fat, with less than 1 gram per serving.
- Cholesterol: Skillet corn is cholesterol-free.
- Sodium: Depending on the recipe, skillet corn can be high in sodium. If you’re watching your sodium intake, look for recipes that use low-sodium ingredients or use less salt.
- Protein: Skillet corn is not a significant source of protein, with only 3-5 grams per serving.
- Iron: Corn is a good source of iron, with approximately 5-10% of the recommended daily value per serving.
- Carbohydrates: Skillet corn is a carbohydrate-rich food, with approximately 20-30 grams per serving.
- Fiber: Corn is a good source of fiber, with approximately 2-4 grams per serving.
- Total Fat: Skillet corn is a low-fat dish, with only 2-5 grams of total fat per serving.
- Total Carbohydrate: Skillet corn is a carbohydrate-rich food, with approximately 20-30 grams per serving.
- Dietary Fiber: Corn is a good source of fiber, with approximately 2-4 grams per serving.
- Total Sugars: Depending on the recipe, skillet corn can be high in sugar. Look for recipes that use fresh or frozen corn instead of canned corn, which can be high in added sugars.
- Vitamin C: Corn is a good source of vitamin C, with approximately 10-15% of the recommended daily value per serving.
- Calcium: Skillet corn is not a significant source of calcium.
- Potassium: Corn is a good source of potassium, with approximately 200-300 milligrams per serving.
Overall, skillet corn is a healthy and delicious side dish that can be enjoyed year-round. By choosing recipes that use fresh or frozen corn and low-sodium ingredients, you can make this dish even healthier.
Pairing Suggestions
When it comes to pairing skillet corn, the possibilities are endless. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish or incorporating it into a main course, there are plenty of options to choose from.
If you’re serving skillet corn as a side dish, it pairs well with a variety of proteins. Grilled chicken or shrimp are great options that complement the sweetness of the corn. You could also pair it with a juicy steak or roasted pork chops for a heartier meal.
If you’re looking to incorporate skillet corn into a main course, there are plenty of options to choose from as well. One of my favorite ways to use skillet corn is in a creamy corn chowder. Simply add some diced potatoes, onions, and chicken broth to the skillet corn and let it simmer until the potatoes are tender. Finish it off with some heavy cream and fresh herbs for a comforting and satisfying meal.
Another great way to use skillet corn is in a summer salad. Toss it with some mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and avocado for a refreshing and colorful dish. You could also add some grilled chicken or shrimp to make it more substantial.
No matter how you decide to serve it, skillet corn is a versatile and delicious dish that is sure to please. So get creative and experiment with different pairing options to find your perfect match.
Seasonal Considerations
As a corn lover, I always look forward to the summer season when fresh corn is available in abundance. There’s nothing quite like the taste of sweet, juicy corn that has just been picked from the garden. If you’re lucky enough to have a garden, consider planting corn in the spring so that you can enjoy it all summer long.
When it comes to selecting corn for your skillet corn recipe, it’s important to choose ears that are fresh and in season. Look for ears that have bright green husks and silk that is still moist. The kernels should be plump and tightly packed together. Avoid ears that have brown or dry husks or kernels that are shriveled or discolored.
If you’re not able to get fresh corn, frozen corn can be a good substitute. Just be sure to thaw it completely before cooking. Canned corn can also work, but be aware that it may be more processed and less flavorful than fresh or frozen corn.
When cooking skillet corn, keep in mind that the cooking time may vary depending on the freshness and size of the corn kernels. Be sure to taste the corn as it cooks to ensure that it is tender and cooked through. You can also add other seasonal ingredients to your skillet corn recipe, such as fresh herbs like basil or thyme, or diced summer vegetables like tomatoes or zucchini.
Overall, the summer season is the perfect time to enjoy skillet corn, whether you’re using fresh or frozen corn. Take advantage of the abundance of corn during the corn season and experiment with different variations of this classic dish.
Social Media
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I love sharing my skillet corn recipe on social media! It’s a great way to connect with other foodies and share my love for this delicious dish. Here are some of my favorite ways to share my recipe:
Instagram is a great platform for sharing food photos. I like to take a beautiful photo of my skillet corn and post it with a catchy caption. I also use relevant hashtags like #skilletcorn, #cornrecipe, and #yum to make my post more discoverable. I also make sure to tag other food bloggers who might be interested in my recipe.
Pinterest is another great platform for sharing recipes. I create a pin for my skillet corn recipe with an eye-catching photo and a short description. I also make sure to include keywords in my pin description like “skillet corn recipe,” “easy corn recipe,” and “southern corn recipe” to make it more discoverable. I also make sure to use relevant boards and group boards to reach a wider audience.
Pin this Recipe
If you love my skillet corn recipe, be sure to pin it for later! You can save it to your favorite recipe board on Pinterest or share it with your friends on social media. Don’t forget to tag me @myusername so I can see your delicious creations!
Overall, social media is a great way to share my skillet corn recipe with the world. Whether you’re a food blogger or just a home cook, I encourage you to share your favorite recipes on social media too!
