Fried Corn Recipe

Fried Corn is simple and the recipe utilizes either fresh organic corn on the cob or canned organic corn. A few ingredients and you will have a new side dish that everyone enjoys.

You can never have too many side dishes. I’d like to say that’s what my mother always said but it’s actually what I always say.

You see my mother was always the one with sage advise. Now I guess it’s my turn.

So ‘You can never have too many side dishes and you need more corn side dishes’. Corn on the cob is one of the best vegetables out there. It was sweet and crispy and nothing else is needed to help it out.

Well, almost nothing needs to be done. That’s another quote from my life and this one came from a neighbor. She said ‘Corn isn’t corn without a worm on the end’.

Well, I’d like to pass on that saying but I do still watch for the worm when it’s organically grown and ready to be shucked – by me. I’ve seen quite a few when picking from the field.

But now we have organically grown corn that has already been shucked for us with the tip cut off so it’s ‘all pretty and such’. Perfect for ease in making Southern Fried Corn.

They usually come in three or four packs and are pretty easy to find in larger grocery stores. How did we get so lucky!

I’m always looking for simple side dishes that will WOW even the pickiest eaters. Who doesn’t want to be asked for ‘the recipe’?

There are fried corn recipes out there but this one has no bacon and still packs tons of flavor. Plant-based all the way!

How to Make Southern Fried Corn

1. Shuck and clean. Peel the husks from each ear of corn and remove any corn silks that are clinging to the kernels. Trim the ends of the cobs if necessary for easier handling. 
2. Remove the kernels. Using a sharp knife, carefully slice all of the fresh corn kernels off of each corn cob. I like to do this right into a large bowl, but you can slice on a cutting board if you prefer and then transfer the kernels to the bowl after. Once the kernels are removed from a cob, run the back of the knife blade along the cob and press (watch the video below for a demo on this part!). This squeezes the extra juices–also known as corn milk–from the cob and into the bowl, which adds a lot of flavor to your southern style fried corn. 
3. Cook. Heat the olive oil in a frying pan or cast iron skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the corn kernels and the sugar. Cook over medium heat without stirring for about 5 minutes, until the corn is lightly golden. 
4. Flip and continue cooking. Use a spatula to flip the corn over and continue cooking for another 5 minutes. Using the spatula again, scrape the bottom of the pan to lift any golden-brown caramelized spots, then add the salt and pepper and dairy free milk. Increase the heat to high. 
5. Boil and simmer. Allow the corn and dairy free milk to come to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium and cook for another 10 minutes, until most of the liquid is gone and the corn is creamy and moist.
6. Serve! Taste and adjust the seasonings as desired, then enjoy your southern fried corn while hot.

Watch Us Make Southern Fried Corn

Corn Facts that are Super-Interesting!

A few facts here that might be interesting – Corn seed is actually a vegetable, a grain, and a fruit.

Corn seed is a vegetable because it is harvested for eating, a grain because it is a dry seed of a grass species and a fruit because that is the botanical definition.

I belong to an heirloom seed group where you trade heirloom seeds. I have a few corn seeds and can’t wait until I can plant again and get a little patch of cornstalks going. I’ll save some seeds too for future plantings.

It’s hard to argue with the pure delicious flavor of corn. Have you ever taken a bite before it is even cooked, right off the cob? The stuff is good.

My dad used to do that and I completely understood it. Sweet and with the perfect texture. Whatever you call it – vegetable, grain or fruit – it’s loved by all because it is so tasty.

What is the Healthiest Oil for Fried Corn and Frying?

There are a few and I have listed the top three below.

Avocado Oil can promote your healthy cholesterol levels, HDL.

Grapeseed oil has a high smoke point (as does avocado oil) and is low in saturated fat.

Use light sesame oil for frying and it is one of the heart-healthy cooking oils.

Although olive oil is one of the healthier oils it has a low smoke point so it isn’t so great for frying.

TO FREEZE:

Let cool to room temperature. Pack in rigid sided containers as defined in my article Preparing Food for the Freezer

TO PREPARE AFTER FREEZING:

Remove from the freezer and put in the refrigerator overnight for about 6 to 8 hours. The night of serving – Zap it in the microwave for 2 minutes stirring after one minute. or Heat through in a saucepan and serve.