Fried Corn Recipe (Southern Fried Corn) – The best southern classic EVER! Fresh corn on the cob is shucked, scraped and fried in a cast iron skillet with flavorful bacon drippings and sugar for the most delicious side to serve all summer!!
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Get ready everyone, I’m about to share with you a recipe that’ll start up an addiction to corn you never knew you could have. I serve a lot of corn during the summer. I make this Scalloped Corn, Shrimp and Corn Chowder and these Corn Fritters!
I love this Mexican grilled corn. I also love this southern succotash recipe. Corn season is among us! whether you’re having it at your dinner table or on your grill, it’s fresh summer flavor is undeniable. Sweet, salty and just a little crunch is all you need to brighten up anything you choose to serve it with.
Perks & Highlights
Cuisine Inspiration: Southern American
Primary Cooking Method: Sautéing/Frying
Dietary Info: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Key Flavor: Sweet and savory with a delightful buttery richness
Skill Level: Easy
Special Perks:
- Burst of Freshness: Utilizing fresh corn in this recipe ensures a burst of natural sweetness and juiciness, significantly enhancing the overall flavor profile.
- Quick and Easy: This fried corn recipe comes together in no time, making it a perfect last-minute side dish for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings.
- Versatile Side Dish: Whether paired with BBQ, fried chicken, or a holiday roast, this versatile dish complements an array of main courses beautifully.
- Customizable Heat Level: While delicious on its own, the recipe can easily be spiced up with a dash of cayenne or a sprinkle of your favorite seasoning blend.
- Comfort Food at Its Best: The buttery goodness of this fried corn doesn’t just satisfy hunger, it’s soul food that offers a sense of home and comfort with every spoonful.
This Southern Fried Corn recipe is a testament to the beauty of simplicity in cooking, proving that with just a few ingredients, a dish can evoke a multitude of wonderful flavors and feelings.
For those of you who aren’t familiar with Southern Fried Corn, I’m not talking about a battered and deep fried whole ear of corn. We’re talking caramelized sweet kernels coated in a little sugar, butter and bacon. Each bite is a burst of flavor in your mouth! As far as texture, it may be similar to creamed corn but it doesn’t have cream in it.
Every Big Mama, Nana and Mama has their own spin on Fried Corn, but no matter the tweak it remains a southern classic. This is my mama’s recipe. It is simple yet perfect. It lets the corn shine but adds some additional flavors to really amplify the taste.
My mama has been making this recipe every summer for as long as I can remember. Fried corn was served at every barbecue we had, and I could not get enough of it. I still enjoy it today as much as I did the first time I had it. Though I have loved other’s variations, I come back to this recipe time and time again.
How to Pick Corn
Fried corn is simple to make but you must start with great corn. Make sure you check the kernels to insure they are a beautiful yellow and plump in texture.
That always shows you its a good ear of corn. If you can’t check the kernels before grabbing it, look at the husk color. It should be bright green and fresh looking. That will also give you clues on the quality of the corn.
How to Make Fried Corn Recipe- How to Cook Sweet Corn and Corn Shucking
This fried corn recipe doesn’t require too much time. The bulk of the time is spent scraping the corn off of the cob and corn shucking. For the scraping, my mama does it a specific way. She starts on one side of the cob and cuts about a third of the corn off making tiny kernels then she goes in again another third of the way and then finally does a last scrape all the way on the cob.
Her method to the madness is she doesn’t like the kernels to be too large and she says it is juicier this way. You can totally do this or do it whatever way you like. If you like larger kernels, cut them that way. Totally up to you.
You can make this southern fried corn recipe in less than 30 minutes and in only one skillet. The flavors marry together quickly, making this a side dish that’ll wow anyone from dinner guests to little ones with picky palettes!
My mama’s recipe is a sure fire way to introduce a new tasty southern staple to your summer night tables. This recipe is perfection with fresh corn but you can also use frozen corn if needed. So get out that cast iron skillet and let’s bring a little piece of the South to your kitchen tonight.
What To Serve With
Hey you can even throw some in my Mexican Cornbread recipe. And be sure to serve with my Fried Okra, Glazed Carrots and Salmon Croquettes. Win! Win!
It’s also wonderful with main dishes Skirt Steak with Chimichurri and my Smothered Pork Chops.
Best Fried Corn Recipe
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Ingredients
- 12 ears fresh corn shucked
- 4 cups water room temperature
- 2 tbsp self rising flour
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar or to taste if corn is sweet
- 2 ½ tsp salt or to taste
- ½ tsp black pepper or to taste
- 3 tbsp bacon drippings
- 2 tbsp salted butter
Instructions
- To begin, completely rinse and cut the kernels from the cobs of corn and add to a large bowl. Then add 3 cups of water.
- Next stir flour, sugar, salt and pepper into corn and water mixture. Make sure it is completely smoothly dissolved into the water.
- To a cast iron skillet, add bacon drippings and butter and heat over medium high heat. Once the butter has completely melted (make sure it doesn’t burn), pour corn mixture into hot skillet and continuously stir.
- Turn the heat down to medium. Cook approximately 12-15 minutes or until most of the water has evaporated and it has all thickened looking like creamed corn and the corn is tender and serve.
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Use a bundl pan to cut corn off cob and scrape. Soak the sraped cobs in the water and squeeze the cobs. Use this for the water.
When making this recipe, should I drain the corn from the water or pour the corn mixture with water into the pan?
No you do not drain the water but stir until most of the water is absorbed in with the flour and sugar.
I would wait to add salt and pepper until it has cooked a little with the butter.
When making fried corn do I drain the corn from the water before adding it to the frying pan?
You should drain but it won’t matter since you need to continue to cook the corn until the water thickens and mostly evaporates.
No do not drain the water.
The flour is an unexpected touch in this recipe. I bet it’s that special something I always felt like was missing when I’ve fried corn before. Thanks for the tip!
I can’t get enough one-skillet recipes! This was super good – we had it with rotisserie chicken so it was an easy meal to toss together. Thanks!
Ohhh I love fried corn and yours is absolutely perfect – just like Mamma used to make!
We made this fried corn over the weekend and omg was it delicious! We will definitely be making it again soon!
I had a bunch of corn left over from a BBQ and was looking for recipes and this sounded interesting. I’m so glad I tried it! It was delicious! Thanks for the recipe, so good!
Tried this recipe it was great
GRACIOUS GOODNESS !!!
Thank you Mr. Farmer for the delieious white corn I got at Piggly Wiggly today.
Thank you for a wonderful recipe.
Thank you Gran-Mama for the ‘ole skillet.
Now that the corn , along with everything else, is made and ready, I am going to make the Salmon patties..
Yes Mam’, good Supper tonight !!