Charred Corn
Wow, this is an irresistible charred corn recipe! Learn how to get that enticing smokey flavor and wonderful caramelized texture that make charred corn a summer favorite—right from a skillet. Whether you need a delicious side dish for dinner or a family BBQ, you cannot go wrong with blackened corn kernels in just about 15 minutes.
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 16 oz. frozen corn kernels thawed and drained of excess water, dried with paper towels if necessary
- 1 tbsp butter
- fresh parsley optional for serving color
Seasonings and Spices
- 1 tsp Paprika Hungarian paprika for smokey flavors
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp onion powder
- salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prior to starting the recipe, thaw frozen corn and remove excess water. The less water left in the pan, the easier the corn can char. Because most corn has water content, there will be an element of it steaming off prior to the charring beginning.
- Heat vegetable oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat and carefully add drained and thawed corn kernels.
- Stir in paprika, garlic powder, dried oregano, and onion powder. Mix well to evenly coat all corn.
- Continue to cook corn, stirring occasionally, until the majority of the corn is charred and blackened, about 20 minutes. This process takes 15-20 minutes due to the natural water content in corn, so be patient. Do not over-stir as the corn must sit on the pan to blacken.
- Remove cast iron pan from heat and stir butter into charre corn until melted. Top with chopped fresh parsley (or one of the ideas in the comments) if desired.
Notes
Here are just a few suggestions to switch up the flavors:
- Salt & pepper
- Fresh Cilantro
- Fresh Lime juice
- Cotija cheese
- Chili flakes
- Cayenne Pepper
- Fresh Chives
- Cumin
- Or try adding: drained and rinsed Black Beans, Diced Green Bell Pepper, Sliced Jalapeno Pepper, Green Onions