Perfect Southern Fried Corn Recipe in 30 Minutes
Ah, southern fried corn – a true delicacy that is sweet, buttery and explodes with flavor in every bite. As a chef specializing in southern-style cuisine, I can confidently say that there are few dishes as iconic and delicious as fried corn. And today, I am thrilled to share with you my very own recipe for the best southern fried corn you will ever have.
Picture this: plump ears of fresh corn on the cob, cut off into kernels and coated in a rich mixture of all-purpose flour, milk, and bacon drippings before being pan-fried to crispy perfection. The result? An irresistible side dish that pairs beautifully with everything from roasted chicken to barbecue ribs.
But what sets this recipe apart from any other out there? Well, it’s all about the details. With carefully selected ingredients like black pepper, salt, and sugar being added in exactly the right amounts, each step of the process is expertly crafted to ensure maximum flavor and texture.
Trust me – once you’ve had a taste of my southern fried corn recipe, you’ll never go back to canned or frozen corn again. So let’s get started – it’s time to elevate your dinner table with this iconic dish that has been delighting southerners for generations.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Picture this: a piping hot plate of Southern Fried Corn, just out of the skillet, crispy and buttery on the edges, and perfectly seasoned with salt and black pepper. As a chef specializing in Southern-style cuisine, let me tell you that there’s no better side dish than Southern Fried Corn.
What makes this recipe so special? It’s all in the ingredients. The freshest corn kernels are what you want for this recipe – canned or frozen corn simply won’t cut it here. I prefer to use 8 ears of fresh corn to make sure every kernel is sweet and juicy.
Then we have bacon drippings, cast iron skillets, and butter. You can’t have Southern cuisine without these essentials. The bacon drippings add that smoky flavor that’s just irresistible, while the butter brings that richness that everybody craves.
And let’s not forget the seasoning! Salt and black pepper are all you need to bring out the natural sweetness of the corn kernels. But if you want to mix things up a bit, feel free to add creamed corn or milk to create a creamier texture.
In short, Southern Fried Corn is the ultimate side dish that will leave your taste buds wanting more. It’s versatile enough for any occasion – from family dinners to barbecue parties – but always brings a touch of comfort and home-style goodness to your plate. So why not give it a try? You won’t regret it.
Ingredient List
Let’s take a look at what you’re going to need to make this mouth-watering Southern Fried Corn. Don’t worry, the recipe ingredients are quite simple and easy to find in your local grocery store or pantry.
Corn
- 8 ears of fresh corn
- 1/2 cup of milk
- 1/2 cup of water
Flour Mixture
- 1 cup of all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon of sugar
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
Bacon Drippings and Butter Mixture
- 2 tablespoons of bacon fat or butter
- 1 medium-sized yellow onion, finely chopped
That’s it! You only need a few simple ingredients to make some of the best Southern fried corn out there. If you don’t have fresh corn or can’t find it, you can use canned or frozen corn as a substitute. However, with fresh corn, the taste is unbeatable!
The Recipe How-To
Now, let’s dive into the recipe how-to of this delicious southern fried corn recipe.
Ingredients:
- 8 ears fresh corn
- 2 tablespoons bacon drippings
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 cup milk
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Step 1: Preparing the Corn
First, you need to prepare the corn. Cut the kernels off the cob and try to get them as close to the cob as possible. Be sure to scrape the cob with a spoon to get every last bit of that sweet corn juice!
Step 2: Cooking the Corn
Next, place a cast iron skillet on medium heat and add the bacon drippings and butter. Allow them to melt and become hot before adding the fresh corn kernels. Cook stirring often for about 10 minutes or until the corn becomes tender.
Step 3: Adding Milk
Once cooked, turn the heat down low and add in milk. Add enough to cover about half of the corn mixture in your skillet. You can use either regular milk or canned milk.
Step 4: Seasoning
Finally, season with salt and black pepper to taste. Continue to cook stirring occasionally for about ten more minutes, or until all of the liquid has been absorbed by the corn.
Serve this southern fried corn recipe hot as a side dish alongside any meal or as a main dish by pairing it with a salad or some crusty bread.
Substitutions and Variations
Southern Fried Corn is a classic Southern side dish that has been enjoyed for many generations. While the traditional recipe calls for fresh corn cut off the cob, there are several substitutions and variations that can be made to suit your taste buds or dietary preferences.
For a healthier version of this recipe, you can opt to use 1% or 2% milk instead of whole milk, and replace bacon drippings with a healthier fat like olive oil or vegetable oil. You could also substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour mixture to make the dish suitable for those on a gluten-free diet.
If you’re looking for a more elevated take on this classic dish, try adding some roasted corn or canned creamed corn to your fried corn recipe. The addition of these elements will enhance the flavor and give the dish a creamy texture.
For those who prefer a smoky flavor in their fried corn, adding crumbled bacon or even smoked sausage into the mix can add an extra kick of flavor to the dish.
If you’re looking to transform this side dish into a main course, try adding in some sautéed onions or colorful bell peppers as well as grilled chicken breast for a filling skillet-fried Southern corn salad.
With so many substitutions and variations available, get creative in exploring the different ways of cooking and presenting fried corn. Don’t hesitate to add your own touch to this Southern classic!
Serving and Pairing
When it comes to southern cuisine, an equally important aspect of the meal as the actual dish is what it’s paired with. Southern fried corn is no exception. This savory and sweet side dish perfectly complements a wide variety of southern classics.
Southern fried corn pairs perfectly with succulent barbecue, grilled meats, or a mess of crispy fried chicken. It’s also ideal to serve alongside some down-home favorites like mashed potatoes or mac and cheese. Top it with crispy bacon pieces for added crunch and flavor.
To complete your southern feast, serve up some classic southern sweet tea or a refreshing lemonade alongside your fried corn. The sweetness of the tea or lemonade will cut through the savory saltiness of the corn creating a perfect balance on your taste buds.
This delicious side dish also works well with more adventurous pairings. Serve it alongside fish tacos for a delicious take on surf and turf or as a topping on a southwestern-style salad.
In conclusion, southern fried corn is an incredibly versatile side dish that can be paired with virtually anything. Be creative in your pairings, and you are bound to discover exciting new flavor combinations that make this dish even more enjoyable!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Southern Fried Corn is a dish best served fresh and hot off the stove but with a few tips, you can make ahead or store any leftovers for reheating later. Leftover Southern Fried Corn can make a great addition to breakfast omelets, lunch wraps or a late-night snack. With proper storage and reheating techniques, you can enjoy the flavors and textures of this classic Southern side dish again and again.
To make ahead, cook the corn ahead of time following the recipe instructions but do not combine it with the rest of the ingredients until ready to serve. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. Allow enough time for the corn to thaw completely before preparing it for reheating.
When reheating Southern Fried Corn, be careful not to overheat it as doing so can cause the corn kernels to become tough and rubbery. To reheat refrigerated fried corn, add a splash of milk or water and a tablespoon of butter or bacon fat in a frying pan over medium heat. Stir occasionally until heated through. If you are reheating frozen fried corn, let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator first before reheating.
One thing to keep in mind is that Southern Fried Corn does not reheat well if it has already been mixed with creamed corn or cooked with heavy cream. When storing leftover fried corn, separate any mix-in ingredients like bacon bits, green onions or yellow onions before placing it into storage containers.
With these easy-to-follow tips, you can prepare Southern Fried Corn in advance or store leftovers without sacrificing its delicious texture and flavor. Reheated properly, the freshly cooked taste will be preserved allowing you to enjoy this dish again and again!
Tips for Perfect Results
Cooking is a science, and mastering any recipe requires precision and skill. I’ve made this Southern Fried Corn recipe countless times and learned a few things along the way that will make your dish sublime. Let me share with you some tips to help you perfect your Southern Fried Corn recipe.
Firstly, to ensure the corn kernels brown evenly without getting mushy, it’s important to use high heat. Preheat your cast iron skillet for at least 5 minutes before adding the bacon drippings or butter.
Secondly, if fresh corn is not easily accessible, canned corn can be substituted. But if you want the authentic Southern flavor and texture, I highly recommend using fresh corn kernels cut straight from the cob.
For creamier fried corn, add milk to the mixture. The creamy texture will take your taste buds on a trip down memory lane to Grandma’s comforting homemade dishes.
If you find yourself in a rush or limited on ingredients, you can also experiment with different variations of Southern Fried Corn like skillet fried corn salad with roasted corn or creamy corn casserole as side dishes.
Last but not least, seasoning is crucial in Southern cuisine. To fully appease your guests’ appetites, I suggest putting on some black pepper and salt while cooking or adding a touch of sugar to enhance its natural sweetness.
By following these simple tips, you’ll be able to make the best Southern Fried Corn to impress even the toughest food critics. So give it a whirl and see how it goes!
FAQ
Before we wrap up this article, let’s address some frequently asked questions about our Southern Fried Corn recipe. With any new recipe, there may be some confusion or uncertainty, but with the proper guidance and knowledge, cooking success is within reach. Therefore, I have compiled a list of commonly asked questions along with their corresponding answers to help you achieve the best outcome with your dish. Let’s dive in!
What is fried corn made of?
Fried corn is a comforting dish that is not to be confused with deep-fried corn on the cob. Instead, it involves cooking fresh corn kernels in a cast iron skillet with a delicious blend of bacon fat and butter. This recipe is simple, requiring only a handful of ingredients and one skillet. It creates a delightful side dish like no other, which is a perfect addition to any southern-inspired meal.
How to make the best tasting corn?
When it comes to preparing corn on the cob, I have a foolproof method that results in the sweetest and most delicious corn. It involves boiling the corn in water with a touch of sugar and lemon juice. Trust me, it’s a game-changer!
Is corn good for deep frying?
Transforming a simple corn on the cob into a crispy, fried masterpiece is a southern-style specialty. With just a handful of uncomplicated ingredients, this dish is guaranteed to be a hit with any crowd. Whether it’s served at a lively barbecue or as a quick meal on a weekday, deep fried corn on the cob is the ultimate crowd pleaser.
What are the different ways to cook corn?
There are various techniques available to turn corn kernels into delicious and soft morsels, including microwaving, boiling, steaming, pressure cooking, oven roasting, and grilling.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, if you’re looking for a delicious and versatile side dish to add to your repertoire, look no further than Southern Fried Corn. This recipe combines the natural sweetness of fresh corn with the savory flavors of bacon and onion for a delectable flavor explosion that is sure to please everyone at the table.
But what truly sets this recipe apart is its versatility. Whether you want it as a side dish at a barbecue or as an accompaniment to a fancy dinner party, Southern Fried Corn can rise to the occasion. And with its straightforward ingredients and simple preparation, it’s a recipe that anyone can master.
So why not give this recipe for Southern Fried Corn a try? With its combination of fresh ingredients, southern flair, and unbeatable taste, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe book for years to come.
Southern Fried Corn Recipe
Ingredients
- 6 ears corn
- 1/4 cup bacon drippings
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Shuck corn. Wash and remove silk. After cutting the kernels in half with a sharp knife, cut corn off kernels. Scrape juice off of corn cob into the corn. Heat dripping in a large heavy skillet. Add corn, flour, sugar, water, milk, salt and pepper. Bring mixture to boil, stirring constantly. Cover; reduce heat and simmer until corn is tender, about 20 to 25 minutes. If necessary, add a little hot water.
- Enjoy.
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