The South's Secret to the Best Southern Fried Corn Recipe (2024)

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Secrets of the Best Southern Fried Corn Recipe

I am reposting this recipe today, as it’s one of the most popular and controversial. We think you’ll love it.

While I’m not originally from the South, I can claim a few southern roots. My grandmother was from West Virginia and she made the best fried chicken in the world. Here is her recipe.

After years of practice and patience it has been said that Spinach Tiger’s southern fluffy biscuits can’t be beat. Even the gluten free fluffy southern biscuit has gotten rave reviews from readers. (Both have videos to help you along).

Why then is something as simple as a southern fried corn recipe so hard to get right? TWO THINGS

Childhood memories. This person’s grandmother made it this way with sugar and flour and who knows what? This other person had a grandmother who knew how to milk the corn to the last drop. Then there’s someone else who adds a cup of heavy cream. Everyone remembers their southern fried corn recipe differently.

Quality or Type of the Corn It’s key to get very fresh, creamy sweet corn. Silver queen corn would be the corn of choice for this recipe. If you use other less creamy corn, then a little heavy cream will do. Having said that, I used peaches and cream corn for this and still loved it. (I find it hard to turn down any kind of fried corn).

What’s the best way to cut the corn off the cob?

If you don’t have a sharp knife, or you want the EASIEST WAY to cut corn off the cob, you will want this tool from Oxo.

What’s the best pan to make fried corn in?

Cast Iron Frying Pan – I practice what I preach. I have 13 cast iron pans (most are frying pans, a few are dutch ovens). I use them every single day in one form or another. They take the heat. They last forever. They go right into the oven. They are super affordable. I use my 12 inch lodge cast iron frying pan in this recipe, because I like the corn to get a little caramelized.

More is not always more in a Southern Fried Corn Recipe.

I’m Italian, and it’s our food philosophy to make the best food with as few ingredients or disturbances as possible. Some of the Southern cuisine recipes (not all, just some) have more ingredients than necessary and sometimes too much cooking time. More is not always more.

Two sticks of butter is not better than one stick of butter for making Southern fried corn, unless you’re making shortbread. A cup of cream is not better than a splash of cream when only a splash does the job. Editing is the absolute key to bringing balance to a recipe. Even this recipe might need your own personal tweaks, so taste taste taste and stop stop stop when you like it!

Do this if you like your fried corn super creamy.

If you like your corn super creamy, don’t let it caramelize. Cook it on very low, adding cream as you see fit. If you like your corn a bit browned and creamy at the same time, like I do, turn the heat up a bit, and use cream sparingly. Keep in mind you will be at the mercy of the type of corn you use, but I think with the proper tweaking, you can make any corn off the cob taste good!

Black Pepper is key to Southern Fried Corn

This southern fried corn recipe has few ingredients. Bacon grease, butter, salt, pepper and perhaps a splash or two of cream. You can opt out of the bacon grease and add more butter, but do not forget the black pepper, and use more than you think you should. If you have some white pepper, a dash of that would be nice too, but sparingly, as that can be harsh.

Some people add bacon to the corn. I prefer not, but feel free.

Left Over Southern Fried Corn can blossom into other recipes.

I’m a big believer in using leftovers. I used my left over corn in thissouthern fried corn cake recipe. They werelight, fluffy, savory, full of flavor, texture and comfort. You have to make these corn cakes, even if you need to use canned corn. They should not be missed. You can also put the corn into this leek and corn quiche or simplyscramble with eggs. You can also throw them into these sausage corn muffins or use for this caramelized Onion Risotto with Sweet Corn.

Can I use Canned Corn?

If it’s past fresh corn season and you still want to make fried corn, it will take 6 cups of corn to make this recipes. Each ear of corn is roughly 3/4 cup of corn.

Southern Corn Cakes Recipe here.

Pennsylvania Dutch Corn Pudding is one of my most popular recipes.

Here is one really cool idea just using corn with no butter or cream.

Seven Ways to Grill Corn on the Cob

Sweet Corn Blueberry Swirl Ice Cream

Corn Buttermilk Quiche. I don’t know about you, but anything with buttermilk gets me.

There is also a corn, leek quiche that is simply heaven.

Corn Avocado Salad

So tell me, if you grew up in the South, how did your family make their southern fried corn recipe? Please follow me on instagram to see behind the scenes cooking and food prep along with recipes not yet published.

Southern Fried Corn Recipe

How to Make the Best Southern Fried Corn

Prep Time10 minutes mins

Cook Time20 minutes mins

Total Time30 minutes mins

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Servings: 4

Author: Angela Roberts

Ingredients

8 ears of corn
2 tablespoons bacon grease
4 tablespoons butter more if you need it
salt if you need it
1 to 2 tablespoons black pepper
splash of heavy cream

Instructions

Cut the corn off the cob with a sharp knife.
Using the sharpest knife, cut down into the cob to get the milk of the corn.
Heat up the bacon grease and add two tablespoons of softened butter.
If you like the corn to be a bit caramelized, cook longer, stir less frequently.
If you like corn to be creamier, cook for about ten minutes, and at the end add the remaining two tablespoons butter.
At this point, you can add a splash of heavy cream if you want a creamier corn.
Add a little bit of salt, and a lot of black pepper.
Serve immediately.

Notes

Reserve cobs for making corn broth. Boil in water and reserve corn broth to add to soups, stews, casseroles.

Please follow me oninstagram. If you make this recipe, please tag me #spinachtiger.

If you love this recipe,please give it five stars. It means a lot. xoxo

The South's Secret to the Best Southern Fried Corn Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Why add sugar to boil corn on the cob? ›

Although my favorite way to cook corn is to grill it and my second favorite is to steam it, when I boil it, I always add some sugar to the water. As someone already pointed out, the sugar in the water serves to preserve the natural sweetness of the corn not to add more sweetness to it.

Keep Reading ›

Is 20 minutes too long to boil corn? ›

Avoid cooking corn for too long. "If you have super fresh corn — which can even be eaten raw — it's a waste of time to cook for the common recommended time of 20 [or more] minutes," says Jones. Overcooking can also result in chewy and firm kernels. You can steam for 8-10 minutes or less, or even use the microwave.

Read On ›

What makes corn taste better? ›

5 Ways to Dress Up Corn on the Cob

Sweet and spicy. Blend butter with honey and cayenne and spread it on the corn before grilling it (with the husks pulled back on) until it's tender. ...
Parmesan butter. ...
Seasoning salts. ...
Roasted garlic. ...
Mayonnaise.

Jun 28, 2022

Tell Me More ›

Why do you put milk in water when boiling corn? ›

Boiling corn on the cob brings out its natural sweetness. But if you want an even juicier and sweeter crisp-tender bite, swap out some of the water for milk. The milk enhances the flavor and texture. It also infuses the corn on the cob with milk and butter, resulting in salty, buttery kernels.

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How many minutes do you boil corn on the cob? ›

Boil the corn until the kernels turn bright yellow and are crisp tender, 4 to 5 minutes. Carefully remove from the water with tongs to a serving platter and serve warm. For more info on how long to boil all sorts of corn, check out our story A Precise Guide to How Long You Should Boil Corn.

Show Me More ›

Do I cover corn when boiling? ›

While you work, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Then, cook the corn. Add the corn to the boiling water and cook, uncovered, until the kernels are tender and golden. Exactly how long to boil corn on the cob will vary based on how much you're cooking and how you like your corn.

Why is my corn still hard after boiling? ›

If your corn is still hard, tough, or even chewy after it's boiled, it can be a result of two factors. For one thing, you may have over-cooked your corn. Set a time to ensure your corn isn't boiling for too long. Another reason might be the freshness of your corn.

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Do you salt water when boiling corn? ›

Use the largest pot you have, fill it with water, salt it really well, and bring it to a boil. Don't be shy—your water should practically taste like the ocean once you're done with it. Your corn won't taste salty in the end, the salt will just help bring out its flavor.

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Do you start corn on the cob in boiling water or cold water? ›

Bring the pot of COLD water to a boil. Using a pair of tongs, carefully drop each ear of corn into the pot. Cover the pot and return the water to a boil. Boil the corn for 5-7 minutes or until done.

Get More Info ›

Is corn on the cob better boiled or baked? ›

In a study done by Purdue University, scientists found that roasting corn at high temperatures resulted in an increased amount of starch digestion. In layman's terms, the higher the temperature the corn reaches, the more glucose will break down, thus resulting in a sweeter ear of corn.

See Details ›

What does sugar do for corn? ›

“Applying sugar is like drinking Mountain Dew® — it provides an energy boost. It enhances the nutrient uptake of plants and also increases microbial activity when applied to the soil. This speeds residue decomposition and the mineralization of soil organic matter,” he says.

Get More Info ›

Should I add sugar to my corn water? ›

Once the water is at a full boil, add the shucked ears of corn. I know a lot of recipes say to add salt or sugar to your boiling water, but don't bother. The corn isn't going to be in the water long enough to absorb either, so don't waste them. I add the salt, and plenty of it, after it's done cooking.

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Do you add anything to the water when boiling corn? ›

Fill a large pot about 3/4 full of water and bring to a boil. Stir in sugar and lemon juice until sugar is dissolved. Gently place ears of corn into boiling water, cover the pot, turn off the heat, and let corn cook in the hot water until tender, about 10 minutes.

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Do you add anything to the water when boiling corn on the cob? ›

Directions

Boil water with salt: In a large pot, bring four quarts of water to a boil. Season the boiling water with salt. Emily Laurae.
Boil corn: Gently drop ears of corn into boiling water one at a time. Boil corn on the cob for 3-5 minutes or until tender. Emily Laurae/Southern Living.

Jul 8, 2023

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