Blackened Corn
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Blackened Corn is a dish that brings a little bit of Southern flair to your table. This easy recipe turns fresh corn into a flavorful side dish with a seasoned outside and sweet, juicy inside.
Coated with a mix of spices and blackened seasoning, Blackened Corn is a great way to spice up your meal. It’s perfect for a quick side dish for your next BBQ. This corn recipe is a hit with everyone who tries it, especially my friends from Cajun country.
What is Blackened Corn?
In Southern cooking, blackened doesn’t mean burnt or charred. Blackened means using blackened seasoning; once cooked, the food takes on a dark coloring from the blackening seasoning.
If you are from the South, you know that blackened seasoning is usually applied to meats and fish, but at my house, we blacken just about everything when our friends from Cajun country are here.
Ingredients
Fresh corn on the cob – Fresh corn on the cob is our go-to, but canned corn or frozen corn will work, too. Just note that if you do use another option, it will not taste as fresh and crispy as fresh corn.
Salted butter – If you don’t have butter or want to use something else, you can substitute salted butter with olive oil for a lighter alternative.
Green onions – Instead of green onions, chives can be used for a mild and slightly sweet flavor.
Shallots – Red onions can replace shallots, offering a more pronounced and pungent flavor.
Blackened seasoning – Some other options to try include garlic powder, onion powder, or a hint of lime juice, depending on what flavors you enjoy.
How to Make Blackened Corn
1 – Clean and shuck the corn, remove the kernels from the cob, and set it aside.
2 – Melt the butter over medium heat in a hot skillet, griddle pan, or cast iron skillet. Add the onions and shallot. Cook until they start to soften, about 2minutes.
3 – Add the fresh sweet corn to the pan and coat it with blackened seasoning.
4 – Cook the corn, stirring regularly, until it is tender.
5 – Add the green onion, stirring them into the mixture, and cook for another minute.
6 – Taste to see if you need more seasoning, and add it if necessary. Serve the corn while it is hot.
Recipe Tips
- Don’t be afraid to adjust the seasoning to suit your preference. More blackened seasoning will result in a darker color and stronger flavor.
- Don’t add salt or black pepper until after you have tasted it. There is plenty of salt in blackened seasoning.
- Use a sharp knife to cut the corn off the cob to ensure you get all the kernels without cutting into the cob.
- Ensure the pan is hot before adding the corn. This helps to achieve a nice sear and locks in the flavors.
- Stir the corn frequently to prevent it from sticking to the pan and to ensure even cooking.
- Adding the green onions and shallots towards the end of cooking ensures they retain their vibrant color and slight crunch.
- Taste the corn before serving, and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Remember, it’s easier to add more seasoning than to remove it.
- Serve the blackened corn immediately for the best taste and texture.
- Feel free to experiment and add different things to this dish. You can top it with herbs, crispy bacon, fresh chives, feta cheese, and fresh cilantro, or mix in some bell peppers or cotija cheese. Don’t be afraid to try something different!
Storage
Storing leftover blackened corn is relatively simple. Allow the leftover corn to cool to room temperature, then transfer it into an airtight container. Some people like to keep it in their refrigerator for 3-4 days, but we recommend using it within 2-3 days so it tastes fresh.
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As for freezing, blackened corn freezes exceptionally well! Once the corn is completely cooled, store leftovers in freezer bags or airtight containers, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
Label the containers with the date; the corn can be frozen for 2 to 3 months. When reheating, do it gently in a skillet or microwave.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! You can replace the butter with a vegan alternative or use olive oil. Just ensure your blackened seasoning is also vegan.
Can I make this on an outdoor griddle or grill?
Absolutely! Just beware that corn chars rather quickly when using different methods of cooking, so keep an eye on it so it doesn’t get burnt.
Can I use other types of seasoning?
Yes. While blackened seasoning gives this recipe its distinctive flavor, feel free to experiment with another spice blend like Cajun seasoning or Creole seasoning. You can also add more spices to make your own blend, like smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, or chili powder. Just be aware that this will alter the final taste.
What can I serve with Blackened Corn?
Blackened Corn pairs well with a variety of dishes and other vegetables. It can be served as a corn side dish with grilled meats such as pork chops, chicken, and fish or even mixed into a corn salad, other salads, corn salsa, or tacos for an extra kick of flavor.
Can I use this corn in other dishes?
Yes, this corn can be made for tons of other dishes, including corn dip and Mexican street corn. As long as the flavors complement each other, you really have unlimited possibilities.
Can I use frozen corn?
Yes, frozen corn can be used in this recipe. There’s no need to thaw it before cooking; frozen corn kernels can go straight into the pan. However, cooking time may need to be adjusted by a few minutes.
Can I use canned corn instead of fresh corn?
Yes, you certainly can use canned corn instead of fresh corn if that’s what you have. Just make sure to drain it thoroughly before cooking. However, fresh corn tends to have a sweeter, more vibrant flavor. I would use frozen corn instead of canned when possible.
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Blackened Corn
Equipment
- 1 Skillet
Ingredients
- 6 ears fresh corn on the cob
- 1/2 cup butter salted
- 1 bunch Green Onions cleaned and sliced into thin pieces
- 2 Shallots cleaned and minced
- Blackened Seasoning to taste
Instructions
- Shuck and clean the corn.
- Cut the corn off the cob and set aside.
- Melt the butter over medium heat on a hot griddle or in a hot cast iron skillet.
- Add the shallots and onions to the pan and cook until translucent, about 2 minutes.
- Add the corn to the pan.
- Coat with blackened seasoning.
- Cook, stirring frequently, until the corn is tender.
- Add the green onions and shallots and stir them in.
- Continue cooking for another minute.
- Taste and add more seasoning if desired.
- Serve hot.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and may vary based on exact ingredients used. For accuracy, consult a registered dietitian or nutritionist.
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This recipe was written and tested by a human.
Editor: Oliver Baysinger
Elizabeth (Beth) Mueller
Elizabeth (Beth) Mueller is a food journalist, CEO of Pear Tree Kitchen, and co-creator of Food Blogger Help. She also has a bachelor’s degree in philosophy and a registered nurse licensed in the State of Oklahoma. When she has free time between writing, blogging, and cooking, she can be found volunteering as an RN with the Oklahoma Medical Reserve Corps.