This easy six-ingredient fried corn is sweet and buttery with so much flavor. Seasoned simply with salt and freshly ground black pepper, this will quickly become one of your favorite spring and summer side dishes.
You are going to love this fried corn. It is a well-loved summer staple around our house, and it goes with so many main courses. I love to serve it with bacon-wrapped meatloaf and grilled turkey burgers.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
See the complete list of ingredients below on the recipe card.
- Fat: My preferred forms of fat are bacon grease and butter because they flavor the corn so well, but you can also use lard or olive oil.
- Onion: Use a sweet yellow or Vidalia onion for the best flavor.
- Corn: Fresh farmer’s corn is the way to go. Use white, yellow, or bi-color.
- Seasonings: Kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, seasoned salt, wood-fired garlic, or Cajun or Creole seasoning.
How To Make Fried Corn
This is the summary version; for the complete list of ingredients and instructions, see the recipe card below.
Melt the bacon fat and butter in a large cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and corn and cook, stirring frequently, until the onions are soft and the corn is tender and lightly browned, about 8-10 minutes. Scrape the bottom of the pan to release any stuck-on caramelized bits.
Preparation Tips and Storage
- Cooking in bacon grease and butter yields the best results. All butter would be a close second.
- Taste and season to suit your palate. Some people like just salt and pepper, while others want to add something a little more jazzy.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave at reduced heat or on the stovetop over low heat.
Serving Suggestions for Fried Corn
- I love to serve this with oven-baked beef brisket or crockpot pulled chicken.
- Reserve some and use it on top of crock pot chicken tacos or ground beef tacos.
- Throw it in summer salads like black bean and corn relish or loaded baked potato salad.
- Serve it over chile relleno casserole or chicken enchilada casserole.
More Corn Recipes
Fried Corn
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons bacon fat
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 medium yellow onion chopped
- 8 large ears corn
- salt to taste
- freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Melt the bacon fat and butter in a large cast-iron skillet over medium heat.
- Add the onion and corn and cook, stirring frequently, until the onions are soft and the corn is tender and lightly browned, about 8-10 minutes. Scrape the bottom of the pan to release any stuck-on caramelized bits.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Notes
- Cooking in bacon grease and butter yields the best results. All butter would be a close second.
- Taste and season to suit your palate. Some people like just salt and pepper, while others want to add something a little more jazzy.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave at reduced heat or on the stovetop over low heat.
Michelle
It was delicious, sweet, and so easy to make. The family loved it. Corn is one of my favorite ingredients to use, and to make a whole dish of it is a chef’s kiss!
Beth Pierce
I could not agree more, Michelle!
Emily
You are corret. This fried corn is amazing. It’s a great side dish, for sure. 🙂 especially with your chicken fried chicken recipe.
Maria
This was perfect. What a great summer dish. The corn coming in is so tender and sweet.
Beth Pierce
I agree the corn is fantastic this year.
Shannah
Love this recipe! We love to eat fresh corn through the summer and this recipe is a creative way to do that.
Amy L
This is one of the easiest side dishes that I made. It is so delicious!
Beth Pierce
I agree, Amy!
Paula
This fried corn was AMAZING! Perfect combination of seasoning with the sweet corn, we loved it!
Beth Pierce
Thank you, Paula!
Mahy
Always a welcomed side in my house. Quick, easy and a great addition to so many meals!
Beth Pierce
Thank you, Mahy!
Sienna
I grew up eating something like this, and it always hit the spot. That mix of sweet corn and bacon is just unbeatable. Can’t wait to try this version — looks so simple and so good.
Beth Pierce
It is absolutely delicious! You should try it!
Allison
I adore corn recipes, so I will make this simple side dish or even a main dish if I had chicken or shrimp. Perfect summer dish!
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Allison! Enjoy!