Skillet Charred Corn - Blackened Corn -

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Skillet Charred Corn is a delicious and flavorful dish that is perfect for summer barbecues and cookouts. The dish is made by charring corn kernels until they are crispy and slightly blackened, giving them a smoky, caramelized flavor that pairs perfectly with a variety of dishes.

To make blackened corn, you can use fresh, frozen, or canned corn kernels. If you’re using fresh corn, start by shucking the ears and removing the silk. Then, using a sharp knife, carefully slice the kernels off the cob. If you’re using frozen corn, simply thaw it out before cooking. Canned corn can be used as-is, but be sure to drain it well before cooking.

This simple charred corn tastes great served alongside grilled meat. It’s perfect for summer barbecues and cookouts., so serve with Grilled Chicken Kabobs with Vegetables , Beef Kafta kabobs , Crispy keto Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings , Air fryer Sweet and Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken Drumsticks

Ingredients

Here’s a list of ingredients used for blackened corn:

corn on the cob (husks removed)
unsalted butter or olive oil
smoked paprika
garlic powder
onion powder
dried oregano
dried thyme
salt
black pepper

Note: These ingredients are for a basic recipe. You can adjust the amount of spices to your taste preference or add other seasonings such as cumin or chili powder.

See the recipe card for quantities.

First, mix all spices in a small bowl to create blackened seasoning. This recipe makes more than one tablespoon. You can store the remaining seasoning for later use.

Slice the kernels off the cob. You can also char the corn without taking the kernels off.

Add the corn to the skillet and sprinkle one tablespoon of the blackened seasoning on top.

Finally, stir in butter and garnish as desired before serving.

Instructions

First, mix all spices in a small bowl to create blackened seasoning. This recipe makes more than one tablespoon, so you can store the remaining seasoning for later use.
Next, preheat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the corn to the skillet and sprinkle one tablespoon of the blackened seasoning on top. Use a spatula to mix, and cook for about 2 minutes.
Stir the corn to allow all kernels to char, and cook for an additional 2 minutes or until you achieve the desired char.
Finally, stir in butter and garnish as desired before serving.

Substitutions

If you don’t have all the ingredients needed to make blackened corn or simply want to try something different, there are some substitutions you can use. Here are a few options:

Paprika: If you can’t find smoked paprika, try using regular paprika instead. It will add a similar smoky flavor to the dish.
Garlic powder: If you don’t have garlic powder then fresh garlic can be a good alternative. Use about 2 cloves of garlic.
Olive oil: If you don’t have butter, olive oil can be used instead. It will add a slightly different flavor to the dish, but will still work well.

Remember, substitutions can change the flavor and texture of the final dish, so it’s always a good idea to use the ingredients specified in the recipe if possible.

Variations

Spicy blackened corn: Add some spice to your blackened corn by mixing in a teaspoon of chili powder or red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix. This will give your corn a nice kick!
Lime and cilantro blackened corn: For a fresh and zesty take on blackened corn, mix in some lime juice and chopped cilantro to the seasoning mix. This will add a bright, citrusy flavor to the dish.
Parmesan blackened corn: For a cheesy twist on blackened corn, sprinkle grated parmesan over the cooked corn while it’s still warm. The nutty flavor of the parmesan will complement the charred corn nicely.

These are just a few variations of blackened corn recipes that you can try. Feel free to experiment with different flavors and seasonings to find your perfect combination!

Equipment

You will need a cast iron skillet for this recipe.

Storage

Refrigerate: To store blackened corn, let it cool completely first. Then, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate it. Properly stored, it should last in the fridge for about 3-5 days.

Reheating: When reheating the blackened corn, you can use a microwave or a skillet. To reheat in the microwave, place the corn in a microwave-safe dish, and microwave on high for 1-2 minutes. To reheat in a skillet, heat a small amount of oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat, add the blackened corn, and cook until heated through, stirring occasionally.

It’s important to note that while the flavor of blackened corn may still be delicious after being refrigerated and reheated, it may not have the same texture or level of char as when it was freshly made.

Top tip

Start with fresh corn: For the best flavor, use fresh corn on the cob. If you can, buy it from a local farmer’s market or grocery store that sources it locally.
Don’t be afraid to char the corn: The key to blackened corn is achieving a good char on the kernels. This adds depth and complexity to the flavor. Don’t worry if the corn looks blackened or burnt in places – that’s what you’re aiming for!
Use frozen or canned corn: While fresh corn is ideal, you can still achieve a similar flavor with frozen or canned corn. Just make sure to defrost the frozen corn or drain the canned corn well before cooking.
Experiment with different toppings: Blackened corn is versatile and pairs well with various toppings, such as crumbled cheese, chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, or sliced avocado. Have fun experimenting with different combinations to find your favorite!

FAQ

How do grilled and blackened differ when cooking?

Grilling and blackening are two different cooking techniques used to prepare food. Grilling involves cooking food on a grill or barbecue over direct heat, while blackening involves cooking food at a high temperature in a skillet or on a flat-top griddle.

Can you blacken canned corn?

Yes, you can blacken canned corn. To do this, you can follow the same steps as you would for fresh or frozen corn. Drain the canned corn and spread it out in a single layer on a baking sheet or skillet. Add a little oil and seasonings, then cook over high heat until charred and blackened, stirring occasionally. However, keep in mind that canned corn is already cooked, so it may not take as long to cook as fresh or frozen corn. Also, canned corn tends to be softer than fresh or frozen corn, so you may need to be more careful when cooking it to prevent it from becoming too mushy or falling apart.

Overall, blackened corn is a delicious and versatile dish that is perfect for adding some smoky, charred flavor to your summer meals. Whether you’re grilling, roasting, or pan-frying, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

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