Skillet charred corn has a lovely smoky flavour with the nice char outside and delicious sweetness inside. One of the perfect summer sides.
Sweet, juicy corn kernels are beautifully caramelized bringing out a smoky sweetness that's hard to resist. I have used frozen sweet corn here. No need to thaw either.
You can use fresh corn kernels or even corn on the cob. It is super simple and so delicious. Season it any way you like. Make this lovely mango corn salsa orcorn salsa with it. Or add it to your favourite salad.
You will also love cucumber and tomato salad, Avocado and cucumber salad, cucumber radish Summer salad, sprouted lentil salad.
Ingredients
1. Corn kernels: For this recipe, I've used frozen corn straight from the fridge. You can use corn on the cob or fresh corn too.
2. Vegan Butter/Olive oil: I have used 1 tbsp. vegan butter at the end. You can substitute with olive oil or regular butter too.
3. Seasoning: Salt, freshly ground black pepper, and a sprinkle of smoked paprika are used here.
4. Garnish: Freshly chopped herbs like cilantro and a squeeze of lime are all that's needed.
Serving Suggestions
1. Side dish: Perfect as a side dish with your meal or grilled protein.
2. Salad or Salsa: This skillet corn is perfect when added to salsa or salads. It works well with leafy greens, avocado, cherry tomatoes, and a nice vinaigrette.
3. Topping: Works well as a juicy, smoky topping for your favorite tacos or nachos.
4. Bowl: Add to your grain bowl to add a smoky flavor.
5. Rice Dishes: You can also stir the charred corn into rice dishes, like a stir-fry or pulao.
6. Baked Potatoes: Top your baked potatoes with charred corn, vegan butter, and a sprinkle of chives for a lovely side.Â
7. Soups: Add some charred corn to your creamy soups like mushroom soup or even lentil soups.
Instructions
Skillet Charred Corn
Take the frozen corn. There is no need to thaw. Heat the skillet. I normally brush it with oil or some vegan butter.
Now spread out the corn in one layer on the skillet.
On a low flame, lightly roast the corn kernels without stirring. This is important so that the corn develops a slow char without burning.
You will see that the corn thaws and then starts roasting. After 4-5 minutes, give it a stir with a spatula.
Now, let it cook some more on medium low flame. It takes overall about 15-20 minutes to become nicely charred while staying juicy.
Take it out and season with salt, pepper, paprika and lemon juice with some vegan butter. Serve hot.
You can also use fresh corn kernels. You will need 3 minutes less for the charring process. You can also do the same with corn on the cob.
If you have open flame burner, you can place the corn on the cob after removing the husk and directly roast it on the flame.
If you don't have direct flame, you can keep corn on the cob in skillet and keep rotating them till they are suitably charred. Then using a knife remove the roasted kernels. Finally garnish as needed.
Air Fryer Corn
Spray or brush corn kernels with oil. Preheat air fryer at 390F or 200C for 5 minutes. Spread out the corn kernels in one layer.
Air fry at 390F or 200C for about 10-12 minutes till nicely charred. Don't forget to shake the basket 2-3 times during air frying.
Take it out and toss with salt, pepper, paprika and some vegan butter.
Expert Tips
Choosing the Corn: Using fresh corn kernels gives best tasting charred corn. Frozen corn is generally frozen when fresh so that will be fine anyway.
Preheating the Skillet: Make sure your skillet is hot before adding the corn. A hot skillet ensures a good char on the corn.
Don't Overcrowd the Pan: Overcrowding hinders even cooking and charring. If you are doing a large quantity, do it in batches.
Cook at medium to low heat: Cooking on low heat gives the corn an opportunity to char evenly without getting burnt. Do not use high heat or your corn will burn too quickly.
Seasoning: Remember to season your corn after charring it. That way the seasoning tastes fresh and does not get burnt if added while the corn is charring.
Customize Your Flavor: Change your seasonings as per mood. Smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, or fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley can all add delightful flavors to your skillet charred corn.
FAQs
Yes, you can use frozen corn if fresh corn is not available. I have used both frozen and fresh corn and there is no taste difference.
Store the leftover charred corn in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should last for about 3-4 days.
Yes, reheat the corn in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. You can use air fryer to reheat as well.
Here's the recipe card:
Skillet Charred Corn
Equipment
- 1 Skillet
Ingredients
- 1 cup corn
- 1 tsp. Vegan butter/olive oil
- ½ tsp. Pepper
- ¼ tsp. Paprika
- ¼ tsp. Himalayan pink salt or regular salt
- 1 tsp. lemon juice
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Instructions
Skillet Charred Corn
- Take the frozen corn. There is no need to thaw. Heat the skillet. I normally brush it with oil or some vegan butter.
- Now spread out the corn in one layer. On a low flame, lightly roast the corn kernels without stirring.
- This is important so that the corn develops a slow char without burning.
- You will see that the corn thaws and then starts roasting. After 4-5 minutes, give it a stir with a spatula.
- Now, let it cook some more on medium low flame.
- It takes overall about 15-20 minutes to become nicely charred while staying juicy.
- Take it out and season with salt, pepper, paprika and lemon juice.
- Serve hot.
- You can also use fresh corn kernels. You will need 3 minutes less for the charring process.
- You can also do the same with corn on the cob. If you have open flame burner, you can place the corn on the cob after removing the husk and directly roast it on the flame.
- If you don't have direct flame, you can keep corn on the cob in skillet and keep rotating them till they are suitably charred.
- Then using a knife remove the roasted kernels.
- Finally garnish as needed.
Air Fryer Corn
- Spray or brush corn kernels with oil.
- Preheat air fryer at 390F or 200C for 5 minutes.
- Spread out the corn kernels in one layer.
- Air fry at 390F or 200C for about 10-12 minutes till nicely charred. Don't forget to shake the basket 2-3 times during air frying.
- Take it out and toss with salt, pepper, paprika and some vegan butter.
Notes
Frozen corn is generally frozen when fresh so that will be fine anyway.
2. Preheating the Skillet: Make sure your skillet is hot before adding the corn. A hot skillet ensures a good char on the corn.

3. Don't Overcrowd the Pan: Overcrowding hinders even cooking and charring. If you are doing a large quantity, do it in batches.
4. Cook at medium to low heat: Cooking on low heat gives the corn an opportunity to char evenly without getting burnt.
Do not use high heat or your corn will burn too quickly.
5. Seasoning: Remember to season your corn after charring it. That way the seasoning tastes fresh and does not get burnt if added while the corn is charring.
6. Customize Your Flavor: Change your seasonings as per mood. Smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, or fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley can all add delightful flavors to your skillet charred corn.

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