Easy Skillet Corn with Honey Butter

It’s funny how some of the simplest recipes can become absolute family favorites, isn’t it? This Easy Skillet Corn with Honey Butter is a perfect example. I stumbled upon this recipe last summer when we had a bumper crop of sweet corn from our local farmer’s market. Looking for a way to elevate our usual steamed corn, I decided to try this skillet version. The result? Pure magic. The corn kernels, kissed by the heat of the skillet, develop a subtle char and sweetness that’s just incredible. And then there’s the honey butter – oh, the honey butter! It melts into every nook and cranny, creating a glossy, flavorful glaze that’s both sweet and savory. My kids, who can sometimes be picky eaters, devoured it. Even my husband, who usually prefers savory dishes, went back for seconds (and thirds!). It’s become a regular side dish at our dinner table, especially during the summer months. This skillet corn is not just easy to make, it’s also incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with almost anything. If you’re looking for a quick, delicious, and crowd-pleasing side dish, look no further. This recipe is a guaranteed winner.

Ingredients

• Fresh or Frozen Corn Kernels: 6 cups. The star of the show! Fresh corn off the cob is best when in season, providing the sweetest flavor. Frozen corn works perfectly well too, especially during off-season months, offering convenience and consistent quality.
• Butter: 4 tablespoons, unsalted. Butter is crucial for flavor and helps to brown the corn beautifully in the skillet. Unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness of the dish.
• Honey: 2 tablespoons. Honey adds a touch of natural sweetness and complements the savory butter and corn. It also creates a lovely glaze as it melts.
• Salt: ½ teaspoon. Salt enhances the sweetness of the corn and balances the overall flavor profile.
• Black Pepper: ¼ teaspoon. Black pepper provides a subtle warmth and depth of flavor that complements the sweetness and saltiness.
• Optional Fresh Herbs (Parsley, Chives, or Thyme): 1-2 tablespoons, chopped. Fresh herbs, like parsley, chives, or thyme, add a pop of freshness and visual appeal, elevating the dish with aromatic notes.

Instructions

1. Prepare the Corn: If using fresh corn on the cob, shuck the corn and cut the kernels off the cob. You should aim for about 6 cups of kernels. If using frozen corn, thaw it slightly. Pat the corn kernels dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. This step is important as drier corn will brown better in the skillet.
2. Melt the Butter: Place a large skillet, preferably cast iron for even heating, over medium-high heat. Add the butter and let it melt completely. Ensure the butter is melted and hot before adding the corn, this will help to achieve that desirable browning.
3. Cook the Corn: Add the corn kernels to the skillet in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the skillet, as this can steam the corn instead of browning it. If you have a lot of corn, you may need to cook it in batches. Cook the corn, stirring occasionally, for about 8-10 minutes, or until it is tender and lightly browned. You want to see some golden-brown spots on the kernels, which indicates caramelization and enhanced flavor.
4. Add Honey and Seasoning: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Drizzle the honey over the corn and stir to coat evenly. The honey will melt and create a beautiful glaze. Season with salt and black pepper. Stir well to combine all the flavors and ensure the seasoning is distributed throughout the corn.
5. Cook Briefly and Serve: Cook for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the honey to warm through and the flavors to meld together. Be careful not to overcook at this stage as the honey can burn. Remove the skillet from the heat. If using, stir in the chopped fresh herbs just before serving for a burst of freshness and color.
6. Serve Immediately: Serve the skillet corn hot as a side dish. It’s best enjoyed fresh from the skillet when it’s still warm and the honey butter is glossy and inviting.

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: 6
• Calories per Serving: Approximately 180 kcal
• Total Fat: 8g (Saturated Fat: 5g)

Please note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. For accurate nutritional information, use a nutrition calculator with specific ingredient brands and weights.

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes. This includes shucking fresh corn (if using), cutting kernels off the cob, or thawing frozen corn, and measuring out ingredients.
• Cook Time: 15 minutes. This involves melting the butter, cooking the corn in the skillet until browned, and then adding honey and seasoning.
• Total Time: 25 minutes. From start to finish, this recipe is quick and easy, making it perfect for weeknight meals or last-minute side dishes.

How to Serve

This Easy Skillet Corn with Honey Butter is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a wide variety of main courses. Here are some delicious serving suggestions:

• Barbecue Favorites: Serve alongside grilled meats like BBQ chicken, ribs, steak, or pulled pork. The sweetness of the corn beautifully complements the smoky and savory flavors of barbecue.
• Grilled or Roasted Chicken: A classic pairing! The sweet corn and honey butter glaze add a delightful contrast to roasted or grilled chicken, whether it’s a simple roast chicken or a more elaborate herb-crusted version.
• Fish and Seafood: Skillet corn makes a fantastic side for grilled or pan-seared fish like salmon, cod, or tilapia. The sweetness of the corn enhances the delicate flavors of seafood. It also pairs well with shrimp scampi or grilled shrimp skewers.
• Burgers and Sandwiches: Elevate your burger night by serving this skillet corn as a side. It adds a touch of sweetness and freshness that cuts through the richness of burgers and sandwiches. It’s especially delicious with BBQ pulled pork sandwiches or veggie burgers.
• Vegetarian Mains: This corn is a wonderful side for vegetarian dishes. Pair it with black bean burgers, lentil loaf, grilled halloumi, or vegetarian chili. It adds a satisfying sweetness and texture to vegetarian meals.
• Tacos and Fajitas: Add a touch of sweetness to your Mexican-inspired meals. Skillet corn is a delicious side for tacos, fajitas, or enchiladas. It can also be incorporated directly into taco fillings or served as a topping.
• Salads: Incorporate cooled skillet corn into salads for added sweetness, texture, and flavor. It’s excellent in summer salads with tomatoes, avocado, and grilled chicken or shrimp.
• Picnics and Potlucks: This recipe travels well and can be served warm or at room temperature, making it ideal for picnics, potlucks, and outdoor gatherings. It’s always a crowd-pleaser.

Additional Tips for Perfect Skillet Corn with Honey Butter

1. Use Fresh, High-Quality Corn When Possible: While frozen corn works well, fresh corn, especially sweet corn in season, will provide the best flavor and sweetness. Look for plump, bright kernels and avoid corn that looks dry or dull.
2. Don’t Overcrowd the Skillet: For optimal browning, cook the corn in a single layer. Overcrowding will steam the corn instead of browning it, resulting in a less flavorful dish. If you have a large amount of corn, cook it in batches.
3. Pat the Corn Dry: Whether using fresh or frozen corn, patting it dry with paper towels before cooking is crucial. This removes excess moisture and helps the corn to brown and caramelize beautifully in the skillet.
4. Adjust Honey to Your Preference: The amount of honey can be adjusted to your taste. If you prefer a less sweet dish, start with 1 tablespoon of honey and taste before adding more. For a sweeter corn, you can increase the honey to 3 tablespoons. You can also experiment with different types of honey for varied flavor profiles, such as wildflower, clover, or buckwheat honey.
5. Don’t Burn the Honey: Honey can burn easily, especially at high heat. Reduce the heat to medium-low after adding the honey and cook for just a minute or two to warm it through and create a glaze. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
6. Add a Pinch of Spice: For a touch of heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper along with the salt and black pepper. This adds a subtle kick that balances the sweetness of the honey and corn.
7. Enhance with Herbs: Fresh herbs elevate the flavor and aroma of this dish. Parsley, chives, thyme, or even basil are excellent choices. Stir them in at the very end for the freshest flavor and vibrant color.
8. Make it Ahead (Partially): You can prepare the corn up to the point of adding honey and seasoning ahead of time. Cook the corn and set it aside. When ready to serve, reheat the corn in the skillet, then add the butter, honey, and seasonings and proceed with the recipe as directed. This can save time when you’re preparing a larger meal.

FAQ Section: Your Burning Questions Answered

Q1: Can I use canned corn for this recipe?

A: While fresh or frozen corn is highly recommended for the best flavor and texture, you can use canned corn in a pinch. Be sure to drain and rinse the canned corn thoroughly. Canned corn is already cooked, so you’ll mainly be heating it through and adding flavor. Reduce the cooking time significantly and focus on browning it lightly and glazing with the honey butter. The texture will be softer and less crisp compared to fresh or frozen corn.

Q2: What type of skillet is best for making skillet corn?

A: A cast iron skillet is ideal for this recipe due to its excellent heat retention and even heat distribution, which helps to brown the corn beautifully. However, any large, heavy-bottomed skillet will work. Stainless steel or non-stick skillets can also be used. If using a non-stick skillet, be mindful of the heat level, as high heat can damage some non-stick coatings.

Q3: Can I add other vegetables to this skillet corn recipe?

A: Absolutely! Skillet corn is a great base for adding other vegetables. Consider adding diced red bell peppers, onions, or zucchini to the skillet along with the corn. Sauté the harder vegetables like onions and peppers first until softened, then add the corn and proceed with the recipe.

Q4: How do I store leftover skillet corn with honey butter?

A: Store leftover skillet corn in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can microwave it gently or sauté it in a skillet over medium-low heat until warmed through. A little extra butter can help to revive the moisture and glaze when reheating.

Q5: Can I make this recipe vegan?

A: Yes, you can easily make this recipe vegan by substituting the butter with a vegan butter alternative. There are many good quality vegan butters available that melt and brown similarly to dairy butter. The rest of the ingredients are naturally vegan-friendly.

Q6: What other sweeteners can I use besides honey?

A: If you don’t have honey or prefer an alternative, you can use maple syrup or agave nectar. Maple syrup will impart a slightly different, more caramel-like flavor, while agave nectar is similar in sweetness to honey but with a more neutral taste. Use the same amount of maple syrup or agave nectar as you would honey.

Q7: Can I grill the corn instead of using a skillet?

A: Yes, grilling corn is a fantastic way to cook it! You can grill corn on the cob until tender and slightly charred, then cut the kernels off and toss them with melted honey butter. Alternatively, you can use a grill basket or foil packet to grill the corn kernels directly. Grilling adds a wonderful smoky flavor that complements the sweetness of the honey butter.

Q8: Is this recipe gluten-free?

A: Yes, this Easy Skillet Corn with Honey Butter recipe is naturally gluten-free as it only contains corn, butter, honey, salt, pepper, and optional herbs, all of which are gluten-free ingredients. Always double-check labels on butter and any optional additions to ensure they are certified gluten-free if you have strict dietary restrictions.

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