This side dish has tons of flavor and pizzazz and comes together in less than 15 minutes! Blackened corn rounds out any meal perfectly!
Also sometimes called charred corn or blacked corn, you will love it for the bold pop of flavor it brings to your table. It's ideally made in the summer with fresh sweet corn but you can also make blackened corn in any season by using frozen corn kernels.
We do love our blackened foods around here and that makes sense as Cajun and Creole are two of our favorite "sub-cuisines" of Southern cooking. Browse around for lots of recipes in that category.
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What is Blackened Corn?
Blackened corn is corn that is seasoned with blackened seasoning and then charred in a cast iron skillet. The result is a flavorful side dish bursting with spices and a sweetness that corn naturally brings.
Why you'll love this recipe
- It's easy- With only 6 steps and only 4 minutes of prep work, this may be the easiest side dish you could make for your family.
- It's quick- This corn dish is on your table in less than 15 minutes!
- It's delicious- The natural sweetness of the corn comes out when it is cooked and the flavorful Cajun seasoning gives it a smoky flavor that the whole family will love.
- It's affordable- Using frozen corn with this recipe will make it one of the cheapest side dishes you'll ever make without compromising on flavor.
Ingredients for Blackened Corn
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- Corn - There is nothing like fresh corn in the summer. We make good old fashioned creamed corn, use it in this corn and shrimp dish, Southwestern Salad, and Esquites. But, if you want to make this recipe in any other season you can use frozen corn. We don't recommend canned.
- Oil - Use any high-smoke point oil that you like and have on hand. We suggest vegetable oil, canola oil or avocado oil.
- Butter - Because the corn gets blackened at a pretty high heat we like to add the butter at the end for flavor. You don't want it to burn. Salted or unsalted butter is fine - just adjust your salt to taste accordingly.
- Cajun seasoning - This recipe uses the same homemade blackened seasoning we use on Blackened Pork Chops, spicy chicken pasta, Blackened Grouper, Blackened Ribeye Steak and Grilled Blackened Chicken. It's quick and easy to make with ingredients you probably already have like smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, dry oregano, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and Kosher salt. If you're short on time, though, we do love Tony Chachere's Blackened Seasoning.
Check the recipe card below for full information on ingredients and quantities.
How to make Blackened Corn
- If using fresh corn you'll cut it off the corn cobs with a sharp knife. With frozen corn it will need to thaw and then pat with paper towels to get out any excess moisture.
- Mix up the blackened seasoning blend or, if using ready made, have it measured and ready to go.
- Heat a cast iron skillet to medium-high heat with just a teaspoon or so of high smoke point oil in it.
- Add the corn to the hot skillet and sprinkle with the seasoning. Then pat lightly to spread it evenly in the skillet.
- Let cook undisturbed for about two minutes and then flip/stir and cook until a nice char is achieved - about another 1-2 minutes.
- Top with butter and stir to incorporate. Add additional ingredients at this time (like bacon, yum).
- Serve hot, garnished with crispy bacon bits, fresh chives or cilantro if desired.
Expert Tips
- If using frozen corn be sure to thaw and get out any extra moisture. You don't want the corn to steam.
- A cast iron skillet really works best for getting the "blackened" effect. You can order one below if needed.
- Make sure your skillet is good and hot before adding the corn.
- While this easy blackened corn recipe has more of a Cajun flavor, you can easily pair it with a Mexican meal by adding ingredients like lime juice, chili powder, and even fresh cilantro and cotija cheese!
- Feel free to add some other vegetables to the mix. A bit of red onion and green or red bell peppers would really liven it up!
Items you may need
- Cast iron skillets work best! (this will take you to a whole page of choices)
- A good sharp knife is essential for cutting the corn off the cob.
- For the herb garnish we love our herb shears.
Storing Tips
You can store your blackened corn in the fridge in an airtight container for 5-6 days. It can be rewarmed in the microwave or on the stove top in just minutes.
We have not tested freezing charred corn.
What to serve with Blackened Corn
This side dish is so versatile, you can really serve it alongside any main course!
You could certainly pair it with a blackened protein like Blackened Pork Chops, Blackened Baked Salmon, or Blackened Chicken.
Personally, I love to serve it with other Cajun or Creole dishes like Fried Oysters, Steak with Creole Butter, or Grilled Cajun Pork Chops.
Recipe FAQs
We recommend using either fresh or frozen corn.
Most pre-made blackening seasoning have only a hint of spice, but by making your own seasoning like our recipe calls for, you can adjust the spice level to suit your own tastes.
3-4 ears of corn will yield 2.5-3 cups of corn kernels.
📖 Recipe
Blackened Corn
Equipment
- 10-12 inch cast iron skillet
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dry oregano
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
- 1 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
- 1 teaspoon salt coarsley ground recommended
- 2½ cups corn kernels either cut freshly from cob or frozen corn which has been thawed and patted dry
- 1 teaspoon vegetable oil high smoke point oil
- 1 Tablespoon butter melted
Instructions
- Stir together in a small bowl all ingredients listed from smoked paprika through the salt. This will make your blackened seasoning and is more than the 1 Tablespoon needed, but the remainder can be stored to use in another dish.
- Put oil in a 10-12 inch cast iron skillet and heat over medium high until a drop of water "dances" on the surface.
- Add corn and then sprinkle with 1 Tablespoon of the blackened seasoning.
- Pat down lightly with a spatula and allow to cook for about 2 minutes.
- Stir to allow corn kernels on top to get to surface of skillet and cook an additional 2 minutes (approximately) or until desired char is reached.
- Stir in melted butter and garnish if desired before serving.
Notes
- Fresh corn will need to be cut from the cob with a sharp knife. 3-4 ears of corn will yield about 2.5-3 cups of corn kernels.
- If using frozen corn, thaw on paper towels and pat to get out excess moisture before cooking.
- A cast iron skillet will produce the best results.
- In lieu of homemade seasonings you can substitute 2 teaspoons of ready-made blackening seasoning.
- Suggested garnishes are chopped chives, bacon bits and additional coarsley ground black pepper.
Nutrition
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Gina Abernathy says
My husband loves corn and this recipe was delicious! A touch of cayenne kicked it up a bit.
Tara says
I decided to add cayenne pepper to my corn. It was so flavorful! Will be making this side dish over and over again.
Pam says
We like it with a kick too, Tara!
Amanda Wren-Grimwood says
I have never had blackened corn before but we are having people over at the weekend and this looks like the perfect side dish with all of those flavours
Ieva says
Love love love this! Served it as one of the side dishes at a bbq party in the garden last night and it was so tasty! Use fresh corn off the cob and my favourite sweet smoked paprika and wow, the flavours came together beautifully in this!
Pam says
Thanks so much Ieva!
Kate says
So many gorgeous flavours in this, and the texture of the corn is just beautiful. What a great side dish to go alongside so many mains.