Southern Fried Corn is a classic Southern side dish that turns sweet corn into something rich, savory, and comforting. Fresh corn kernels are sautéed with shallot, butter, and bacon fat, then seasoned with black pepper, paprika, garlic, and parsley for plenty of homestyle flavor.
A little flour and water create a light, savory coating that brings everything together without making the corn overly heavy. If your corn isn’t naturally sweet, a touch of sugar balances the flavors beautifully.
Fresh corn is especially good in this recipe when it is in season, but frozen or canned corn can also be used. Serve this Southern Fried Corn alongside barbecue, fried chicken, roasted meats, or your favorite family dinner for an easy and flavorful vegetable side dish.
Southern Fried Corn
Ingredients
- 3 ¾ cups corn kernels from about 5 ears of corn, use fresh if available
- 1 shallot diced
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon parsley
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon bacon fat use extra butter if pork sensitive
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 1 cup water
- to taste salt
- parsley for topping
- 2 teaspoon sugar optional if corn is not very sweet. Add with spices.
Instructions
- If using fresh corn: Carefully cut the kernels from the cobs, cutting as close to the cob as possible. Set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the diced shallot and cook for about 3 minutes, or until softened.
- Add the corn and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the black pepper, parsley, paprika, garlic powder, and bacon fat. Stir well and cook for 3–4 minutes to allow the seasonings to warm and the flavors to develop.
- Sprinkle the flour over the corn mixture and stir well. Cook for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Slowly add the water, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the liquid has thickened and coats the corn.
- Taste and season with salt as needed. If using the optional sugar, stir it in with the other seasonings.
- Sprinkle with additional parsley, if desired, and serve hot.
Nutrition Disclaimer
Art of Cooking Recipes (Paulson Pursuits} is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.
