Southern Fried Corn is fresh corn seasoned and fried to perfection. Pairs well with Smoky Collard Greens and a variety of mains.
In the south, southern fried corn is a popular side dish during the summer months.
Peak corn season lasts from May through September. Sweet corn is grown in each state which makes it available everywhere.
This side dish consists of fresh corn fried in bacon drippings, seasoned with salt, black pepper, and sugar (optional). There are two ways to make it:
- To obtain a crisp texture, fry fresh corn in bacon fat. Season with butter, sugar, salt, and black pepper.
- To obtain a “slightly” soft texture, add flour and water. Cook to desired tenderness.
Our family favorite is #2. My precious aunt and I love soft fried corn because it’s tender and full of savory flavor.
The beauty of this recipe is ingredients and cooking time can be adjusted to suit personal preferences.
For example, this recipe has instructions for both crisp and soft fried corn. Recipe can be adjusted to suit your preference.
Be sure to check out my buttery recipe for Corn on the Cob.
Enjoy!
Southern Fried Corn
Ingredients
- 4 ears fresh corn
- 3 strips bacon, uncooked See recipe notes.
- 3/4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon self-rising flour
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Remove husk and silk from each ear of corn. Wash in warm salty water. Rinse in clear water.
- Cut corn from ears into a large bowl. Use a spoon to scrape "corn milk" (also referred to as cream) from corn cobs into a separate bowl. Set aside.
- In a small cup, stir together water, flour and sugar. Set aside.
- In a large skillet (or dutch oven), fry bacon until browned. Drain on paper towels. If bacon is fatty, it will produce lots of grease. Drain grease after frying. Return 3 tablespoons of bacon grease to skillet.
- Pour corn and the "corn milk" into skillet with bacon grease. Cook over low-medium heat for 10 minutes. Stir constantly.
- Pour in water/flour mixture. Cook over low-medium heat for another 15 minutes or until desired tenderness. Stir constantly. NOTE: For crisp fried corn, omit water/flour mixture. Continue with instructions.
- When corn is done, add butter and stir until melted. Season with preferred amounts of salt and black pepper.
- Sprinkle fried/crumbled bacon on top of each hot serving.