Sautéed Sweet Corn with Green Onions & Fresh Herbs
Drawing from my memorable summers spent in the lush cornfields of Illinois, this delightful recipe celebrates the fresh flavors of sweet corn and vibrant green onions. After witnessing the joys of summertime harvests, I created this elegant side dish for my family, especially for my kids who needed to adapt to braces. Quick and easy to prepare, this dish captures the essence of summer produce, making it a perfect accompaniment to grilled meats or a vegetarian feast. The sweetness of the corn, combined with the mild sharpness of the green onions, creates a dish that is not only visually appealing but also bursting with flavor. Add your favorite herbs or additional vegetables to customize this recipe to your liking—it's sure to become a staple at your dinner table!
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Sweet corn
8 (ears, shucked and kernels cut off the cob)
Green onions
1 (bunch, chopped including a good portion of the green part)
Olive oil
2 (tablespoons)
Butter
1 (tablespoon)
Salt
to taste
Pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
Start by shucking the sweet corn and using a sharp knife to carefully cut the kernels off the cob into a large bowl. This can be a little messy, so be prepared!
2
Chop the green onions, making sure to include a generous portion of the green tops for added flavor.
3
In a large sauté pan, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Be careful not to let the butter brown.
4
Once the oil is hot, add the corn kernels and chopped green onions to the pan. Sauté for about 4-5 minutes until the corn is tender but still crisp; be careful not to overcook it.
5
Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste, and if desired, add other vegetables or herbs for extra flavor.
6
Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sautéed Sweet Corn with Green Onions & Fresh Herbs?
It is an elegant and quick side dish that celebrates the fresh flavors of summer sweet corn and vibrant green onions, perfect for serving with grilled meats.
How many ears of corn do I need for this recipe?
You will need 8 ears of sweet corn, shucked with kernels cut off the cob.
Is this recipe suitable for people with braces?
Yes, by cutting the kernels off the cob, it makes the fresh corn much easier to eat for those who need to adapt to dental braces.
How long does it take to sauté the corn?
The corn and green onions should be sautéed for approximately 4 to 5 minutes until the corn is tender but still crisp.
What type of onions are used in this dish?
This recipe uses one bunch of green onions, chopped, including a generous portion of the green tops for extra flavor.
What fats are used for sautéing the corn?
The recipe calls for a combination of 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields 4 servings.
Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
Yes, you can customize the dish by adding your favorite herbs or additional vegetables to your liking.
Is this dish vegetarian?
Yes, the recipe as written is vegetarian.
What is the best way to cut kernels off the cob?
Use a sharp knife to carefully cut the kernels into a large bowl to help contain the mess.
What heat setting should I use for the sauté pan?
The pan should be heated over medium heat to prevent the butter from browning.
Should I boil the corn before sautéing it?
No, the raw kernels are added directly to the hot oil and butter to sauté.
How do I season the sautéed corn?
Simply season with salt and pepper to taste at the end of the cooking process.
Can I use frozen corn if fresh is not available?
While fresh ears are recommended for the best flavor, you can use frozen corn kernels as a substitute.
What makes the corn 'tender but crisp'?
Cooking it quickly (4-5 minutes) ensures it loses its raw starchiness while retaining a pleasant bite.
Should I use the white or green parts of the green onions?
You should use both; the recipe specifically recommends including a good portion of the green tops for flavor.
Is this a gluten-free dish?
Yes, all the primary ingredients (corn, onions, oil, butter, salt, pepper) are naturally gluten-free.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, you can make it vegan by replacing the tablespoon of butter with additional olive oil or a plant-based butter substitute.
Can this be served cold?
While intended to be served immediately for best flavor, it can also work as a base for a cold corn salad.
What should I do if my butter starts to brown?
Lower the heat immediately and add the vegetables to cool the pan down.
Does the recipe require any special equipment?
Only basic kitchen tools are needed: a sharp knife, a large bowl, and a large sauté pan.
How do I know when the corn is done?
The corn will turn a more vibrant yellow and become tender when tasted, usually after 4 to 5 minutes.
Can I use red onions instead of green onions?
You can, though red onions have a stronger flavor; green onions provide a milder, more delicate balance for the sweet corn.
Is this recipe fast enough for a weeknight dinner?
Yes, it is very quick and easy to prepare, making it an ideal weekday side dish.
Can I add garlic to this dish?
Yes, minced garlic would be a great addition; add it during the last minute of sautéing.
What herbs go best with this corn dish?
Fresh herbs like basil, cilantro, parsley, or chives complement the sweet corn beautifully.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I reheat this dish?
Yes, you can reheat it briefly in a pan over medium heat or in the microwave until warm.
Can I use canned corn for this recipe?
Canned corn can be used if drained and rinsed well, but it won't have the same crisp texture as fresh corn.
Where did the inspiration for this recipe come from?
The recipe was inspired by summers spent in the cornfields of Illinois and the joy of fresh summertime harvests.