Description
A fast, flavorful weeknight side dish made by skillet-steaming corn in garlic butter and cream. This method is faster than boiling and delivers tender, caramelized corn with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 cups frozen corn kernels (or 4–6 ears fresh/frozen corn, kernels cut off)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4–5 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
- 2 tablespoons fresh herbs, chopped (parsley and/or thyme)
- ½ teaspoon sea salt, or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper, freshly cracked
- Optional: ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes, 1 teaspoon lemon zest, 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan
Instructions
- Mince garlic and chop herbs. Set out butter and cream.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add butter and melt until foamy, but do not let it brown.
- Add minced garlic to the melted butter. Stir constantly for 30-60 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- Add frozen corn kernels and heavy cream (or milk) to the skillet. Stir to combine.
- Simmer for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the corn is heated through and the cream has reduced slightly to coat the corn.
- Stir in chopped herbs, salt, and pepper. Add optional ingredients like red pepper flakes or lemon zest if desired.
- Toss for another minute to meld flavors. Serve immediately, garnished with extra fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
Do not overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if making a large amount to ensure proper caramelization. Garlic burns easily, so keep heat at medium and stir constantly. Frozen corn is recommended for convenience and even cooking, but fresh corn works if kernels are scored or cut off first. Save the leftover garlic butter sauce to drizzle over steak or potatoes.
- Prep Time: 3 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 180
- Fat: 5
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Carbohydrates: 18
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 3
Keywords: garlic butter corn, skillet corn, weeknight dinner, easy side dish, frozen corn recipe, garlic butter, fresh herbs, quick recipes