While corn on the cob is still the best version of corn, you can still make great side dishes using canned corn kernels. You don’t need any fancy recipe to do this—all you need are a stick of butter and some good old salt and pepper.
Today I’m going to share two easy ways on how to cook canned corn without too much hassle. The first one is by using a stove-top and the second one is by using the oven. While you can also cook canned corn using the microwave, I don’t normally recommend this for obvious health reasons.
What You Will Need
Ingredients
- Canned corn
- Butter
- Salt and pepper
You can also add other ingredients to make your canned corn tastier. Depending on the recipe, I sometimes add herbs and other spices to give my corn more flavors. You can also add flour to thicken your corn’s consistency or cheese to make it creamier.
Equipment
- Can opener
- Strainer or fine sieve
- Bowl
- Wooden spoon
- Stove-top or oven
- Saucepan or baking sheet
If you’re using a stove-top, make sure you choose a good saucepan or iron skillet so that your corn will cook evenly. If you’re planning to roast canned corn in the oven, I recommend using an aluminum baking sheet since it conducts heat better and will let you finish cooking more quickly.
Procedure
Option 1: Using a Stovetop
Open the can of corn using a can opener. The edge of the can is very sharp so you must be very careful when handling it. Some canned corn brands also have an easy-open lid so you won’t have to worry about using a can opener.
Place the strainer or fine sieve in the bowl and pour the canned corn into it. Let the liquid drain out.
Step 2: Cook the corn kernels.
Transfer the corn to a saucepan or iron skillet. Set the saucepan on the stove-top over medium heat.
Add butter, salt, and pepper according to taste. You can also add your choice of herbs and spices into the mix. Cook the corn for about 5 minutes or until the butter coats the kernels completely.
Once done, transfer the cooked corn into a plate or bowl and serve.
Bonus Recipe:
Here’s a fun and easy recipe for cooking canned corn via the stovetop:
For this recipe, you will need 1 can of whole kernel corn and 2 cans of cream style corn. Other than butter, salt, and pepper, you will also need flour to thicken your dish.
Follow Steps 1 and 2 above and cook for 3 to 5 minutes. You can then add about 3 teaspoons of flour into the pan. Stir continuously until the flour is well combined, and then add the cream style corn.
Cook for another 5 minutes, adding more salt and pepper, depending on your preference. Serve.
Option 2: Using an Oven
Step 1: Open the can of corn and strain.
Follow the first step in the procedure for cooking canned corn using a stovetop. When you’re done, it’s now time to move on to the next step.
Step 2: Transfer the corn into the baking sheet
Place the drained corn kernels into the baking sheet and arrange them so that they cover the sheet in a single layer. Try not to have any corn kernels lumped in together because this may affect the consistency of your cooked corn.
Step 3: Roast corn in the oven.
Preheat the oven to about 450 degree F. Place the baking sheet below the broiler and let the corn kernels roast for 2 to 3 minutes. Keep an eye on your kernels to make sure they don’t get burned.
Once the corn begins to turn golden brown, set the broiler to low and cook for another 5 minutes. Remove the baking sheet from the oven, transfer the contents into a bowl or plate, and serve.
Bonus Recipe:
Here’s a delicious baked corn recipe you can try at home:
For this recipe, you will need the following:
- 6 slices of cooked bacon, chopped into bits
- 3 cups of canned corn kernels
- ¼ cup of flour
- 2 cups shredded cheese
- 1 minced jalapeño
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- ¼ cup melted butter
- 1 cup milk
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Place all ingredients into a baking dish lined with cooking spray. Mix together until well combined.
Preheat the oven to 375 degree F for a few minutes. Place the baking dish into the oven and bake for 1 hour. Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for 20 minutes. Serve.
Conclusion
Canned corn is a great substitute for fresh corn on the cob if it’s not in season. It’s very easy to cook, and your dinner guests will never even know the difference!
You don’t need fancy ingredients or any elaborate setup to cook your canned corn. You can simply choose which option you like better and then follow the steps I’ve outlined above.
Is this article helpful? Do you have other recipes and quick tips for cooking canned corn? Write them down on the comments’ section below. I’d love to hear from you! And don’t forget to share this article with your family and friends.