Cooking with Corn - Cooking Light

Photo: Johnny Autry

Healthy Corn Recipes

This is pure summer, perfectly packaged, quintessentially American. The Europeans, who get weepy about a lot of produce, just don't get as sentimental about chomping into an ear of fresh corn—all that sun-packed sweetness is perhaps a bit gauche. This is our treat, best right now. Peel back a cob and poke a plump kernel with a thumbnail to see the sweet milk. Beyond the whole cob lie these of-the-moment recipes: tangy relishes, savory pancakes, creamy fresh-corn grits, and a frozen corn-milk treat.

First up is Corn Chowchow. You'll be amazed at how many ways you can serve this recipe. Feel free to make a milder relish by seeding the jalapeño.

View Recipe: Corn Chowchow

Photo: Johnny Autry

Saucy Crawfish with Whole Corn Grits

Substitute shrimp for the crawfish, if you prefer. Toasting the flour brings nutty flavor to the sauce, similar to a brown roux. Microgreens make an elegant garnish.

View Recipe: Saucy Crawfish with Whole Corn Grits

Photo: Johnny Autry

Corn Pancakes with Smoked Salmon and Lemon-Chive Cream

These savory pancakes are dressed perfectly with fresh lemon-chive cream and smoked salmon. Breakfast time, or anytime, these are a must try.

View Recipe: Corn Pancakes with Smoked Salmon and Lemon-Chive Cream

Photo: Johnny Autry

Oaxacan-Style Grilled Corn on the Cob

Look for crema at Latin markets or by the supermarket's Mexican cheeses. It's slightly tangier than sour cream.

View Recipe: Oaxacan-Style Grilled Corn on the Cob

Photo: Johnny Autry

Sweet Corn Ice Cream

Steeping cobs in the cream mixture infuses it with corn flavor. If possible, chill the corn mixture overnight. This lets flavors meld and helps the ice cream to freeze faster: The quicker it freezes, the creamier it will be.

View Recipe: Sweet Corn Ice Cream

Photo: Johnny Autry

Grilled Corn, Poblano, and Black Bean Salad

Here's a great side for grilled meats and fish. Be sure you don't skimp on the fresh cilantro. It brings an extra dash of fresh flavor.

View Recipe: Grilled Corn, Poblano, and Black Bean Salad

Photo: Romulo Yanes

Shrimp and Corn Cakes with Heirloom Tomato Salsa

Delicious patties made of fresh corn, shrimp, and bell pepper are pan-fried to perfection in this recipe. Serrano chile in the heirloom tomato salsa adds a bit of heat, and cilantro some earthy freshness.

View Recipe: Shrimp and Corn Cakes with Heirloom Tomato Salsa

Photo: Romulo Yanes

Baked Tomatoes with Quinoa, Corn, and Green Chiles

These tomatoes are stuffed full with super healthy quinoa, sweet fresh corn, poblano chiles, and lots of shredded cheese. Fresh lime juice adds a burst of citrus freshness. It's a delicious side or meatless main.

View Recipe: Baked Tomatoes with Quinoa, Corn, and Green Chiles

Photo: Romulo Yanes

Chilled Fresh Corn Soup with King Crab

This chilled soup is full of delectably sweet fresh corn and gorgeous pieces of king crab legs.

View Recipe: Chilled Fresh Corn Soup with King Crab

Photo: John Autry

Mushroom, Corn, and Poblano Tacos

Keep your tortillas soft by wrapping them in foil and keeping them in a warm oven.

View Recipe: Mushroom, Corn, and Poblano Tacos

Photo: Johnny Autry

Basil and Corn Farro Salad

If you can't find precooked farro, substitute precooked or boil-in-bag brown rice.

View Recipe: Basil and Corn Farro Salad

Photo: Randy Mayor

Grilled Pork Tacos with Summer Corn and Nectarine Salsa

We love this recipe because it is a complete hand-held meal nestled within a grilled corn tortilla—plus, it's budget-friendly. Be sure to zest your lime before you slice and juice it.

View Recipe: Grilled Pork Tacos with Summer Corn and Nectarine Salsa

Photo: Marcus Nilsson

Grilled Corn on the Cob

Grilled in its husk, the corn takes on a wonderful, lightly charred flavor while its sugars caramelize and intensify. Soaking in salted water lightly seasons the corn and helps keep it moist as it grills. Then, since the silks have been removed, just peel and enjoy.

View Recipe: Grilled Corn on the Cob

Photo: John Autry

Ginger-Scented Corn and Asparagus Stir-Fry

Rice and corn make a perfect bed for this bowlful of delicious flavor. Tofu makes this a filling meal.

View Recipe: Ginger-Scented Corn and Asparagus Stir-Fry

Photo: John Autry

Avocado-Corn Chowder with Grilled Chicken

Top a creamy chilled avocado soup with fresh corn and grilled chicken for a colorful and flavorful main-dish entrée.

View Recipe: Avocado-Corn Chowder with Grilled Chicken

Photo: Anna Williams

Grilled Corn on the Cob with Roasted Jalapeño Butter

This easy, 5-ingredient grilled corn gets its flavor from jalapeño peppers that are roasted, chopped, and stirred into honey butter.

View Recipe: Grilled Corn on the Cob with Roasted Jalapeño Butter

Photo: Iain Bagwell

Paella with Poblanos, Corn, and Clams

This recipe recieved rave reviews from CL staffers. "Love the crunchy rice on the bottom of the pan, and clams lend the dish a delicious sweet brininess," said Tim Cebula, Associate Food Editor.

View Recipe: Paella with Poblanos, Corn, and Clams

Photo: John Autry

Summer Squash and Corn Chowder

Enjoy soup in the summertime by making this satisfying chowder with seasonal produce. Top with cheese and bacon for kid appeal.

View Recipe: Summer Squash and Corn Chowder

Photo: John Autry

Golden Corn Salad with Fresh Basil

For a quick, tasty, and affordable side dish to bring to parties, picnics, or just to house in the fridge for snacks, try this recipe. Fresh summer corn can be a sweet treat, especially with tight, green husks and golden, moist silks.

View Recipe: Golden Corn Salad with Fresh Basil

Photo: John Autry

Crab and Grilled Corn Salad

Charring the corn adds toasty, nutty depth. Serve with Manchego-Black Pepper Breadsticks for a complete meal.

View Recipe: Crab and Grilled Corn Salad

Photo: John Autry

Corn Fritters with Roasted Tomatoes and Lime Aioli

For convenience, you can make the tomatoes and fritters in advance, then reheat them to serve. Reheating the fritters in an oven or toaster oven will keep them from being soggy.

View Recipe: Corn Fritters with Roasted Tomatoes and Lime Aioli

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Quick Chicken-Corn Chowder

You can have this chicken and corn chowder on the table in less than 30 minutes. Sounds too good to be true, right? We guess you will just have to try it to find out.

View Recipe: Quick Chicken-Corn Chowder

Photo: Randy Mayor

Goat Cheese and Roasted Corn Quesadillas

Browning the corn caramelizes its sugars and deepens the taste of this dish. If you have fresh cilantro on hand, chop two tablespoons and stir it into the salsa.

View Recipe: Goat Cheese and Roasted Corn Quesadillas

Photo: Randy Mayor

Sweet Corn Chowder with Hot-Smoked Salmon

The fish, used in place of the bacon often found in traditional chowder recipes, adds heart-healthy fats and protein. Great made ahead, this soup gets better with time.

View Recipe: Sweet Corn Chowder with Hot-Smoked Salmon

Photo: Howard L. Puckett

Sweet Pea Risotto with Corn Broth

All over the country, summer markets are full of fresh, locally grown corn. It's put to delicious use in this dish. We loved the Corn Broth and thought it would make a tasty summer soup all by itself.

View Recipe: Sweet Pea Risotto with Corn Broth

Photo: Lee Harrelson

Easy Corn Casserole

Making the most of convenience products, this corn casserole comes together quickly as an ideal side dish for chili, spicy pork, or chicken.

View Recipe: Easy Corn Casserole

Photo: John Autry

Summer Veggie Pizza

Using store-bought pizza dough is a lifesaver when dinners have to be quick. These vegetable toppings use the very best of the season with fresh bell pepper, corn, and basil. It’s simply good.

View Recipe: Summer Veggie Pizza

Photo: Johnny Miller

Creamy Corn Risotto

Fresh, crunchy summer corn is a great addition to this savory dish. Add in other summer veggies, like squash, if you like.

View Recipe: Creamy Corn Risotto