Sometimes, fresh corn isn’t always available. And if you’re craving it, a can of corn is an excellent stand-in. But don’t just heat up the contents and call it a day! This easy canned corn recipe is a simple way to add a side to any main dish.
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Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: If you are looking for more favorite corn side dishes but are pressed for time, this recipe is for you. This delicious sweet corn recipe takes just 10 minutes (with only 7 minutes of cooking time), making it an incredibly quick side dish!
- Delicious: With a few added ingredients, you’ll elevate the flavor of a can of corn. No one will realize it came from a can!
- Healthy: Corn is a good-for-you grain. This recipe uses simple herbs and seasonings that impart both flavor and nutritional value.
Nutrition For Mental Health
One cup of sweet corn contains 41 grams of carbohydrates, 4.6 grams of fiber, 2.1 grams of fat, and 5.4 grams of protein. Corn is rich in thiamine and a good source of vitamin C, folate, magnesium, and potassium.
A randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled clinical trial found that thiamine deficiency leads to symptoms of depression and irritability. In addition, they found that adjuvant thiamine reduced depressive symptoms faster than placebo.
Ingredients + Notes
This whole kernel sweet corn recipe is made with six simple ingredients you probably have in your pantry. If you’re wondering how to make canned corn better, use these ingredients.
- Oil: Many recipes using canned corn call for butter, but that’s not vegan. Oil is for everyone, though, making it perfect for sautéing the garlic and rosemary to bring out their flavors. I usually opt for avocado oil because that is what we tend to have on hand. Olive oil would work as well, though.
- Corn: Canned sweet corn will be the best option since it tastes similar to the fresh corn on the cob you love so much. I’d also recommend going with an unsalted version since you can have better control of seasoning when you just buy a can of corn that is only packed in water. If you prefer, using frozen corn also works well for this corn dish recipe.
A full list of ingredients with exact amounts can be found in the recipe card below.
Variations + Substitutions
Are you wondering how to dress up canned corn even more? Here are some recipe variations and additions to consider.
- Parsley: You’ll forget this came from a can in the first place when you add in a little fresh parsley. I love throwing parsley in with things because it’s a great way to perk up the presentation and flavors.
- Chili powder: For a Mexican street corn style or to add a bit of heat, add chili powder. Some red onions would be good, too!
- Red pepper flakes: Along with the rosemary and garlic, red pepper flakes really add a nice dusting of color and a little spice.
- Cayenne pepper: Adding ground cayenne pepper will add an incredible amount of spice. Do so with caution! It can be a great pairing with the corn’s sweet taste, though.
- Vegan butter: A little vegan butter could be used in place of cooking with oil.
- Lime juice: Lime juice can add a beautiful tart flavor to a lot of dishes, including this one!
- Cheese: Add some vegan parmesan cheese with fresh garlic and rosemary. Alternatively, some vegan cheddar would also be delicious!
How To Make Canned Corn That Actually Tastes Good!
When it comes to cooking canned corn, it just takes four simple steps. Enjoy!
- Strain the contents of the can of corn and rinse it thoroughly with fresh water.
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- Heat the oil, garlic, and rosemary over medium heat in a small saucepan. Continually stir for about two minutes.
- Add in corn, salt, and pepper, and cook for about 5 minutes until the corn is thoroughly hot and infused with the garlic and rosemary.
(If you are using unsalted corn, then you may wish to add more salt. If your canned corn was salted, you may wish to use less.)
- Serve with fresh rosemary on top and enjoy.
Serving Ideas
You can serve this canned sweet corn recipe with any main dish you like. Here are some recommendations for recipe pairings.
- Soup: Make a tasty Vegan Veggie Chili, Vegan Black Bean Soup Recipe, or Pumpkin Chili.
- Desserts: Canned corn is so versatile. It’s always good to have it in your pantry when you need a side dish or to add more flavor and color to your meal. If you’re looking for a tasty dessert, try these Lemonade Popsicles or Vegan Pineapple Sorbet.
- Drinks: Try a refreshing drink like Simple Lemon Water, Classic Black Milk Tea, or Jasmine Bubble Tea.
Storage Tips
A can of corn can last for years. Once you crack it open with your handy can opener, though, it will only last for days. The best way to store leftovers is in an air-tight glass container, such as canning jars.
- Fridge: This easy corn side dish can be stored in an air-tight container in your fridge for 3-5 days.
- Freezer: Alternatively, this easy canned corn recipe can be stored in the freezer for 4-6 months.
FAQ
Yes, canned corn is incredibly healthy, with a rich vitamin C content. It also contains beta-carotene, minerals, protein, fiber, and antioxidants. Plus, it’s delicious, so you won’t have trouble eating it.
No, you don’t need to cook canned corn first. It’s already cooked prior to canning. This is why so many people grab cans of corn when there’s a big storm coming. With all those nutrients, it’s delicious emergency food. But on a regular day, it’s a fantastic kitchen staple. You can warm it up in any recipe, or drain it, rinse it, and throw it on top of a salad.
Fresh is always going to be the healthiest option, though canned corn is still a healthy choice for your meals. You’re still getting all the nutrients you need from it, making the stuff in the can a great and healthy choice too.
Ideally, freezing your fresh corn is best for enjoying it year-round. You can also buy frozen corn. Fresh and frozen corn comes out slightly ahead of canned corn, but canned corn is still a healthy option. When choosing canned corn, make sure you’re buying one that limits additives. Ideally, it should only contain corn and water in the can.
If you tried this Easy Canned Corn Recipe or any other recipe on my blog, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below. Thanks for visiting!
Recipe
Easy Canned Corn
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons avocado oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 15 oz can of corn (if you get unsalted, you may wish to add more salt
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Strain the corn and rinse it thoroughly.
- Heat the oil, garlic, and rosemary over medium heat. Continually stir for about two minutes.
- Add in corn, salt, and pepper, and cook for about 5 minutes until the corn is thoroughly hot and infused with the garlic and rosemary.
- Serve warm, and enjoy.
Video
Notes
- Fridge: This easy corn side dish can be stored in an air-tight container in your fridge for 3-5 days.
- Freezer: Alternatively, this easy canned corn recipe can be stored in the freezer for 4-6 months.
Nutrition
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Reference
Ghaleiha A, Davari H, Jahangard L, Haghighi M, Ahmadpanah M, Seifrabie MA, Bajoghli H, Holsboer-Trachsler E, Brand S. Adjuvant thiamine improved standard treatment in patients with major depressive disorder: results from a randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled clinical trial. Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci. 2016 Dec;266(8):695-702. doi: 10.1007/s00406-016-0685-6. Epub 2016 Mar 16. PMID: 26984349.
Canned corn recipe that actually tastes good? Thanks!
Glad you liked it!