Sauteed sweet corn kernels is a quick and easy snack. Saute sweet corn with some onion, green chilies, garlic and a few spices to make this delicious snack. It is a great side dish and a light meal.
This is an old post, edited with new content and step by step photos.
About the recipe
Back home, during our childhood when corn was in reason, sautéed fresh corn kernels, corn on the cob, corn vada (makka garelu) and Telangana version of bhutte ke kees were common evening snacks and sometimes prepared even for breakfast.
Of all the corn recipes, the one I make the most are corn on the cob and sautéed sweet corn kernels. Since frozen corn kernels are easily available year round here in the US, I use frozen kernels instead of the fresh ones.
Frozen sweet corn kernels recipe is so quick and easy to prepare, it is my go to recipe when I need to fix a snack or a meal for myself. This is under 15 minutes recipe and makes a wonderful breakfast, evening snack and even a side dish for grilled meats.
Ingredients
Corn kernels - I use frozen sweet corn kernels as these are available year around. You can make it with fresh kernels also and for folks in India, the recipe is the same even for desi corn kernels. Try to pick the young tender corn.
Green Chilies - fresh green chilies taste the best in the recipe and if one wishes, they can use green chilies and chili powder. I use small green chilies from the Indian store. Thai Birds Eye chilies are a good replacement to these chilies and Serrano peppers also work well here.
Spices - this recipe requires minimal spices. Mustard and cumin seeds are the only spices and sometimes I skip even mustard seeds. And off course, some turmeric, as it is a must in almost all of India recipes.
Milk - with desi corn, adding some milk gives a little sweeter taste but with sweet corn kernels, it is optional. However, due to habit, I always add milk.
Preparation
Sauté frozen kernels with some onion, curry leaves, green chilies and some spices and the dish is ready in less than 15 minutes. No need to thaw sweet corn kernels. Add it directly to the fan and fry.
Step 1 - Heat oil in a pan, add cumin and mustard seeds. Once the seeds splutter, add curry leaves, green chilies, onion and saute until chilies change color and onions are soft..
Step 2 - Then add garlic, turmeric, salt and stir well.
Step 3 - Add sweetcorn kernels, milk and mix well.
Step 4 - Cover and cook for 5-7 minutes until the corn is soft. Uncover and cook until all the liquid evaporates. Garnish with cilantro and serve hot.
Serve & Storage
Serve corn hot. Store leftovers in an airtight container for 2-4 days in the refrigerator. Reheat in the microwave or on stovetop before serving.
Tips
- Use Indian green chilies or Serrano peppers for seasoning. If you can not source these, use chili powder.
- You can substitute frozen kernels with fresh kernels from the cob. Adjust the cooking time based on how tender the kernels are.
- I prefer Birdseye brand and recommended it. If you can not find this brand, use the brand you prefer. This is not a sponsored post and it is my personal preference.
FAQ
Yes you can. That is the easiest and best way to prepare this Indian style sauteed corn.
It depends on how you are using the corn. In most cases, you need not thaw it. Add it directly to the pan and saute.
More Corn Recipes
For sweetcorn lovers like me, there are many to prepare this humble grain, either fresh or dried. Some of my favorites are roasted corn kernels with garlic butter, corn raita or corn salad in a yogurt dressing and on toast with lots of peppers and cheese.
With dry corn, Telangana famous makka gudaalu and chocolate coated popcorn. Below are few more sweet corn kernel recipes.
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📖 Recipe
Sauteed Sweet Corn Kernels
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoon Oil
- 4-6 Curry Leaves opt
- ½ teaspoon Mustard Seeds
- ¾ teaspoon Cumin Seeds
- ½ small size Onion chopped
- 5 Green Chillies chopped adjust to your taste
- 1 tablespoon Garlic Paste/Crushed
- ½ teaspoon Turmeric Powder
- ½ teaspoon Salt adjust to taste
- 14.5 oz bag of frozen Sweet Corn Kernels
- 4 tablespoon Milk
- Cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Heat oil in a pan, add curry leave, mustard seeds and cumin. Let the seeds splutter.
- Add onion and green chillies and saute.
- When onions are translucent, add garlic and mix well.
- Throw in turmeric, salt and give a quick stir.
- Add corn kernels, milk and mix well. Cover and cook for 5-7 minutes or until corn is cooked.
- Remove the cover and cook until the liquid evaporates.
- Garnish with cilantro and serve immediately.
Notes
- I used frozen Birds Eye sweet corn and I prefer this band of frozen corn. Can use canned sweet corn as well.
- Nutrition - Nutritional values are approximate values.
Nutrition
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Srividhya Manikandan says
Love the simplicity of this dish.... Flavored corn with Indian tempering more like our sundal right? Sweet corn is always a win and that adding of milk makes it moist and not to dry. Yummy one Usha.
Usha Rao says
Yes kind of sundal without coconut and the masala.
Sandhya Ramakrishnan says
I have made sweet corn salad many times, but never thought of making it in an Indianized flavor. This is going to be my son's after school snack this evening. And frozen corn kernels are a blessing.
Srivalli says
Such a simple and great way to indulge in corn Usha...lovely pictures..My kids love the easiest microwave method, will try this way too..
Vaishali Sabnani says
Love corn kernels! Everytime I boil, I have to nibble on some. These sauteed ones make a wonderful snack, for me a meal! I just like them on my toast.
Love the vibrant pics - looking forward to the new ones which perhaps are even better .
Pradnya says
So good to be back...corn is my go to snack during monsoons in mumbai! beautiful bright pictures as always. Never made an elaborate corn saute though...so keen to try it soon.
kalyani says
Addition of milk to these sauteed corn must give it such a creamy consistency, perfect with grilled meats or a meal by itself.. lovey, pictures as always Usha 🙂
chefmireille says
I love corn so much, Sometimes I eat it straight out of the can (when using canned) - love this simple saute
mayurisjikoni says
Beautiful clicks, makes the corn look so vibrant and tempting. Next time will add curry leaves to make it more flavorful.
Priya Srinivasan says
ohh i love this corn saute usha! i sometimes make this with fresh corn, i love it as such for my dinner or add it to my salads! That beautiful color with that contrast herbs on top, looks splendid!!!
vaishalisabnani says
Beautiful clicks and a very delicious and easy recipe. We all love corn and such quick recipes are always welcome.
Sandhya Ramakrishnan says
Such vibrant pictures and I feel like grabbing it off the screen. The corn is such a hit with kids. Makes for an easy after school snack or a lunch side for lunch boxes.
sushma says
Lovely dish, my daughter loves this dish. Pics looks amazing
Padmajha PJ says
The pictures look so appealing Usha. We make sweet corn sundal. Never added milk to this dish.Will try your version too.
Jayashree says
Beautiful pics. The corn kernels look so bright and inviting.
Pavani says
That is such an inviting snack with corn Usha. I think I can polish that whole bowl off in no time. Lovely clicks.
Jayanthi says
Love easy and quick recipes. These are my kids favorite and I love your new clicks definitely.
Sandhiya says
Quick & easy snack to prepare in no time. As usual, the clicks are beautiful and the vibrant colors in the pics makes it so catchy and tempting!!
sapana says
Such an interesting way to serve corn. Love the bright and airy pictures.
Priya Suresh says
Omg, how bright those corn kernels looks. Amazing clicks there Usha. Such an interesting recipe to dish out quickly with less efforts.
Srivalli Jetti says
Yea agree on this count, the new pictures are amazing!...and this is such a quick recipe to make and enjoy!