Are you looking for a quick, easy, and incredibly delicious side dish to elevate your next meal? Look no further! This Honey Butter Skillet Corn recipe is the perfect blend of sweet and savory, guaranteed to impress your family and friends. It's so simple, even beginner cooks can master it, and it’s ready in under 20 minutes. This recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, barbecues, or any occasion where you want a crowd-pleasing, healthy meal. Let's get started!
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels (about 2 ears of corn)
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (packed)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Skillet
Heat the butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Make sure the skillet is large enough to comfortably hold the corn without overcrowding.
Step 2: Cook the Corn
Add the corn kernels to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5-7 minutes, or until the corn is tender-crisp. If using frozen corn, you may need to cook it for a few minutes longer.
Step 3: Add the Sweet and Savory Elements
Stir in the honey, brown sugar, salt, and pepper. Continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes, or until the honey and brown sugar have melted and formed a light glaze over the corn. Be careful not to burn the sugar; reduce the heat if necessary.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Remove the skillet from the heat and garnish with fresh cilantro, if desired. Serve immediately as a delicious side dish with grilled meats, fish, or poultry. This also makes a wonderful addition to your favorite tacos or bowls.
Cooking Tips for the Best Honey Butter Skillet Corn:
- Fresh vs. Frozen Corn: While fresh corn offers the best flavor, frozen corn works perfectly well in a pinch. Just make sure to thaw it completely before cooking to avoid uneven cooking.
- Adjust the Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the amount of honey and brown sugar to your liking. For a less sweet version, reduce the amount of honey to 2 tablespoons.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick. Cayenne pepper also works well.
- Add Some Herbs: Experiment with different herbs! Fresh thyme, rosemary, or chives would all complement the corn beautifully.
- Make it a Meal: Add cooked chicken, black beans, or crumbled cotija cheese to turn this side dish into a complete meal.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 150-200 (depending on the amount of butter used)
- Fat: 8-12g
- Carbohydrates: 20-25g
- Protein: 3-4g
This honey butter skillet corn recipe is a simple, delicious, and healthy addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and quick dinner ideas. Enjoy the homemade cooking experience and the amazing taste! It’s truly one of the best recipes for a crowd-pleasing side dish.