Description
Honey Butter Skillet Corn is a deliciously sweet and savory side dish that features tender corn kernels sautéed in a luscious honey butter sauce with fragrant herbs and a hint of smoky paprika. Perfect for complementing any meal, this quick and easy recipe brings out the natural sweetness of corn with a smooth buttery glaze and a fresh herbaceous finish.
Ingredients
Scale
Corn
- 4 cups fresh corn kernels (about 6-8 ears of corn) or 2 cans of corn, drained
Honey Butter Mixture
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
Herbs and Garnish
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Cooking Oil
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
Instructions
- Prepare the Corn: If using fresh corn, shuck the ears by removing the husks and silk. Hold each ear upright over a bowl and carefully slice down the sides to remove the kernels. If using canned corn, simply drain and set aside.
- Make the Honey Butter Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat until bubbly. Remove from heat and stir in the honey until fully combined. Add salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika if using, mixing well to create a smooth honey butter sauce.
- Cook the Corn: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the corn kernels and sauté fresh corn for 5-7 minutes or canned corn for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Cook until the kernels are slightly caramelized and tender.
- Combine and Flavor: Reduce heat to low and pour the honey butter mixture over the corn, stirring well to coat all the kernels evenly. Add the fresh or dried thyme and continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally to infuse the flavors.
- Serve and Garnish: Remove the skillet from heat and transfer the corn to a serving dish. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve warm as a flavorful side dish to complement your meal.
Notes
- For a smoky flavor, don’t skip the smoked paprika.
- Fresh thyme adds better aroma, but dried thyme works well in a pinch.
- You can substitute honey with maple syrup for a different sweet flavor.
- Use fresh corn in season for best flavor and texture.
- This dish pairs well with grilled meats, roasted chicken, or as part of a summer barbecue spread.
