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Want to know the secret to making frozen corn taste delicious? Kick your corn side dish up a notch with How to Cook Frozen Corn (the RIGHT way)!

There’s something about crisp, sweet, fresh corn that adds color and vibrancy to your dinner table. But when you can’t have freshly picked corn on the cob, you can have the same delicious side dishusing frozen corn! You’ll never use canned corn again. This recipe is easy, fool-proof, and oh sodelicious. Once you try this simple method using frozen corn kernels on the stove top, you will never go back!
Ingredients Needed for this Recipe
Make perfectly flavorful, crispy, delicious corn with just three ingredients! Here’s all you need:
- 1poundfrozen corn
- Butter– about four tablespoons melted butter, give or take
- Sugar – one tablespoon. Trust me on this. It’ll make your corn taste absolutely scrumptious!

Benefits of Frozen Corn
Frozen corn beats canned corn any day of the week. And it’s a perfect substitute to fresh corncobs. Why? For one thing, it’s cheaper. A big bag of frozen corn can last for several weeks in the freezer and when prepared correctly, tastes just as fresh as straight off the cob. And it actually takes less time to prepare than fresh. It’s nutritious too! There are actually fewer calories in frozen corn than in fresh or canned.
Basic Tips for Cooking Frozen Corn
- Don’t BOIL or microwave frozen kernel corn! Just don’t do it. I know the package tells you to do it, but trustme, it zaps all the flavor out of the corn.
- Use a skillet. Stir-frying or sautéing frozen corn keeps it crisp and bright and tastes much better than roasted corn in the oven.
- Add a little sugar. It’s ok, it won’t taste weird and it will bring out the natural sweet flavor.
- Don’t salt until ready to serve. Salting the corn too early can dehydrate it and it won’ttaste as sweet. Wait until after you’ve cooked it, then salt and pepper to taste for perfectly tender kernels.

Frequently Asked Questions
Should I thaw corn before cooking?
It doesn’t need to be completely thawed. Just rinse the corn under cool water until all the ice crystals are gone.
How can I use up leftover corn?
Throw a handful of skillet-cooked corn into salads, burritos, tacos, casseroles, or soups for extra colorand crunch. Or sauté other veggies with the corn and enjoy a beautiful vegetarian lunch ordinner.
How do I store leftover corn?
Keep leftover corn in an airtight container in the fridge. Try to use it up within about five days.
READ NEXT: 25+ Traditional and Easy Sunday Dinner Ideas
More Variations to Try
- Easy Seasoned Corn: Add 2 cloves garlic or some garlic powder and ½ teaspoon thyme before cooking.
- Mexican Street Corn: After cooking, add ⅓ cup queso fresco and sprinkle paprika and parsley over the top. Squeeze a little fresh lime juice over the top and garnish with cilantro, if desired.
- Parmesan Corn: Add 2 cloves garlic before cooking. After cooking sprinkle ⅓ to ½ cup fresh parmesan cheese over the top. Add in some fresh herbs for even more flavor.
What to Serve with Corn
Corn is a great side dish to proteins and potatoes. Here are some ideas:
- Grilled Chicken
- Fried Chicken
- Pork Chops
- Pulled Pork
- Steak
- Baked Potatoes
More Recipes using Corn
Wanting to find more incredible corn side dishes, main dishes, and corn casseroles? Look no further!
Korean Corn Cheese
Grilled Corn on the Cob
Chipotle Corn SalsaGrilled Corn Salad
Sweet Corn Cake (Tomalitos)
Mexican Street Corn CupsHow to Cook Frozen Corn
Mexican Street Corn
How to Cook Frozen Corn
How to Cook Frozen Corn (the RIGHT way)
5 from 120 votes
Want to know the secret to making frozen corn taste delicious? Kick your corn side dish up a notch with How to Cook Frozen Corn (the RIGHT way)!
PrintPinRate
Prep Time 8 minutes mins
Cook Time 7 minutes mins
Total Time 15 minutes mins
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings
Video
Equipment
Skillet
Ingredients
- 1 pound frozen corn
- 4 Tablespoons butter
- 1 Tablespoon sugar
Instructions
Place corn in a colander and rinse with cold water until ice is no longer present. Shake off excess water over the sink.
Place corn and butter in a medium-sized skillet over medium-high heat.
Sprinkle sugar over corn and stir until butter is melted and corn is hot (about 5-6 minutes). Do not over cook.
Season with Kosher salt and fresh black pepper if desired.
Serve immediately.
Notes
- Don’t BOIL frozen kernel corn! Just don’t do it. I know the package tells you to do it, but trustme, it zaps all the flavor out of the corn.
- Use a skillet. Stir-frying or sautéing frozen corn keeps it crisp and bright and tastes much better than roasted corn in the oven.
- Add a little sugar. It’s ok, it won’t taste weird and it will bring out the natural sweet flavor.
- Don’t salt until ready to serve. Salting the corn too early can dehydrate it and it won’ttaste as sweet. Wait until after you’ve cooked it, then salt and pepper to taste.
Nutrition Information
Calories: 150kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 3gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 71mgPotassium: 222mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 235IUVitamin C: 5.4mgCalcium: 5mgIron: 0.5mg
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