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Fry It Up! How To Make Fried Corn on the Cob

Plus compound butter recipes to give this summertime staple a delicious update

By Charlotte Linde, editor of Macaroni Kid EATS July 10, 2021

It's corn on the cob season! This staple of many summer barbeques seems like it's often served the same delicious way — with loads of butter and salt. Really, why mess with such a yummy summertime staple? 

BUT.

But I recently tried fried corn on the cob at a local BBQ joint and it was AMAZING. I had to replicate it at home. Frying the corn on the cob gives it a whole new flavor. Give it a try with one of the compound butter recipes we've included below — you'll be taking corn on the cob to a whole new level!

Fried Corn on the Cob




Ingredients:

  • Vegetable oil 
  • Corn on the cob
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Chopped parsley
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Compound butter (optional, see recipes below)

Instructions:

  1. Heat oil to 350 (about an inch thick) in a large cast-iron skillet or pot. 
  2. Fry ears of corn, turning to cook all sides until lightly golden brown. This takes about 3 to 4 minutes.
  3. Place on paper towels to drain and season with parmesan cheese, parsley, and salt and pepper. Or if you want something extra special, try one of our compound butter recipes.

Compound Butters

Compound butter is a fancy way of saying butter mixed up with herbs and spices. Try one of these recipes on your ears of corn, rolls, and even steak and chicken. It will elevate your dish to a new level and your tastebuds will thank me. 

Note: you can use unsalted butter and add salt to control seasoning, but I don’t mind using salted butter as that is what I usually have on hand. Just don’t add salt!

The directions for all these kinds of compound butter are the same, and very simple! Simply mix the softened butter and ingredients together. Then put the mixed flavored butter on parchment paper or plastic wrap, form into a log, roll up, and twist ends tight. Place in refrigerator for 2 hours to set. Slice and enjoy!




Caprese compound butter

  • 1 stick of softened butter
  • 2 tablespoons chopped basil
  • 1 tablespoon chopped sundried tomatoes
  • 3 tablespoons shredded mozzarella cheese

For the birds compound butter (perfect on turkey or chicken)

  • 1 stick of softened butter
  • 2 tablespoons of chopped rosemary, sage, and thyme
  • ½ teaspoon ground white pepper

Blue cheese compound butter (great on steak!)

  • 1 stick of softened butter
  • 3 tablespoons crumbled blue cheese
  • 1 teaspoon cracked black pepper

Sweet bee compound butter

  • 1 stick of softened butter
  • 2 tablespoons of honey
  • ½  teaspoon of cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest

This story originally appeared in Macaroni Kid EATS.