Sautéed Corn with Scallions

Sweet, crunchy, buttery and sublime, sautéed corn with scallions is the simplest recipe and the perfect side dish for summer. Fresh corn is cut off the cob and sautéed in sweet butter, with onions, scallions, salt and pepper. The result is pure magic. 

If you're like me, this sweet, satisfying dish will become a staple on your summer table. 

Nothing tastes more like summer than fresh corn and there's nothing much easier to prepare than corn on the cob.  

Corn-off-the-cob recipes like this one take a bit more effort on the part of the cook, but are a pure luxury for the folks at the table. 

Fresh summer corn is such a treat, each kernel literally bursting with juicy sweetness. I get big raves when I serve this sautéed corn dish to friends and family, and I always say, "it's not me. It's the corn."

In the summer, I make this for any and every occasion. It's a great way to serve corn for a party - plus, no cobs left on the plate!

How to make Sautéed Corn with Scallions

The ingredients in this recipe need very little cooking so the whole dish takes only about 15 minutes to prepare. Here's an overview of how to make it. For precise amounts and instructions, scroll down to the recipe card below. 

Here's what you need

• Yellow onion
• Scallions
• Fresh Corn, husked
• Sweet butter
• Salt
• Pepper

Here's what do to

• First chop the onion, slice the scallions and cut the corn kernels off the cob
• Next melt the butter in a skillet and cook the onion for a few minutes until it's soft and translucent
• Finally, add the corn and scallions to the pan and sauté them for a few minutes until slightly tender, but still crisp to the bite
• Sprinkle on some salt and pepper
• Serve and enjoy!

Other delicious recipes with fresh corn

• Corn Tomato Avocado Salad
• Lemon Pasta with Summer Vegetables
• Colombian Chicken Soup
• Chopped Salad with Buttermilk Dressing

Sautéed Corn Goes with Nearly Everything

Wondering what to serve as the main with sautéed corn on the side? Almost anything goes and especially anything grilled. Try serving this with grilled Aleppo chicken thighs or ras el hanout grilled chicken, grilled chimichurri steak or grilled swordfish salsa verde. Add a green salad or a tricolore salad and you've got a wonderful summer dinner that's simple to throw together.

Here's the sautéed corn recipe. If you try this, I hope you'll come back to leave a star rating and a comment. I'd love to know what you think.

Sautéed Corn with Scallions

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 1 reviews

A fresh, sweet, satisfying, easy summer side dish recipe of fresh sautéed corn with scallions.

• Author: Lisa
• Prep Time: 10 min
• Cook Time: 6 min
• Total Time: 16 minutes
• Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
• Category: side dish
• Method: Sauté
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 6 ears of corn, husked, kernels cut off the cobs (about 3 cups of corn kernels)
• 1 tablespoon of sweet butter
• ½ small yellow onion, finely chopped
• 5-6 scallions, root ends snipped off, sliced thinly crosswise
• Kosher salt or flaky sea salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

1. Heat butter in a skillet over medium-low heat. Sauté the onion for a few minutes, until translucent.
2. Add the corn, scallions, ¼ teaspoon salt and several twists of pepper. Turn the heat up to medium and sauté, tossing and stirring, for 3 minutes or so, until the corn is lightly cooked but still crisp and juicy. Season with additional salt and pepper, to taste. Serve immediately.

Notes

Make this with frozen corn: To make this dish with frozen corn, use 3 cups (15 ounces) of frozen corn, defrosted.

Keywords: fresh corn, sautéed corn off the cob, corn with onions and scallions

[First published on Sept 22, 2020. Refreshed and updated on June 8, 2022 with a recipe overview added to the written post and a few other additions to the written post, including serving suggestions. The same delicious recipe!]