Corn Kernel

Zea mays Vegetable, Grain

Corn Kernel Vegetable, Grain

At a Glance

  • Category Vegetable, Grain

The Forktionary Angle

"The golden pearl of summer, bringing a burst of sweetness and sunshine to any plate."

Definition

The edible seed of the corn plant, either fresh, frozen, or canned, prized for its sweet, crisp texture and versatility in many cuisines.

Plant Biology Botanically a fruit (specifically a caryopsis) but culinarily considered a vegetable or grain.
Storage (Fresh) Store unhusked corn in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to preserve sweetness.
Usage Tip Scrape the cob with the back of a knife after removing kernels to extract 'milk' for extra flavor in dishes.

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Corn Kernel are:

Sweet Starchy Juicy Mildly Earthy

Chef’s Secret

To char corn kernels for added depth, dry them thoroughly and cook in a screaming hot, dry skillet until browned and slightly blistered.

Best Substitutes

Canned corn

Ratio 1:1

Frozen corn

Ratio 1:1

Fresh corn

requires husking/cutting
Ratio 1:1

Buying Guide

For fresh, look for bright green husks and plump, milky kernels. For canned/frozen, check for no added sugar or salt.

Recipes Using Corn Kernel

Long Grain Rice Occasion Main Ingredient Beginner Cook

20 Minute Spanish Rice

Craving a flavorful Spanish rice side dish that's ready in a flash? This recipe delivers! Perfect for busy weeknights, this vibrant and easy-to-make rice complements any main course, from spicy chicken to grilled fish. Get ready to enjoy authentic flavors in under 30 minutes!

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Asian Low Calorie Low In Something Dietary

Baked Palak Spinach And Corn

This incredibly flavorful Baked Palak Spinach and Corn recipe is a quick and easy weeknight dinner winner! Inspired by ndtvcooks.com, this recipe uses convenient frozen spinach and canned corn for ultimate speed and simplicity. Get ready for a cheesy, delicious bake that's sure to disappear in minutes! Perfect for a busy weeknight or a fun family meal.

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Easter Kid Friendly Corn Occasion

Baked Creamy Corn With Cracker Topping

This creamy dreamy corn casserole is a holiday MUST-MAKE! Sweet corn, rich cream cheese, and a buttery cracker topping create a side dish that will disappear quickly. Easily adaptable to your taste – adjust the sugar to your liking! Use two (15 ounce) cans of whole kernel corn as a substitute for the frozen corn (ensure it's drained well). This recipe is decadent, so a small serving is perfectly satisfying. Get ready for rave reviews!

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Low Cholesterol Main Dish Low In Something Chili

20 Minute Chicken Chili Dairy Free

Craving a quick, flavourful, and dairy-free chili? This recipe from the Canadian Living Test Kitchen delivers a hearty, satisfying meal in just 20 minutes! Packed with tender chicken, vibrant veggies, and warming spices, it's the perfect weeknight dinner. Easy to follow instructions make this recipe ideal for beginner cooks.

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4 Hours Or Less Dietary Holiday Event Greens

Dressed Up Salad With Secret Dressing

Elevate your salad game with this stunning Dressed Up Salad! Inspired by a decades-old secret recipe from California's exclusive Golden Door spa, this recipe features a vibrant array of fresh vegetables artfully arranged on a bed of crisp lettuce. The show-stopping presentation is matched by the incredible flavor of the homemade ginger-infused dressing – a unique blend of sweet and savory that will impress your guests. Forget boring salads – this recipe is perfect for dinner parties, potlucks, or a special weeknight treat. Easily adaptable to different lettuce types and serving sizes, this recipe is as beautiful as it is delicious!

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Cuisine Time To Make Spicy 60 Minutes Or Less

Applebee's Santa Fe Stuffed Chicken

Craving Applebee's Santa Fe Stuffed Chicken? This copycat recipe lets you recreate the restaurant favorite at home! Enjoy juicy chicken breasts filled with a delicious Southwestern-spiced stuffing, then baked to perfection. Easy to follow instructions and amazing flavor – get ready for a taste of Applebee's in your kitchen!

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Heirloom Historical Course One Dish Meal Occasion

Beef Barley Veggy Soup Crock Pot

Warm up with this hearty and delicious Beef Barley Veggie Soup, slow-cooked to perfection in your crockpot! Bursting with tender beef, barley, and colorful vegetables, this comforting soup is a complete meal in itself. Serve with crusty bread for dipping and enjoy a flavorful, satisfying experience. Freezes beautifully for easy weeknight meals.

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Low Calorie Corn Course Holiday Event

Amish Corn Pudding

Experience pure corn pudding bliss! This Amish recipe is unbelievably simple, yet delivers a creamy, dreamy texture and irresistible flavor. Get ready for the most heavenly side dish you've ever tasted. Perfect for holidays or any weeknight dinner.

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60 Minutes Or Less 60 Minutes Or Less Equipment Thanksgiving

Apple Corn Muffins

Delightfully moist and subtly sweet Apple Corn Muffins! This easy recipe combines the sweetness of apples with the hearty texture of cornmeal for a perfect breakfast or snack. Get ready to enjoy these golden-brown muffins bursting with flavor in just 40 minutes!

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Preparation Dinner Party Oven Brunch

Banana Corn Fritters

Ready in 30 minutes, these Banana Corn Fritters are a delicious and versatile side, snack, or appetizer! Enjoy the unique blend of savory, smoky, and slightly sweet flavors. Perfect alongside black bean soup, coleslaw, or crusty bread for a satisfying vegetarian meal. This recipe features chipotle peppers for a delightful smoky kick. (Tip: Ground chipotle powder is typically found in the Mexican/Spanish food aisle or spice section of your supermarket.)

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Time To Make Inexpensive Vegan Time To Make

Aztec Black Bean Salad Vegan Low Fat

Spice up your life with this vibrant and flavorful Aztec Black Bean Salad! This vegan and low-fat recipe is perfect for meal prepping and is easily customizable to your spice preference. Made with black beans, corn, bell peppers, and a zesty chipotle lime dressing, this salad is a fiesta in every bite. Easily adaptable for cilantro-haters (Italian parsley works great!). Get ready for a delicious and healthy meal that's quick to prepare.

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Time To Make Vegetarian Brown Rice Dietary

Hot Tamale Burgers

Spice up your life with these fiery vegetarian Hot Tamale Burgers! Packed with corn, bell peppers, chipotle peppers, and zesty lime, these flavorful patties are grilled to perfection for a smoky, satisfying meal. A perfect vegetarian alternative to traditional burgers, these are sure to become a new favorite!

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Main Ingredient 4 Hours Or Less Meat Course

Barbecue Ranch Chicken Salad

Craving a zesty, Southwestern-inspired salad? This Barbecue Ranch Chicken Salad is bursting with flavor and incredibly easy to make! Tender chicken tossed in a creamy barbecue ranch dressing, it's the perfect light yet satisfying meal. We recommend using a mild red onion to avoid overpowering the other delicious ingredients. Prep time is minimal, and chilling enhances the flavors, making this recipe ideal for a weeknight dinner or a casual get-together.

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Preparation Taste Mood Spicy Time To Make

Azteca Squash Soup

A vibrant and flavorful vegetarian soup inspired by Rancho La Puerta in Tecate, Mexico (Bon Appétit Magazine, December 2008). This recipe features roasted butternut squash, a rich blend of spices, and a touch of heat for a truly satisfying and unforgettable autumnal meal. Perfect for a cozy night in or a festive gathering!

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Lunch Occasion Dietary Preparation

Bacon Spinach Quiche

This foolproof Bacon Spinach Quiche recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! Easy to make and incredibly delicious, it's perfect hot or cold – ideal for busy weeknight dinners, school lunches, or potlucks. This recipe is easily doubled or quadrupled for meal prepping and freezing. Enjoy it as two large family-sized quiches or up to 16 individual quiches baked in a muffin tin!

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Healthy Diabetic Cuisine Low Calorie

Aunt Nancy's Cajun Rice And Beans

Discover Aunt Nancy's secret recipe for Cajun Rice and Beans! This nourishing and flavorful dish is surprisingly quick to make (ready in just 40 minutes!), perfect for a weeknight meal. Get ready for a taste of authentic Cajun cuisine that's both comforting and incredibly delicious. This recipe is a family favorite, passed down through generations – and now it can be yours!

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Equipment North American Poultry Taste Mood

Barbecued Pork With Cheese Cornbread

A Southwestern twist on a classic! This recipe, originally from the Chicago Tribune (via the Arizona Republic), combines savory barbecued pork with a spicy, cheesy jalapeno cornbread for a hearty, 8-point-per-serving meal. Get ready for a flavor explosion that's both delicious and surprisingly low in points!

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60 Minutes Or Less Mexican 60 Minutes Or Less Main Dish

Baked Turkey Enchiladas

Spice up your leftover turkey with these irresistible Baked Turkey Enchiladas! A creamy, cheesy, and subtly spicy twist on a classic, this recipe is perfect for a comforting weeknight meal or a festive gathering. Easily customize the cheese with Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or your favorite blend for an extra kick. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

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