Get ready to transform ordinary corn into a culinary masterpiece that will have your taste buds dancing! This Cast Iron Charred Corn recipe is not just a side dish – it's a flavor explosion that brings together smoky, caramelized goodness with a bright citrus kick. Whether you're a grilling enthusiast or a home cook looking to elevate your summer menu, this simple yet spectacular technique will turn heads and impress even the most discerning food lovers.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 ears of corn, husked
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
Instructions
- Remove corn husks and silk, then pat the corn ears completely dry with paper towels to ensure proper charring.
- Heat a large cast iron skillet over high heat until it becomes extremely hot, almost smoking. This high heat is crucial for achieving a perfect char.
- Brush each ear of corn evenly with olive oil, ensuring complete coverage to help create an even char and prevent sticking.
- Carefully place corn ears into the hot cast iron skillet, allowing each side to char and develop deep golden-brown to dark brown caramelized spots. This process should take approximately 2-3 minutes per side.
- Rotate the corn periodically to ensure even charring on all sides, using tongs to handle the corn safely.
- Once corn is beautifully charred with a smoky exterior, remove from skillet and transfer to a serving platter.
- Immediately season the hot charred corn with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Squeeze fresh lime wedges over the corn just before serving to add a bright, citrusy finish that complements the smoky char.
- Serve hot as a side dish or appetizer, allowing guests to enjoy the intense, caramelized flavor and crisp texture.
Tips
- Dryness is Key: Ensure corn is completely dry before cooking to achieve that perfect char without steaming.
- Cast Iron Magic: Use a well-seasoned cast iron skillet for the best heat distribution and most impressive caramelization.
- High Heat is Essential: Let your skillet get extremely hot – almost smoking – before adding corn to create those beautiful char marks.
- Oil Evenly: Brush corn with oil carefully and evenly to prevent burning and ensure consistent charring.
- Tong Technique: Use long tongs to safely rotate corn and achieve an even char on all sides.
- Season Immediately: Add salt and pepper right after cooking while the corn is still hot to help seasonings adhere.
- Lime Freshness: Squeeze lime just before serving to brighten the smoky flavors and add a zesty finish.Pro Tip: This method works best with fresh, in-season corn for maximum sweetness and texture!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 151kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
