Pan-Roasted Corn With Green Onions

Cook: 14 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: American

A vibrant and flavorful side dish featuring sweet corn sautéed with onions, garlic, chili powder, and fresh cilantro, perfect for summer gatherings or casual dinners.

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Ingredients

  • 2 Tbsp. unsalted butter
  • 1 1/2 c. minced white onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 tsp. ancho or regular chili powder
  • 5 c. fresh or frozen corn kernels
  • 1 bunch green onions, sliced (1 c.)
  • 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 1/8 tsp. black pepper
  • 1/4 c. chopped fresh cilantro

Instructions

  1. In a 12-inch skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
  2. Add the minced white onion, garlic, and chili powder; cook for 7 minutes until lightly browned.
  3. Add the corn kernels, sliced green onions, salt, and black pepper to the skillet.
  4. Cook until the corn is just tender.
  5. Stir in the chopped fresh cilantro before serving.

Tips & Substitutions

For a smoky flavor, consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika along with the chili powder. If you want a bit of heat, you could include diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce. Fresh corn is ideal, but frozen corn works well too; just ensure it's thawed before cooking. This dish can also be elevated by adding crumbled feta or cotija cheese for a creamy finish.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this pan-roasted corn alongside grilled meats or as a vibrant topping for tacos. It pairs beautifully with Cheddar Scalloped Potatoes for a comforting meal. For a vegetarian option, serve it with a side of black beans and rice or atop a fresh salad for a colorful dish.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, stirring occasionally. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between, to avoid overcooking the corn.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Pan-Roasted Corn With Green Onions contains roughly 125 calories, with 2g protein, 18g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 881mg per serving (38% of the Daily Value).

125 kcal 6% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 2.2g 4% DV
Total Fat 6.4g 8% DV
Carbs 17.9g 7% DV
Fiber 5.7g 20% DV
Sugar 6.4g 13% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 881.2mg 38% DV
Potassium 237.2mg 5% DV
Cholesterol 16.1mg 5% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 52.1mcg 6% DV
Vitamin C 11.6mg 13% DV
Calcium 43mg 3% DV
Iron 0.6mg 3% DV
Diet fit Low-carb High-fiber Under 400 cal
Contains Milk

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use canned corn instead of fresh or frozen?

Yes, you can use canned corn, but make sure to drain it well. Canned corn is already cooked, so reduce the cooking time to just warming it through with the other ingredients to avoid overcooking.

What can I substitute for cilantro if I don't like it?

If you're not a fan of cilantro, you can replace it with fresh parsley or green onions for a different fresh flavor. Alternatively, try adding a squeeze of lime juice for brightness without the cilantro taste.

Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This pan-roasted corn dish makes a great addition to meal prep. It holds up well when stored and can be added to various meals throughout the week, enhancing your vegetarian recipes with its flavor.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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