Skip to main content

Sweet Corn in the Cup

Adding a little sugar to frozen vegetables is an old country kitchen trick for turning the clock back to summer. It occurred to us that revitalizing frozen corn in some sugar water is essentially a sweet brine. The other trick is plenty of butter, just like corn on the cob. The first time we tried this was for a winter cheater barbecue party with piles of cheater brisket, pulled pork, and hot drums. Everybody loved the cute little cups of peppery sweet corn. It tasted remarkably fresh and was loads cheaper than out-of-season fresh corn or frozen ears. Corn absolutely goes with every kind of American barbecue.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    makes 10 servings

Ingredients

1/4 cup sugar
2 pounds frozen corn, white shoepeg, yellow, or a mixture
8 tablespoons (1 stick) butter
Kosher salt and black pepper

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    COMBINE 2 cups of water and the sugar in a large saucepan and bring to a boil over high heat. Stir to dissolve the sugar.

    Step 2

    ADD the corn and return to a boil. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

    Step 3

    STIR in the butter and salt and pepper to taste. Serve in little cups. We use disposable clear plastic cups.

Cheater BBQ
Read More
Like “absolutely decadent” chocolate pudding and fattoush salad.
Keep this easy frittata recipe on hand for quick breakfasts, impressive brunches, and fridge clean-out meals.
Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.
A warmly spiced Ashkenazi charoset, perfect for your Passover seder—or spooned over yogurt the next morning.
A flurry of fresh tarragon makes this speedy weeknight dish of seared cod and luscious, sun-colored pan sauce feel restaurant worthy.
Like lemony risotto and tandoori-style cauliflower.
Grab your Easter basket and hop in—you’ll want to collect each and every one of these fun and easy Easter recipes.
For Derby Day indulgence or a post-Thanksgiving lunch, this Kentucky favorite can’t be beat.