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28 Ways with Fresh Corn

Grill it to perfection, turn it into the perfect summer salad, make tamales, and more

Sunset
1 /28

Israeli Street Corn

We reimagined Mexican street corn with Israeli flavors, seasoning the grilled ears with tangy yogurt, salty feta, herbs, citrus, and a little heat.

Recipe: Israeli Street Corn

2 /28

Grilled Corn and Fish Tacos

This crowd-pleaser has everything you want in a fish taco, including a spicy mayo and fresh add-ins like avocado and lightly charred corn.

Recipe: Grilled Corn and Fish Tacos

3 /28 Photo by Annabelle Breakey

Spicy Chorizo Corn Chowder

Some of corn’s best partners—medium-hot chiles, chorizo, and basil—join up in this simple dish. It’s substantial enough to call a chowder, but light enough for summer.

Recipe: Spicy Chorizo Corn Chowder

4 /28

Sweet Corn Madeleines

How to improve on cornbread? Make it snack-size, crisp at the edges and tender inside, with a delicate crunch from corn. Then watch it disappear at brunch or alongside ribs. You’ll need a madeleine or mini-muffin pan.

Recipe: Sweet Corn Madeleines

5 /28

Chicken Salad with Miso Dressing

After cooking chicken cutlets, throw corn on the still-hot grill to use in this unusually, delicious salad.

Recipe: Chicken Salad with Miso Dressing

6 /28 Photo by Annabelle Breakey

Grilled Corn Cobettes

Sweet corn only gets better smeared with these easy, flavorful toppings. Each makes enough for 4 ears of corn.

Recipe: Grilled Corn Cobettes

7 /28

Watermelon, Corn, and Tomato Salad

This savory-sweet summer salad is a perfect example of the saying, "If it grows together, it goes together."

Recipe: Watermelon, Corn and Tomato Salad

8 /28 Thomas J. Story

Butternut Squash and Corn Soup

The last of late-summer’s corn, cooked so it still has a light crunch, accents this silky squash soup. Clare Carver of Big Table Farm winery uses rich homemade chicken broth, but store-bought works too.

Recipe: Butternut Squash and Corn Soup

9 /28 Eva Kolenko

Zucchini and Corn Lasagna

In this vegetable-centric (and gluten-free) dish, zucchini takes the place of the usual pasta. You can use green or yellow squash, or both. A handheld slicer makes quick work of cutting the squash.

Recipe: Zucchini and Corn Lasagna

10 /28 Photo by Iain Bagwell

Fried Squash Blossoms with Corn and Mozzarella

This lightened version of a seasonal favorite is still satisfyingly stuffed with cheese and corn, but has the barest sheath of batter.

Recipe: Fried Squash Blossoms with Corn and Mozzarella

11 /28 Photo by Thomas J. Story; written by Amy Machnak

Spicy Hoisin Sesame Glazed Corn

Skip the usual butter and try this sweet and spicy Asian-inspired grilled corn recipe.

Recipe: Spicy Hoisin Sesame Glazed Corn

12 /28 Thomas J. Story

Chicken with Spicy Corn on the Cob and Grilled Lettuces

Russell Moore, chef and owner at Camino restaurant in Oakland, gave us this technique for grilling chicken breast—and it’s the juiciest version we’ve ever had, protected from overcooking by the bones and skin. “Don’t cook it too fast,” he adds. “You don’t want it burnt outside and raw inside.” We also like his clever way of producing an entire dinner over one fire, grilling everything in sequence. At Camino, he uses cherry and almond wood, but for the home griller, he suggests a mix of mesquite hardwood charcoal and either fruitwood or hardwood chunks—and lighting more charcoal partway through cooking.

Recipe: Chicken with Spicy Corn on the Cob and Grilled Lettuces

13 /28 Photo by Jeffery Cross

Wild Salmon with Grilled Sweet Onion and Corn Relish

The corn relish bursts with the flavors of summer and acts as the perfect topping for grilled fish.

Recipe: Wild Salmon with Grilled Sweet Onion and Corn Relish

14 /28 Photo by Alex Farnum; written by Elaine Johnson

Grilled Corn on the Cob with Cilantro Queso Fresco Butter

From Colorado chef Mark Fischer, here’s a combo that’s especially good with Latin- or Southwestern-flavored grilled meat. Offer any leftover butter to spread on warm bread.

Recipe: Grilled Corn on the Cob with Cilantro Queso Fresco Butter

15 /28 Photo by Annabelle Breakey

Jalapeño Corn Cakes

Try these corn cakes as a summertime vegetarian main course, served with a salad--or make them smaller, for an appetizer.

Recipe: Jalapeño Corn Cakes

16 /28 Annabelle Breakey

Fresh Corn and Avocado Salad

In the height of summer, you won't find a better side dish for ribs than this deceptively simple combination of peak-season produce. Try bringing it to a party too.

Recipe: Fresh Corn and Avocado Salad

17 /28 Annabelle Breakey

Grilled Corn and Bay Shrimp Risotto

Sweet bay shrimp meld perfectly with grilled corn and creamy risotto. Serve with a crisp Chardonnay.

Recipe: Grilled Corn and Bay Shrimp Risotto

18 /28 Annabelle Breakey

Honey-Chipotle Grilled Corn

Spicy, sweet, and buttery, corn from the barbecue doesn’t get better than this.

Recipe: Honey-Chipotle Grilled Corn

19 /28

Trout with Sweet Corn Sauce

San Francisco chef Jamie Lauren highlights trout's subtle sweetness by pairing it with fresh, sweet corn. Although this dish is nice enough for special occasions, it can be prepared in 40 minutes, making it perfect for weeknights too.

Recipe: Trout with Sweet Corn Sauce

20 /28

Corn Soup with Roasted Poblanos and Zucchini Blossoms

Stop at the farmer’s market or harvest from your garden for this peak-of-summer puréed soup. It’s delicious hot or cold.

Recipe: Corn Soup with Roasted Poblanos and Zucchini Blossoms

21 /28 Lisa Romerein

Tomato-Corn Salad

When sweet corn and juicy tomatoes are at their best, don’t even cook the corn. Just stir them in a bowl with 5 simple seasonings.

Recipe: Tomato-Corn Salad

22 /28 James Carrier

Corn and Arugula Salad

Barely cooked corn is paired with crisp radishes, greens, and a zesty shallot-Dijon dressing. Tote it on a picnic, or serve it at a backyard barbecue.

Recipe: Corn and Arugula Salad

23 /28 James Carrier

Chilies with Corn Tamale Filling

Stuff fresh poblano chiles with corn, jalapeño, and jack cheese polenta. Bake, then serve with a creamy corn and cheese sauce.

Recipe: Chilies with Corn Tamale Filling

24 /28 James Carrier

Pasta Shells with Corn and Bacon

While the pasta boils, brown bacon and make a creamy corn and wine sauce with lots of fresh tarragon.

Recipe: Pasta Shells with Corn and Bacon

25 /28 James Carrier

Green Corn Tamale Pie

Here’s a fresh take on the classic Western casserole, with a base of corn, cheese, and chiles, and crispy chorizo on top.

Recipe: Green Corn Tamale Pie

26 /28 Annabelle Breakey

Fresh Corn Cakes

Fold corn kernels into a foamy batter, then sauté cakes in a little oil until golden.

Recipe: Fresh Corn Cakes

27 /28

Chicken, Corn, and Tomato Pasta Salad

For this cool main-dish salad, stir orzo with a ricotta-lemon dressing, cooked chicken, and crisp raw corn.

Recipe: Chicken, Corn, and Tomato Pasta Salad

28 /28 Thomas J. Story

Chilled Corn Soup

This creamy soup is all about really good corn. Just purée cooked corn, chill, and add a drizzle of basil oil.

Recipe: Chilled Corn Soup