Frozen corn is a staple in many households. It is almost guaranteed to be found in any American freezer — right there next to the frozen peas. Corn, also known as maize, is a diet mainstay of many cultures. It is nutritious, delicious and packed with benefits.
Cooking frozen corn is easy, too. Since corn cooks quickly, you simply have to heat it. You can do so in the microwave, on the stove or by adding it to soups, stews, casseroles and more.
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Corn Nutrition and Benefits
There are many different types of corn, but frozen sweet corn and fire-roasted corn are among the most popular in the freezer aisle. Frozen sweet corn adds a sweet flavor to corn recipes for salsa or salad, while fire-roasted corn is great for spicy or smoky corn recipes.
Corn doesn't just taste good — it is good for you, too. According to the USDA, one cup of cooked sweet corn contains:
- 143 calories
- 2.2 grams of fat
- 31.3 grams of carbohydrates
- 5.1 grams of protein
- 3.6 grams of fiber
- 9 percent daily value (DV) of magnesium
- 8 percent DV of zinc
- 7 percent DV of potassium
Corn is also naturally low in saturated fat and free of dietary cholesterol. Though it contains 6.8 grams of sugar per serving these are naturally found sugars. Fortunately, people with diabetes can eat corn in moderation because its also high in protein and fiber.
In addition to containing more than 5 grams of plant-based protein, corn is an excellent source of fiber. Cleveland Clinic recommends increasing your daily intake of fiber by consuming plenty of vegetables, grains, fruits and cereals.
How to Cook Frozen Corn
Frozen corn often comes pre-cut and bagged, so preparing frozen corn is different from preparing corn on the cob. Many corn recipes allow you to add frozen corn directly to the pot or pan. You can add frozen corn directly to soups, stews, chilis and more. The corn will cook evenly with the rest of the ingredients.
According to Mayo Clinic, there are many different ways to cook and prepare corn. They recommend roasting, boiling, broiling, steaming, grilling or microwaving frozen corn.
Some frozen vegetables even come in special packaging that is microwave-friendly. Check the instructions on your frozen corn to see how many minutes you should cook it in the microwave. For example, Birds Eye Steamfresh Super Sweet Corn cooks directly in the bag for five minutes in the microwave.
To prepare frozen corn as a side dish, boiling is a quick and easy option. Simply add the frozen corn to a pot of boiling water. Let the corn cook for approximately three minutes. Pour out the water and add butter, spices and salt to taste.
Add Corn to Meals
Classic corn recipes include creamed corn, sauteed corn, corn salsa, corn chowder and corn casserole. You can also add corn to Mexican-inspired dishes like chili and Southwestern skillets.
To avoid getting bored of corn, try some different types of corn as well as various cooking methods. Both frozen sweet corn and fire-roasted corn bring a unique flavor to a plethora of dishes.