Description
Southern corn nuggets blend creamy corn and crispy breading into a beloved comfort dish. Golden-brown bites deliver irresistible flavor that connects home cooks with traditional Southern cuisine.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups (480 ml) corn kernels (fresh, canned, or thawed frozen)
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup (120 ml) milk
- 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) granulated sugar
- 1 tsp (5 ml) baking powder
- ½ tsp (2.5 ml) salt
- ¼ tsp (1.25 ml) black pepper
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
Instructions
- Batter Preparation: Whisk flour, baking powder, salt, pepper, and sugar in a mixing bowl. Gradually blend milk and egg until smooth, eliminating any potential lumps.
- Corn Integration: Fold corn kernels into the batter, strategically crushing a portion to enhance texture and flavor distribution. Ensure even incorporation of corn throughout the mixture.
- Oil Preparation: Heat oil in a deep, heavy-bottomed skillet to 350F, maintaining a consistent temperature for perfect frying conditions.
- Frying Technique: Carefully drop batter portions into hot oil, spacing nuggets to prevent overcrowding. Rotate periodically to achieve an evenly golden-brown exterior, cooking for approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Finishing Touch: Remove nuggets using a slotted spoon, transferring to paper towels to drain excess oil. This step guarantees a crisp, delectable texture and removes unnecessary grease.
- Serving Suggestion: Plate the hot corn nuggets immediately, accompanied by complementary dipping sauces such as ranch, honey mustard, or ketchup for a delightful appetizer experience.
Notes
- Crush Corn Kernels Strategically: Lightly mash some kernels to create varied textures and enhance the overall mouthfeel of the nuggets, delivering a more complex corn experience.
- Control Oil Temperature Precisely: Maintain oil at exactly 350F using a reliable thermometer to prevent soggy or burnt nuggets, ensuring consistent golden-brown perfection every time.
- Drain Excess Oil Thoroughly: Use multiple layers of paper towels and let nuggets rest for a minute to remove excess grease, preserving the crispy exterior and preventing sogginess.
- Customize for Dietary Needs: Experiment with gluten-free flour blends or use cornmeal for a crispier alternative, and consider plant-based milk and egg substitutes to accommodate different dietary restrictions.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 195
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 160 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 26 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 19 mg