What Are Corn kernels, canned and How Can I Use Them?

Wondering what to do with corn kernels, canned? This guide covers how to pick them, cook them, store them, and swap them, plus 150 recipes to put them to work.

What is corn kernels, canned?

Canned corn kernels are sweet corn that's been cut off the cob and cooked, then sealed in the can. They are the pantry shortcut to corn's flavor and pop, ready year-round with no shucking and no waiting for summer.

See the parent corn page for the fresh and frozen forms.

Because the corn is already fully cooked, the kernels are softer than fresh and need only to be warmed through. That makes them a quick add rather than something you cook from raw.

How to Use Canned Corn

Drain first, always. The packing liquid is sugary and a little starchy, and it will thin or cloud whatever you add it to. For corn going straight into a salad or salsa, a quick rinse sharpens the flavor too.

Then add it late. The kernels are pre-cooked, so they only need a minute or two to heat through. Stir them into a chili or chowder near the end of cooking, the way they finish a Grilled Chicken Taco Soup or a Cheesy Corn Chowder.

They fold cold into bean dishes and casseroles just as easily, as in this Spicy Black Bean & Corn Casserole Ole or a layered Mex-Corn Lasagna.

Pairing and the Common Mistake

Canned corn leans Southwestern: black beans, tomatoes, chili, lime, and cumin all suit its mild sweetness. A little smoky heat plays against the sugar nicely.

The mistake to avoid is overcooking. The kernels are already done, so a long simmer turns them flat and mushy and washes out the bite that made you reach for them. Add them in the final few minutes and stop there.

The other slip is dumping the can in liquid and all. That starchy packing water dulls flavor and can leave a dish gummy.

Substitutes

Frozen corn is the closest swap, and arguably better, with firmer kernels and brighter flavor; use it cup for cup and add it just as late.

Fresh kernels cut from a cooked cob work the same way, about two ears per cup. Cream-style canned corn substitutes only when you want the dish thicker and sweeter, since it brings its own starchy sauce.

Buying and Storing

Whole-kernel cans come in standard 15 ounce (about 425 g) and 11 ounce sizes; the smaller vacuum-packed cans use less liquid and taste a bit fresher. Pass on any can that is dented, bulging, or rusted.

Unopened, a can keeps in the pantry well past its date, though sweetness slowly fades.

Once opened, move leftover kernels to a covered container, never store them in the open can, and refrigerate; use within 3 to 4 days.

Nutrition

Quick facts

Where to find corn kernels, canned: Corn kernels, canned is usually found in the canned goods section or aisle of the grocery store or supermarket.

Food group: Corn kernels, canned is a member of the Vegetables and Vegetable Products US Department of Agriculture nutritional food group.

In Chinese

玉米粒罐头

British (UK) term

Corn kernels, canned

en français

grains de maïs en conserve

en español

granos de maíz en lata

How much does corn kernels, canned weigh?

Related

Vegetables and Vegetable Products

Recipes using corn kernels, canned

There are 150 recipes that contain this ingredient.

Cobble Corn Chili Tacos

Cobble corn chili tacos stuff crispy taco shells with a chunky chili-style ground beef filling loaded with corn, stewed tomatoes, and celery. A 45-minute weeknight Tex-Mex pantry dinner.

Southwestern Rice & Bean Salad

Colorful Southwestern rice and bean salad with kidney beans, corn, and picante dressing. Vegetarian, low-fat make-ahead perfect for potlucks.

Nice Chicken Taco Soup

This is an excellent recipe, low in fat and full of fibre.

Chunky Vegetarian Chili

Chunky vegetarian chili packed with kidney beans, pinto beans, corn, and rice cooked right in the pot. Mexican-style tomatoes plus chili powder and cumin make a hearty one-pot meal in 45 minutes.

Maja Blanca

This sweet coconut pudding is a wonderful treat. The recipe gets its roots in the Philippines and is traditionally served on the holidays and special occasions. Coconut milk provides you with a healthy amount of Vitamins C, E, and B. It has minerals that will promote healthy teeth and the creation of red blood cells. Don’t be concerned about the condensed milk. As long as it is enjoyed in moderation you should be ok and unsweetened versions are available. Condensed milk does offer some health benefits like calcium, potassium, and Vitamin A. So go ahead and enjoy this recipe at your next special occasion.

Deluxe Jalapeño Cornbread

Deluxe jalapeno cornbread bakes whole corn kernels, chopped jalapeno, buttermilk, and pimentos into a moist, tangy skillet bread topped with melty sharp cheddar. Southwestern bread with backbone.

Corn & Parsnip Cakes

Quite nice, very soft creamy and delicate texture inside the cakes. The sweet and slightly spicy parsnip and sweet corn work well together. We served them with some homemade sweet chili sauce.

Mexicali Spoon Bread Casserole

Similar to a tamale pie recipe. Sometimes referred to as the most delicious thing there ever was, this aromatic mix of ground beef, tomato sauce and, spices, topped with a cheesy polenta style cornbread-like topping baked as a casserole is certain to become a family favorite.

Chipotle Chicken Taco Salad

Have to give this recipe 5 star. It was quite easy to make, and it came out delicious.

El Paso Chili

Loaded with veggies and with a hint of sweetness, this chili recipe has been my family's favorite for many, many years.

Corn & Tomatillo Soup

Last summer, we had some fresh tomatillo from our farmer's share, then we found this recipe and gave it a try. The flavor was so good, we followed the recipe exactly, but you don't like too spicy, you can reduce the amount of the green chilis. The result will be still outstanding! It can be served warm or chilled.

Cheesy California Tamale Pie

The crock pot was scrapped clean. Best rating I could have gotten. Everyone raved at how good it was.

Barley Buttermilk Corn Bread

Old fashioned classic with a twist, a little barley boosts the fiber along with corn kernels makes it more filling. Fills the kitchen with a lovely smell whilst baking.

Mix & Match Casserole

An easy yet delicious recipe. I followed the recipe, and used whatever I had on hand. Then just mixed them up, and baked in the oven until the cheese was nicely browned. I let the casserole rest for about 10 minutes, then served it. Overall a great dish.

Grilled Chicken Taco Soup

The grilled chicken adds the "pop" to this traditional tex-mex recipe. I made this on game day for my boyfriend and me, and it was a hit!

Chili Pork Chops

Chili-dusted pan-seared pork chops served with a fresh corn, black bean, and tomato salad tossed in lime juice and cilantro. A colorful, protein-packed weeknight dinner ready in 35 minutes.

Fourby Chili (Black Beans Beer & Broccoli)

Vegetarian black bean chili simmered in stout beer with three chiles, peanut butter, and steamed broccoli florets. Deep, malty, and surprisingly bold.

Cheesy Corn Chowder

Cheesy corn chowder thickens with ground rolled oats instead of flour, with crispy bacon, sweet corn, and sharp cheddar. A creamy whole-grain take on the chowder classic.

Calico Potato Salad

A vibrant, mayo-free potato salad tossed with corn, bell peppers, olives, and carrots in a spicy chili-vinaigrette. Feeds a crowd and travels well to cookouts.

Speciality Casserole

A creamy microwave casserole with ground beef, cream cheese, mushroom soup, corn, and pimentos. Rich, cheesy, and ready in under 40 minutes with barely any cleanup.

One-Pan Potatoes

One-pan chicken and potatoes with salsa and corn, ready in 30 minutes. Microwave the potatoes while you brown the chicken, then toss everything together in one skillet for a fast weeknight dinner.

Mexican Black Bean, Corn, & Tomato Salsa

Black bean, corn, and tomato salsa stirred together no-cook with scallions and fresh cilantro, then chilled. A chunky, scoopable vegan dip for tortilla chips, ready in minutes for any party.

Southwestern Style Swine Stoup

A little to hearty to be called a soup, this recipe is a great way to use left over pulled pork. Such a crowd pleaser, I can't keep it in my house! Great eaten with crackers or your favorite tortilla chips.

Potatoes & Chicken Santa Fe

Potatoes and chicken Santa Fe with cubed chicken breast, salsa, and corn sauteed together in one skillet. Just 5 ingredients and 30 minutes for a Southwestern weeknight dinner.

Chili & Corn Relish

Chili and corn relish piles fire-charred Anaheim and yellow chilies with sweet corn, red onion, and lime juice. A 10-minute Southwest condiment that turns grilled white fish into a real plate.

Wild Thing

Quick beef and wild rice skillet with sirloin, corn, stewed tomatoes, and scallions. A fast one-pan weeknight dinner with bold Southwestern flavor and minimal cleanup.

Fast & Fit Clam Chowder

Lighter clam chowder made entirely in the microwave with leeks, potatoes, sweet corn, and low-fat milk. No cream, no roux, ready in about 40 minutes.

Farm Style Stew

Slow cooker beef stew loaded with zucchini and sweet corn in a savory steak sauce broth. Fork-tender meat meets a glossy cornstarch-thickened sauce in this set-it-and-forget-it dinner.

Creole Skillet

Creole tuna skillet with the holy trinity of onion, green pepper, and celery plus corn. A quick one-pan dinner served over rice with grated Parmesan. Pantry-friendly and ready in 30 minutes.

Rice Salad

Rice salad with corn, kidney beans, and bell peppers tossed in a tangy vinegar-horseradish dressing. No-cook, vegetarian, and ready in 15 minutes flat.

Savory Shepherd's Pie

Vegetarian shepherd's pie with kidney beans, tomatoes, corn, and mixed vegetables under a garlic-basil mashed potato topping, finished with melted cheddar. A hearty meatless comfort food classic.

Crawfish Corn Maquechoux

Crawfish corn maquechoux with sweet corn, bell peppers, onion, and tomato smothered in butter. A classic Cajun side dish loaded with crawfish tails for a true Louisiana one-pot meal.

Vegetable Medley

Quick vegetable medley with corn, black beans, yellow pepper, and tomatoes sauteed in sesame oil and finished with umeboshi vinegar. Vegan and versatile.

Chupe De Camarones(Shrimp Chowder)

Peruvian-style shrimp chowder with flounder, potatoes, corn, and cream cheese in a spicy tomato broth, garnished with fresh mint. A rich seafood soup ready in 45 minutes.

Sante Fe Grilled Beef Steak

Santa Fe grilled flank steak rubbed with cumin, sliced thin, and served over a fresh corn, tomato, and salsa vegetable bed. A quick Southwestern dinner for two.

Mexican Bean Soup

Mexican bean soup with ground beef, three kinds of beans, corn, tomatoes, taco seasoning, and ranch dressing mix. A dump-and-simmer weeknight soup ready in 40 minutes.

Tex-Mex Mac 'N Cheese

Tex-Mex mac and cheese with ground beef, peppers, onions, mushrooms, tomato paste, and corn folded into boxed mac and cheese. A protein-packed weeknight upgrade ready in 40 minutes.

Freezer Mix Mexican Casserole

Mexican beef casserole with corn, olives, and chili powder topped with a cheesy cornmeal biscuit crust. A freezer-friendly weeknight dinner that bakes into a bubbly, golden one-dish meal.

Pasta Mexicali

Pasta Mexicali is a cold penne salad loaded with black beans, cannellini, corn, red pepper, and cilantro in a cumin-cayenne vinaigrette. Vegetarian, protein-packed potluck stunner.

Black Bean, Corn, & Veggie Chili

Vegan black bean chili with corn, zucchini, beer, and a cornmeal thickener. Hearty meatless one-pot dinner that feeds 16 with bold Tex-Mex flavor.

Tamale Pie Iii

A loaded tamale pie with ground beef, bacon, corn, and green chiles in a cornmeal crust, topped with a melted Monterey Jack and egg layer. Tex-Mex comfort baked in a pie pan.

Corn Pone Pie

Ground beef, corn, Mexican stewed tomatoes, and black olives baked under a golden cornbread crust. A weeknight casserole the whole family will dig into.

Mexican Style Corn Chowder

Mexican-style corn and shrimp chowder simmers sweet corn, bell pepper, and shrimp into a melted cheddar cheese broth. A 35-minute pantry-friendly Tex-Mex chowder.

Mexican Chili Mole

Meatless chili mole with cocoa powder, two kinds of kidney beans, corn, and melted Jarlsberg cheese. The cocoa adds rich depth without any chocolate sweetness.

Mexi Corn Lasagna

Mexi corn lasagna layers seasoned ground beef, corn, and picante sauce between corn tortillas with a cottage cheese and Parmesan filling, topped with melted cheddar.

Black Bean Chili Chowder

Black bean chili chowder made with canned black bean soup, tomatoes, corn, salsa, and green onions. A 20-minute pantry soup topped with sour cream.

Brunswick Stew Ii

Microwave Brunswick stew with chicken, lima beans, corn, okra, and tomatoes. A quicker take on the Southern classic that builds its own broth from scratch in about 40 minutes.

Pork Chops with Corn Dressing

Baked pork chops topped with a savory corn bread crumb dressing, finished with a cream of mushroom gravy made from the pan drippings. A hearty one-pan comfort meal.

Navy Beat Stew

Hearty navy bean stew with browned Italian sausage, carrots, corn, and chicken broth, oven-baked in a Dutch oven until thick and bubbly. A cold-weather crowd-pleaser.

Very Veggie Chili

Very Veggie Chili is a hearty pantry-friendly vegetarian chili with pinto beans, hominy, corn, green chiles and a fistful of cilantro. Ready in under an hour, freezes beautifully.

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