Dairy-Free Southern Fried Corn

Experience the bold, comforting flavors of the South with this Dairy-Free Southern Fried Corn recipe. This reinvention of a classic side dish swaps traditional dairy with creamy, full-fat coconut milk, giving it a luscious texture perfect for those avoiding dairy. Sweet corn kernels—fresh or thawed from frozen—are sautéed to golden perfection with aromatic diced onion and garlic, then lightly seasoned with smoked paprika for a hint of smoky depth. The coconut milk melds seamlessly with the caramelized corn, creating a rich, velvety finish that's both indulgent and light. Garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color, this quick and easy side paired with keywords like "dairy-free," "vegan-friendly," and "Southern-inspired" fits any meal that calls for a touch of home-cooked warmth.

Nutriscore Rating: 75/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:25 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 ears fresh corn (or frozen and thawed)
• 0.5 cup coconut milk (unsweetened, full fat)
• 0.5 cup onion, finely diced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Shuck the corn if using fresh ears. Hold each ear vertically over a cutting board and carefully slice downward with a sharp knife to remove the kernels. If using frozen corn, ensure it is fully thawed and drained.

Step 2

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

Step 3

Add the diced onion to the skillet and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.

Step 4

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 5

Add the corn kernels to the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the corn begins to caramelize and develop a golden brown color.

Step 6

Stir in the smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to evenly coat the corn.

Step 7

Pour the coconut milk into the skillet and reduce the heat to low. Cook for another 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the coconut milk is absorbed and the mixture becomes creamy.

Step 8

Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Step 9

Remove the skillet from heat and garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.

Step 10

Serve warm as a side dish with your favorite Southern-inspired meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1045.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1264.0

Total Fat 66.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 31.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 2507.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 170.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 26.3g	0%
Total Sugars 57.2g
Protein 29.9g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 88.5mg	0%
Iron 9.9mg	0%
Potassium 2720.4mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 42.8%

Protein: 8.5%

Carbs: 48.6%