Original Corn Fritters

How to make Original Corn Fritters

Ingredients

½ cup corn oil or vegetable oil

½ tsp salt

Dash of cayenne pepper

1 large egg, beaten

6 tbsp all purpose flour

4 medium scallions, both the white and green parts

2 tbsp heavy cream

2 large ears of fresh corn, husked and peeled

Instructions

Using a corn stripper or a very sharp Chef’s Knife, cut the corn off the cobs. This should equal 1 cup of corn kernels

To get the remaining kernels off the cob, use a box style grater and the largest holes. This should equal about ½ cup of grated corn

Place all this corn into a mixing bowl

Add the cayenne pepper, salt, egg, cream, scallions and the flour. Stir to combine well

Heat the oil in a heavy bottomed skillet, such as cast iron

Drop a heaping tablespoon of the batter into the pan, continue with 5 more heaping spoonfuls

Fry until golden brown, about 1 minute on each side

Place a triple layer of paper towel on top of a wire cooling rack and set each fritter on it to drain off excess fat

Continue until all batter is used.

Replace oil as needed and be sure to allow oil to heat up properly before adding more batter

Serve immediately with choice of dip or sauces set up in bowls

Enjoy!

Notes:

Corn Preparation: For the freshest taste, use high-quality, in-season corn. Cutting the kernels off the cob and grating some of them adds texture and a burst of flavor.

Grating Corn: Using a box grater helps extract the liquid from the corn, which adds moisture and helps bind the fritters.

Mixing Ingredients: Ensure the batter is well-combined but avoid over-mixing to keep the fritters light and fluffy.

Frying: Use a heavy-bottomed skillet like cast iron to maintain consistent heat and achieve a crispy exterior. Heat the oil properly before frying to prevent the fritters from absorbing excess oil.

Draining Excess Oil: Placing the fritters on a paper towel-lined wire rack helps absorb excess oil and keeps them crisp.

Serving: Serve the fritters immediately after frying for the best texture. They pair well with a variety of dips and sauces like sour cream, salsa, or aioli.

Nutrition Information:

SERVING SIZE: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen or canned corn instead of fresh corn for the corn fritters?

Yes, you can use frozen or canned corn as a substitute for fresh corn in this recipe.

If using frozen corn, thaw it first, and if using canned corn, make sure to drain it well before adding it to the batter.

Can I make the corn fritter batter ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator?

It’s not recommended to prepare the batter ahead of time, as the corn and other ingredients might release moisture, affecting the consistency of the batter.

For best results, it’s best to prepare the batter just before frying the fritters.

Can I use a different type of oil for frying the corn fritters?

Yes, you can use other types of oils suitable for frying, such as canola oil or sunflower oil, instead of corn oil or vegetable oil.

Choose an oil with a high smoke point to prevent it from burning at high temperatures.

How many corn fritters does this recipe yield?

The number of corn fritters this recipe yields will depend on the size of the heaping tablespoons used to drop the batter into the pan.

Generally, this recipe should yield about 6 corn fritters.

Can I freeze the leftover corn fritters for later consumption?

Yes, you can freeze the leftover corn fritters. Allow them to cool completely, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag.

They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.

To reheat, simply place them in a preheated oven until heated through and crispy again.

Can I use a different type of flour in the corn fritters?

Yes, you can use different types of flour, such as whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour, as a substitute for all-purpose flour.

However, keep in mind that using different flours may slightly alter the texture and taste of the fritters.

Can I use milk instead of heavy cream in the fritter batter?

Yes, you can use milk as a substitute for heavy cream in the fritter batter.

The fritters may be slightly less creamy, but it will still work well as a binding agent.

How do I know if the oil is hot enough for frying the corn fritters?

You can check if the oil is hot enough by sprinkling a small drop of the fritter batter into the oil.

If it sizzles and rises to the surface immediately, the oil is hot enough for frying.

Alternatively, you can use a cooking thermometer to ensure the oil reaches around 350°F (175°C).

Can I add other ingredients to the corn fritters for more flavor?

Absolutely! Corn fritters are versatile, and you can add various ingredients to enhance the flavor.

For example, you can include chopped jalapeños or bell peppers for added heat, or incorporate grated cheese like cheddar or parmesan for extra richness.

Feel free to get creative and customize the fritters to your taste preferences.