What can I use if I don’t have fresh corn for sautéed zucchini and corn?

If fresh corn isn’t available, you can substitute with frozen corn that has been thawed or canned corn that’s been drained. Both options work well and let you enjoy this dish throughout the year without sacrificing flavor or texture.

Can I make sautéed zucchini and corn without meat for a vegetarian option?

Yes, to make this dish vegetarian, simply omit any bacon or meat ingredients. Using salted butter instead of unsalted butter keeps the seasoning balanced. You can also add herbs like thyme or parsley to boost flavor without meat.

How do I add spice to sautéed zucchini and corn without overpowering it?

For a mild kick, a pinch of cayenne pepper enhances the dish subtly. To make it spicier, increase the cayenne amount or add a diced jalapeño pepper while cooking. Start with small amounts to suit your heat preference.

What’s the best way to store leftover sautéed zucchini and corn?

Allow the dish to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to three days. Avoid freezing, as it can affect the texture and flavor of the vegetables.

Can I prepare the vegetables for sautéed zucchini and corn in advance?

Yes, you can chop the zucchini, corn, and any other veggies a day ahead. Keep them stored separately in sealed containers in the refrigerator to maintain freshness until you’re ready to cook. This prep saves time on the day you make the dish.

Sauteed Zucchini And Corn Recipe With Easy Seasonings

Name: Sauteed Zucchini And Corn
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 slices bacon – Adds a smoky, crispy element that provides depth and richness to the overall flavor; 1 tablespoon unsalted butter – Helps sauté the vegetables smoothly and imparts a creamy texture without extra salt; 3/4 cup small diced red onion – Brings a sharp, sweet bite that balances the dish and adds a pop of color; 3/4 pound zucchini, diced (about 2 cups) – The star veggie that offers a crisp-tender crunch and loads of vitamins for a healthy twist; 3 ears corn, husks and silks removed, kernels cut off (about 1 1/2 cups) – Provides natural sweetness and texture, making this corn recipe feel fresh and seasonal; 1 clove garlic, minced – Infuses a aromatic punch that elevates the simple seasonings without overpowering other flavors; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt – Enhances all the tastes in this zucchini recipe, ensuring everything is perfectly seasoned; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper – Adds a subtle kick that rounds out the spices in this easy sauteed zucchini and corn dish; Pinch of cayenne pepper – Gives a mild heat that boosts the flavor profile of this sauteed zucchini and corn subtly

Description

🌽 Sauteed Zucchini and Corn Recipe offers a quick and tasty side dish that combines fresh vegetables with simple seasonings for vibrant flavors.
🥓 This gluten-free, low-carb recipe brings a satisfying mix of textures, enhanced by crispy bacon and subtle spice.

Ingredients

Scale

3 slices bacon – Adds a smoky, crispy element that provides depth and richness to the overall flavor

1 tablespoon unsalted butter – Helps sauté the vegetables smoothly and imparts a creamy texture without extra salt

3/4 cup small diced red onion – Brings a sharp, sweet bite that balances the dish and adds a pop of color

3/4 pound zucchini, diced (about 2 cups) – The star veggie that offers a crisp-tender crunch and loads of vitamins for a healthy twist

3 ears corn, husks and silks removed, kernels cut off (about 1 1/2 cups) – Provides natural sweetness and texture, making this corn recipe feel fresh and seasonal

1 clove garlic, minced – Infuses a aromatic punch that elevates the simple seasonings without overpowering other flavors

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt – Enhances all the tastes in this zucchini recipe, ensuring everything is perfectly seasoned

1/4 teaspoon black pepper – Adds a subtle kick that rounds out the spices in this easy sauteed zucchini and corn dish

Pinch of cayenne pepper – Gives a mild heat that boosts the flavor profile of this sauteed zucchini and corn subtly

Instructions

1-First Step: Begin by preparing your ingredients to make the process efficient. Dice the 3 slices of bacon and set them aside. For a vegetarian twist, skip the bacon and use a tablespoon of oil instead to keep this sauteed zucchini and corn light. Dice the 3/4 cup red onion and 3/4 pound zucchini, and remove kernels from 3 ears of corn this mise en place takes about 10 minutes and ensures everything cooks evenly on medium heat.

2-Second Step: Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat and add the diced bacon. Saute until it’s crispy and the fat renders, which should take 5 to 8 minutes. If you’re making a low-calorie version, use just a spritz of cooking spray to avoid extra fat while still achieving that flavorful base for your corn recipe. Stir occasionally to prevent burning, aiming for a golden crisp that adds depth to the dish.

3-Third Step: Once the bacon is ready, add 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter and the diced red onion to the skillet. Saute for about 3 minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent. For a vegan adaptation, swap the butter for a plant-based option like olive oil, and continue cooking on medium heat to build layers of flavor in this easy sauteed zucchini and corn dish without any dairy.

4-Fourth Step: Stir in the diced zucchini and cook for 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it reaches a crisp-tender texture. Keep the heat at medium to avoid sogginess this is key for maintaining the fresh quality in your zucchini recipe. If you’re aiming for a gluten-free meal, this step is already perfect, but taste as you go to adjust seasonings like the 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt.

5-Fifth Step: Finally, add the corn kernels, minced garlic, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. Cook for an additional 3 minutes until the corn is tender and everything is well combined. For more veggie inspiration, check out our squash dressing recipe. Serve immediately for the best taste, and feel free to tweak for low-calorie needs by reducing the butter.

6-Final Step: Once cooked, remove the skillet from heat and let the dish rest for a minute before plating. This sauteed zucchini and corn is ready to enjoy, with options for adaptations like adding fresh herbs for extra flavor. Remember, the total cooking time is about 15 minutes, making it a quick win for busy schedules, and always check for doneness to ensure veggies are vibrant and not overcooked.

Notes

🥶 Use frozen or canned corn as a year-round alternative to fresh corn.
🌿 For a vegetarian version, omit bacon and use salted butter.
🧀 Enhance the flavor by adding 1/4 to 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Sautéing
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 121 kcal
Sugar: 3 g
Sodium: 408 mg
Fat: 10 g
Saturated Fat: 4 g
Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
Trans Fat: 0.1 g
Carbohydrates: 6 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 4 g
Cholesterol: 18 mg

Keywords: zucchini corn sauté, simple seasoned side, gluten-free side dish, low-carb vegetable sauté