Corn rice with butter is the perfect side dish when you want something quick, comforting, and full of flavor. This easy-to-make dish combines the sweetness of corn with the richness of butter, creating a delicious, crowd-pleasing option for any meal. Whether served alongside grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, or as part of a hearty family dinner, corn rice adds a wonderful balance of taste and texture that enhances the main course without overpowering it.
The dish is incredibly simple to make, requiring just a few basic ingredients: rice, corn, and butter. The key to its success lies in the way the corn, with its natural sweetness, pairs perfectly with the creamy richness of butter. As the rice cooks, it absorbs the buttery flavor, while the corn adds a pop of color and sweetness to each bite. The result is a light yet satisfying side that complements almost any dish.
One of the best things about corn rice with butter is its versatility. You can use fresh corn, frozen corn, or even canned corn, making it easy to whip up with ingredients you likely already have on hand. If you’re looking to add a bit more flavor, try sautéing the corn in a little butter or olive oil before mixing it with the rice, or adding a pinch of salt, pepper, or garlic powder. For a little extra richness, a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese can take it to the next level.
This dish is not only delicious but also customizable. You can mix in other ingredients like diced bell peppers, peas, or herbs such as cilantro or parsley for an added burst of freshness. It’s also a great base to which you can add proteins like grilled shrimp or chicken for a more substantial meal.
Corn rice with butter is a classic example of how the simplest dishes are often the most satisfying. It’s a great choice for busy weeknights, special occasions, or whenever you need a side that’s both quick and comforting.
Ingredients
- 1 cup white rice rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels fresh or frozen
- 2 tablespoons butter unsalted
- 2 cups water
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the rinsed rice and stir to coat with butter. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Add the corn kernels and stir to combine.
- Pour in the water, then add the salt and black pepper. Stir to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the water is absorbed.
- Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork and serving.
Nutrition
Made this for the first time and it turned out great! Definitely adding it to my weeknight meals.
Was hoping for something more exciting. It tastes like plain rice with corn in it. Need spices or cheese or something.
Does it really need salt? I didn’t add any and it was fine! Less sodium!
I think it’s all about personal taste! If you liked it without salt, more power to you! 🥳
Best recipe ever!!! I’m gonna eat this every day now! 😍
Corn rice? Sounds weird but it’s actually kinda good.
Meh… rice tasted kinda bland. I had to add more salt. Still eatable though.
I added some garlic and it was really good! Next time, I’ll try onions too.
Garlic sounds yum! Onions will definitely add some flavor too. Can’t wait to try it with your adjustments!
LOVE this recipe! Perfect side dish. Who knew corn and rice go together so well? 😊
I totally agree! This dish is so simple yet so delicious. Perfect for any meal. 🍽️
Not sure about combining corn and rice. Feels a bit weird to me… but to each their own, I guess.
I think I’m allergic to corn… got a rash after! Be careful guys!!
My kids wouldn’t eat it, but I thought it was pretty good. Maybe they’re just picky?
Loved the texture—corn gives it a nice pop. I also added a splash of lemon at the end and it made it pop even more.
I made this for dinner and it turned out perfect! So simple and flavorful.
Honestly, I expected more flavor. It was just kind of…blah.
Not gonna lie, I was skeptical about “corn + rice” being enough, but the salt/pepper balance helped. Would make again.
Not bad, but it felt a little bland until I added extra pepper. Maybe it needs more salt than stated?
Totally agree—mine felt a bit flat at first too. I usually bump the salt slightly (and go heavier on pepper), and it tastes way more “finished.”
Huh, I felt it was fine as-written, but maybe my corn was sweeter. If it’s bland, try a little more butter at the end or squeeze in lemon—salt alone didn’t do much for me.
Loved it! But how much time is for simmering? Thought it was too long.
Pretty tasty, but mine took closer to 25 minutes to get tender. I think my stove runs hot. Still, worth it.
1 cup rice to 2 cups water seems a little off? Rice cooking times always vary, but I think you should clarify the rice type. Jasmine vs long grain matters a lot.
Yum!
Right?! The butter + sweet corn combo is so good—this is one of those “make it again tomorrow” side dishes.
Mine was a bit mushy, not sure if I overcooked the rice or if my burner runs hot. Still tasty though!
Lol I thought it was corn on the cob! I was so confused when I saw the ingredients. 😅
5 stars! This is great with grilled chicken! 👍
I don’t like corn and this ain’t changing my mind! IMO rice is best plain or with soy sauce.
I love corn + rice but I was skeptical about only 1 cup rice with 2 cups water. It actually cooked perfectly, surprising me.
That’s awesome—corn + rice together is underrated. I’m glad the water ratio worked for you!
This was super easy to make and turned out great! My kids loved it!
I added some chicken broth instead of water and it made it sooo much better!
I love the idea of using chicken broth! That sounds so flavorful. I’ll have to try that next time! 😊
Honestly, it was just okay. I followed it exactly, but it felt a little bland until I hit it with extra pepper and a squeeze of lemon.
This is so easy and delicious! I made it for my family and they loved it!
Not gonna lie, I was skeptical at first—like, just add corn and water and that’s it? But it actually worked. The salt/pepper ratio feels right.
Yum! Perfect side dish for my grilled chicken. Will make again!
I dunno, it seems a bit bland. I think it needs more spice or something.
This recipe is super easy and delicious! My kids loved it!
I followed it exactly and it was good, but mine needed like 5 more minutes to fully absorb the water. Not a deal-breaker though.
Totally get that—rice can be stubborn depending on the brand and how fresh the corn is. Glad it still turned out good though!
I don’t understand why you would put butter in rice. Isn’t that a bit much?
Butter adds flavor and richness to the rice! It’s not just about health but enjoying your food. Give it a try!
I used 1 cup corn and it looked like a lot already… then I measured again and realized I accidentally halved the rice amount. Came out a bit mushy but the taste was still good. Kinda my fault.
This dish is so tasty! My kids loved it, even my picky eater.
The ratio seems a bit off? 1 cup rice and 2 cups water usually works for me, but here the rice was slightly chewy at first. Still ate it, lol.
I’ve always done about 2:1 water to rice too—if yours was chewy at first, this recipe might need the extra minute or two. Letting it rest the full 5 mins usually helps!
I forgot to cover it for the simmer and the water didn’t absorb right. Learned my lesson: cover = fluff.
That’s exactly it—covering during simmer helps trap the steam so the water actually gets absorbed. “Cover = fluff” is a great takeaway 👏
I did this once too… didn’t cover and it turned out kinda soupy and not fluffy. Next time I’m covering the whole 18-20 min. Also I think I used too much water by accident lol.
Corn rice? Sounds weird. Who eats corn with rice? 🤔
Nah, corn ain’t supposed to go with rice. That’s just wrong. Rice is for stir-fry, not corn! 🤷♂️
I thought it sounded weird too, but trust me, it’s delicious! You should give it a try. Corn adds a nice sweetness to the rice.
I’m not usually a rice person, but this was straightforward. The 5-minute rest helped a lot—fluffed nicely.
Agreed—I’m also not a rice person, but the quick rest makes a noticeable difference. That fluff is real.
Butte is fattening and not healthy, why use it? Just boiling rice is better.
Uh, corn rice? Sounds weird. Is this a real thing? 🤔
Honestly not my thing. It’s basically rice with corn and butter, which I guess is fine, but I wanted more flavor.
This is bland 😕 Needs way more seasoning. Like, add some cumin or chili flakes or something.
This dish is so easy and sooo delicious! My kids loved it!
Yum! I added some cheese and it was amazing. Thanks for sharing!
Not bad but the butter feels like a lot—next time I’ll use 1 tbsp. Also I forgot to cover immediately and it took longer.
Wow, just wow. Too much butter though. I think half a tablespoon would be better.
This was totally amazing! The butter made such a difference. My kids ate it all up and even asked for seconds!
I followed it pretty much exactly. Texture was spot on and the seasoning worked well. No complaints.
Yum! quick side. My kids ate it all lol.
I don’t get why you rinse the rice if it’s only 1 cup. Seems like extra steps for basically the same result.
I rinse because it helps cut down starch—makes the grains less sticky. Even with 1 cup, it still changes the texture.
Made this tonight—so simple and honestly really comforting. The corn flavor comes through nicely and the butter gives it a nice richness. I used frozen corn and it still turned out great.
Butter makes everything better! <3
I don’t care for corn, so I subbed it with peas. Tasted great!
I messed up the rice, forgot the salt! But still tasted alright. Will try again! 😅
Nice, but my rice got sticky. I guess I stirred too much?
Really easy weekday side. Next time I might add a little garlic or herbs, but the base recipe is solid.
Simple, quick, and delicious! I added some garlic for flavor! Yummy!
Eh, it was just okay. Felt like it needed something more, idk.
I definitely agree! It feels like there’s potential but something’s missing. Maybe some herbs would help?
Quick and easy to make! Will make again with leftover rice, I guess. 👍
Yeah, leftover rice would be perfect! I love how quick this is to whip up.
I tried it, but the rice was still hard after 20 mins. Maybe my stove is too weak.
I dunno, I always get my rice soft in 20 mins. Maybe your stove ain’t strong enough or somethin’.
Maybe try cooking it a bit longer next time? It could also depend on the type of rice you’re using. Some brands take longer to cook!
I followed it pretty much exactly. Rice was tender, corn was sweet, and the pepper didn’t overpower. Would definitely make again.
So you added corn and it didn’t get mushy? I usually overcook rice 😅 Maybe my “2-3 minutes” of toasting is wrong. Gonna attempt again though!
Love hearing that! I’m always worried the pepper would take over, so your result sounds perfect. Definitely trying this next week.
This is just rice with corn! Don’t understand why people think it’s special. LOL
Really? I thought it was a neat way to mix things up! It’s easy to make too.
I get what you mean, but sometimes simple is the best! It’s comfort food for me.
Good baseline recipe. I added a pinch of garlic powder and it tasted even better, but the original is still solid.
I’m not sure about the ratio—1 cup rice to 2 cups water seems too much to me? Mine was a little mushy, but flavor was good. Maybe I should’ve reduced water or cooked less.
Thanks! I made this exactly as written and it came out fluffy and sweet from the corn. The butter step really matters.
This rice thing was ok, but like, I prefer my rice just plain. Too fancy for me.
Initial skepticism aside, my family loved it. Feeding them corn makes me feel like a great parent.
Hmm… I don’t get it. Just corn and rice? Seems kinda bland. My kids would never eat that.
I’m so glad your family enjoyed it! Corn rice is a simple yet tasty dish. Great parenting indeed! 😊
This is a solid side dish. I added a bit of garlic powder and it tasted way more “restaurant-y” without messing up the base recipe.
Honestly, it’s fine, but I think it needs something for depth like onion or a squeeze of lemon. Otherwise it’s kinda plain.
Is it really necessary to rinse the rice? Seems like a waste of time.
Kinda bland. I thought the corn would give it more flavor but honestly next time I’ll add garlic or somethin.
I don’t know, corn in rice? Sounds weird. I’m skeptical.
This is the easiest thing ever. I let it sit the full 5 min and fluffing made it like restaurant rice. Will make again.
Made this for my family and they gobbled it up! Thank you for the recipe! 🥰
I don’t think corn and rice go together… tried it anyway. Not a fan.
Way too bland for me. The recipe says salt and pepper but I wanted more seasoning—maybe add some paprika or cheese. Otherwise it’s kinda plain.
I accidentally used brown rice instead and it took forever to cook. Still tasted good tho.
Meh. Tastes okay but I don’t get the hype. Also “fresh or frozen” corn—frozen was a pain to thaw quickly 😅
Totally get that—corn rice can be a “meh” until you dial it in. I usually just microwave frozen corn in a bowl for a couple minutes so it’s not a soggy, thawed mess. Did you keep the cover on while it simmered?
Corn rice? Sounds weird, but it was surprisingly good! I added some cheese on top to make it extra cheesy.
Corn and rice? That does sound weird. But honestly, cheese on top sounds like a great idea! I’m definitely trying that next time.
I don’t know about this. Sounds like a mushy mess. Can’t corn just be corn? 🤔
I dunno about this recipe. How will 1 cup of rice feed my whole family? Feels like a joke.
My kids ate it, but I think it could use some cheese or something.
This was so good! My kids loved it!
Not my favorite. The rice was too soggy and bland for my taste. Probably won’t make again.
Simple and comforting—made it with frozen corn and it turned out fluffy. The butter step really boosts the flavor.
That sounds so cozy. I’m glad frozen corn works—mine always turns out a little watery in other recipes, so I’m trying this method.
This is good, but I think 1 cup corn is a little light—next time I’ll use more corn or even add a squeeze of lemon.
Totally agree—1 cup corn feels a bit skimpy against 1 cup rice. I usually go closer to 1.5 cups and it’s way more flavorful.
Quick question: do you mean 1 cup corn or 1 cup corn kernels? I used canned once and it was watery. Fresh/frozen is better I guess.
Mine came out a little too soft—maybe I needed to use less water or reduce time. Still yummy though, especially with pepper.
This isn’t real cooking, just boil stuff together. 😒
Simple recipe with just few ingredients. Perfect for busy weeknights. Will make again!
Quick and easy! I like recipes that don’t need too many ingredients. Will make again. 👍
I tried this and it came out perfect on the first go. The resting 5 minutes makes a big difference!
So glad you said that about the 5 minutes—I’ve rushed it before and it always felt a bit off. Going to trust the rest step next time!
Hmm I dunno, I usually skip the rest and it still turns out alright for me. Maybe the butter helps? Either way, sounds tasty with corn.
Good flavor, but my rice took closer to 28 minutes. Not sure if my stove runs low or if I had smaller kernels of corn.
Not bad, but I’m not sure 1 cup corn is enough—could use more corn or add a bit of garlic. Still, easy weeknight meal.
This turned out amazing! The corn adds such a sweet touch to the rice. Definitely a keeper.
Too plain for my taste, needs spices! 😕
Easy and delicious! I added some diced bell peppers for extra crunch. Yum!
I followed the recipe exactly but the rice turned out kinda mushy. Not sure what I did wrong.
Maybe you added too much water? Sometimes that happens! Just be careful next time and check early.
This was… okay. I couldn’t taste much corn flavor. Maybe I had too much rice-to-corn? Next time I’ll use more corn.
Thanks for sharing! That corn-to-rice ratio definitely matters—1 cup corn can get drowned out by 1 cup rice. I’d try a bit more corn or even add some corn right at the end for better flavor.
Yumm! If you ask me, it needs more salt. I think it could be better with some herbs too!
Way too much butter for my taste. I had to add more water. 🤔
I tried it once and the rice stuck to the bottom. I might’ve not stirred enough after adding the water. Flavor was okay though.
Five stars. Idk how but that butter-to-rice step is legit. So fluffy!
Right?? I was skeptical about the butter-to-rice coating step, but it makes everything taste way more “buttery” and fluffy. Love this recipe.
Wow, fluffy is exactly what I got too. I used frozen corn and still turned out great—maybe the butter just somehow seals the rice? 😄
This is fine but kind of boring without anything else. I added garlic powder and a bit of cheese and it jumped from ‘meh’ to ‘ok, wow.’
Pretty good, but I think 18-20 min was a little long for my stove. I had to add a splash more water at the end. Still tasty though!
18-20 min long?? That seems fine to me if you keep it on low and covered. Maybe your burner runs hot or you didn’t rinse enough? Either way—glad it was still tasty.
Good to know! I’ve noticed cook times vary a lot by stove—my last batch took closer to 22 minutes. A splash of extra water sounds totally normal.
Made this tonight—super comforting. I rinsed the rice, used frozen corn, and it came out fluffy. The butter step really makes it taste richer.
Cute recipe. I tried it and it came out fluffy enough. My kid ate it without complaining (rare).
Butter + corn + rice is a combo I didn’t know I needed. Super flavorful for how few ingredients there are. Will definitely make again.
I tried it, and it was pretty good, but mine turned out kinda mushy—maybe I didn’t rinse the rice enough? Still tasty though, like a buttery corn porridge vibe lol.
Yes!! That butter coating step makes such a difference. I’ve done similar with peas and it always hits. Definitely adding this to my weeknight rotation.
I messed up and forgot to cover it after boiling 😅 but it was still edible. I’m giving credit though because it’s hard to mess up rice.
Turned out fluffy and the buttery flavor really comes through. I used frozen corn and it was perfect after the 20 minutes.
Made this tonight—so simple and it actually tastes like “real” comfort food. The butter step is key.
Surprisingly comforting. I used fresh corn and it had that sweet summer taste, so I didn’t even need extra seasoning.
Interesting! I tried frozen corn and mine tasted a bit bland, like it needed more salt or maybe less water? Also I think I cooked it a little too long, but the concept is good.
Totally agree—fresh corn makes this so naturally sweet. I also skipped extra seasoning and it was perfect with just butter and pepper. Comfort food for real.
Five stars—wait, I mean four. I think I added too much butter, but it was still tasty. Would make again.
Super easy and tasted comforting. The corn sweetness with the butter is a great combo—will make again for sure.
I followed it pretty closely, but my rice took longer than 20 minutes to get tender. Still tasty though—next time I’ll check the water and simmer time more carefully.
Hmm rice takes longer and you say still tasty… maybe you didn’t rinse it enough or your water measurement was off? I usually do 1 cup rice to 2.5 cups water for tenderness, so 2 cups might be tight.
That’s super common with rice—20 minutes is more of a guideline depending on the brand and how hot your simmer actually is. Checking the water level earlier next time should help a lot.
Pretty good, but mine turned out a little soft. I think my corn had more water from thawing, so next time I’ll maybe reduce water slightly.
Wait… 2 cups water for 1 cup rice? Mine didn’t absorb all the way, so I ended up cooking it longer with the lid off. Still tasty though.
Meh. Tasted a little bland until I added extra pepper. Could use more salt or maybe some onion.
Simple and comforting. The butter-rice step really helps the grains taste richer, and the corn adds a nice sweetness.
The directions are clear, but I honestly don’t like cooking rice with butter first—feels like it could burn. Mine did brown a little, but luckily it wasn’t ruined.
I get what you mean—butter can absolutely brown if the heat’s too high or you don’t keep stirring. I usually keep it at medium and watch it like a hawk for that “just melted” stage. If yours browned a bit, it might still be fine (adds flavor), but next time try lowering the heat right after the butter melts.
Quick review: easy recipe, but I used salted butter and then also 1/2 tsp salt—way too salty. So yeah, adjust!