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.