Charring Frozen Corn Kernels

[Shel_B]

There's a recipe that I'd like to make that calls for charring ears of corn and then cutting the kernels from the cob  http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/chile-pork-tenderloin-50400000137205/.  I don't have a grill at home, so I need to find another way to char the kernels.  This time of year, frozen corn kernels may be the easiest and best choice.  So, what may be the best way to char these prepared kernels in my apartment kitchen?

 

I was thinking about heating the cast iron skillet, very hot, and adding the frozen (or fresh if I can find 'em) kernels until they blister and char a bit.  Might that work?  Or what about under the broiler?

 

FWIW, TJ's carries frozen, charred corn kernels, and I may try using them, but I would rather do the charring myself.

 

Thanks!

Edited September 7, 2014 by Shel_B (log)

[heidih]

The broiler might be too quick and hard to monitor. I would let them semi thaw and then towel off moisture well and use the hot cast iron. The TJ product you note is quite good. It has been a while but it seemed their kernels were bigger than what one would find in regular frozen corn resulting in a char but still a discernible interior. 

[rotuts]

Hand torch from frozen ?  be careful if on a plate.

[Shel_B]

Hand torch from frozen ?  be careful if on a plate.

 

That assumes I have a torch ...

[Shel_B]

The broiler might be too quick and hard to monitor. I would let them semi thaw and then towel off moisture well and use the hot cast iron. The TJ product you note is quite good. It has been a while but it seemed their kernels were bigger than what one would find in regular frozen corn resulting in a char but still a discernible interior. 

 

Having thought about it a while, I'm tending to agree with you about the broiler.

[weinoo]

Hot frying pan.  

[rotuts]

this one :

 

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Bernzomatic-UL100-Basic-Propane-Torch-Kit-334458/203665003?N=5yc1vZbqmd

 

it browns anything and well worth it.

[mgaretz]

I'd try the broiler, but I'd do an experiment by using the frozen kernels without thawing. That way they can char a bit without overcooking, but it may not work due to evaporation.

[Shel_B]

I'd try the broiler, but I'd do an experiment by using the frozen kernels without thawing. That way they can char a bit without overcooking, but it may not work due to evaporation.

 

If the oven's going anyway, it may be worth a try.  I like experimenting ....

[Shel_B]

this one :

 

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Bernzomatic-UL100-Basic-Propane-Torch-Kit-334458/203665003?N=5yc1vZbqmd

 

it browns anything and well worth it.

 

Really not interested at this time ... good suggestion, though.

[jayt90]

A cast iron pan may yield uneven results, with some scorching or steaming.

 

A Whirley Pop device is low cost, and reliable for roasting coffee beans, so it should work for corn by moving kernels all at once.

 

Widely available, even in thrift stores; here is a link http://www.kitchenstuffplus.com/10881-.aspx?src=google&gclid=CjwKEAjwp7WgBRCRxMCLx8mMnDMSJADncxS2cqrdHAaKtt0ghJxhjO4hgv31G_Z4TaLq6ixMm-WSYxoCzTvw_wcB#

[blue_dolphin]

I know you said you'd rather char the corn yourself so this is not what you want but I echo heidih's endorsement of the TJ's frozen, charred kernels that you mentioned. I've never served them on their own, but try to keep them on hand to use in my black bean salad and other dishes.

[Shel_B]

I know you said you'd rather char the corn yourself so this is not what you want but I echo heidih's endorsement of the TJ's frozen, charred kernels that you mentioned. I've never served them on their own, but try to keep them on hand to use in my black bean salad and other dishes.

 

I have a bag in my freezer right now ... I use the product every now and then.