Corn Edamame Succotash
on May 30, 2022, Updated Jul 08, 2023
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Taking inspiration from classic corn succotash, this grilled corn version has a vibrant mix of halved ripe tomatoes, edamame instead of lima beans, and lots of scallions and chives.
And so it begins, my annual quest to consume as many pints of tomatoes and ears of corn as I can while they are in season and at their best. To call it a challenge would be a complete exaggeration. From main dishes to salads and more, I am all about tomatoes and corn.
Side dishes are one of the most common ways you see corn served, but I like to take those expected recipes and put a twist on them. That includes this grilled sweet corn succotash.
It has a combination of cooked and raw ingredients that all work together to create something that is so saturated in color, you really can’t stop looking at it. And more importantly, it tastes pretty fantastic too.
What Is Succotash?
Tracing its origins back to 17th century Native Americans, succotash was originally made from corn, beans and squash. Depending on the season, the corn and beans would either be fresh or dried, and the squash variety would change too.
The word succotash is a mispronunciation by European colonists of “msickquatash,” a dish made by the Narragansett Indians that involved boiling corn. Since then, regional varieties of succotash have spread from the Northeast to the Midwest to the South, but they always have a base of beans and corn.
At its essence, you can think of most corn succotash recipes like a vegetable stew, but they’re served as a side instead of a main. And you may say my version completely breaks the rules; however, the roots of succotash are in adding ingredients that are in season to create an interesting dish with what you have, so my inspiration should be pretty obvious.
Often you will find succotash starts with rendering bacon in a pan. No surprise, I skip the protein in the skillet and keep it vegan putting all the focus on the vegetables and legumes like corn, edamame and tomatoes.
Ingredients & Substitutions
This is what you need:
- Corn: The freshest ears of corn will have husks that are tightly wrapped, protecting those beautiful yellow kernels. You will need 3 for the recipe. I like to shuck my corn before grilling it.
- Edamame is my choice instead of lima beans, which are traditionally used. I love the nuttiness and slight buttery flavor of edamame. I cook it on the stovetop in boiling water while the grill is heating up for the corn.
- Tomatoes: Look for small grape or cherry tomatoes that are nice and ripe. These are the best kinds to use because they will hold their shape, and their size is a good balance with the corn and edamame.
- Lemon adds freshness to any recipe. Here I use the heat of the grill and quickly grill the lemon halves on their cut sides. This adds just a hint of smokiness.
- Scallions are my go-to salad onion. They are crisp, light and so good eaten raw.
- Chives are both herby and oniony, so I like to be generous when I am adding them to the bowl. You can also include torn fresh basil leaves if you have them.
- Olive oil: For the best flavor, make sure to use extra-virgin olive oil.
- Garlic: The recipe calls for just 1 minced garlic clove that gets whisked into the lemon juice and olive oil.
- Salt & pepper: I season the succotash with kosher salt and black pepper.
How To Make Grilled Corn Succotash
- Preheat the grill for the corn.
- Cook the edamame while the grill is heating up. In a pot of boiling salted water, simmer the frozen edamame until it is just tender. Think of it like al dente pasta, it should still have some bite when it’s ready. Drain the pot into a colander and rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking.
- Grill the corn until the kernels are lightly charred all over. This will take about 5-7 minutes. When the corn is cool enough to handle, use a sharp knife to slice the kernels off the cobs.
- Grill the lemon. Put the lemon halves cut side down on the grates, grilling them for 1-2 minutes until they have grill marks.
- Whisk together the grilled lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, salt and pepper in a small bowl.
- Stir together the corn kernels, edamame, tomatoes, scallions and chives in a large bowl.
- Drizzle the lemon-olive oil mixture into the corn and edamame.
Serving & Leftovers
Making succotash with grilled corn is wonderful for a simmer side dish. It is incredibly versatile and can go with all sorts of mains like chicken and fish or ones that are vegetarian.
You can even chill it in the fridge, and mix the succotash with baby arugula or spinach to create a salad with a splash of red wine vinegar.
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge up to 3 days.
More Corn and Tomato Recipes
Corn Tomato Wild Rice Salad
Grilled Eggplant with Corn and Tomatoes
Fresh Corn Tomato Salad
Tomato Corn Orecchiette
Black Bean Corn Salad
Zucchini Corn Salad
Corn Edamame Succotash
Ingredients
- 12 ounces frozen shelled edamame
- 3 ears corn shucked
- 1 teaspoon + 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lemon halved
- 1 garlic clove minced
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 pint grape or cherry tomatoes halved
- 2 scallions thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons minced chives
Instructions
- Preheat a gas or charcoal grill on high heat.
- While the grills is preheating, cook the edamame in a medium saucepan of boiling salted water for 3-4 minutes until cooked through. Drain and rinse with cold water in a colander.
- Rub the corn with 1 teaspoon olive oil. Grill, turning occasionally, until lightly charred, about 5-7 minutes. Let the corn cool slightly before slicing the kernels off the cobs.
- Grill the lemon halves for 1-2 minutes, cut side down, until they are grill marked.
- In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons olive oil, the juice from the grilled lemon halves, garlic, salt and pepper.
- Combine the corn, edamame, tomatoes, scallions and chives in a large bowl. Pour in the lemon-olive oil mixture, stirring everything together.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
