This Homemade Corn Relish is a sweet, tangy, refrigerator-style relish that adds a bright pop of flavor to just about anything (no canning required). It's the perfect make-ahead summer BBQ condiment and is great on veggie burgers, baked potatoes, salads, and more. Easy, vegan, and zesty, this corn relish is a must-save recipe for adding a little zing to your next meal!
I discovered corn relish last year, when I ordered a beet burger on the road that came with corn relish on top. I was instantly hooked by the sweet but tangy topping! Immediately I started recreating it at home, and now this homemade version is a staple in my kitchen.
Table of Contents
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- It's got bright, fresh flavor! This Corn Relish is the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory. The corn makes it scream summer!
- This Corn Relish is super versatile! It's delicious on everything from burgers to Buddha bowls.
- It's sweetened with pure maple syrup, making it a more wholesome choice! Pure maple syrup is less processed than typical white sugar, which is often found in relishes and condiments. We are also tossing in some extra veggies for good measure!
Key Ingredients
- Corn: Sweet, juicy, and the star of this recipe. Fresh corn is best, but you can also thaw a bag of frozen corn for this if you'd prefer!
- Bell pepper, tomato, onion, and celery: To add crunch, color, and to make up a savory base that balances out the sweet corn.
- Jalapeño: To add a slight spicy kick.
- Vinegars & spices: For a tangy bite!
- Maple syrup: A more wholesome sweetener that gives our relish a sweet-and-savory flavor.
- Cornstarch: This thickens our relish to give us our desired consistency.
How to Make Homemade Corn Relish
As always, keep scrolling for the full Corn Relish recipe. But here is a quick overview!
- Combine all ingredients except for cornstarch in a pot and bring to a boil.
- Simmer for 20-25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Mix together cornstarch and a bit of water to create a slurry. Add to the pot.
- Simmer for 5 more minutes, stirring occasionally, while the relish thickens.
- Remove from heat and let it cool to room tempetature.
- Serve and enjoy on whatever you wish!
Recipe Tips
- This recipe does not include full canning instructions, as this is not my area of expertise. Because it is not canned, this Corn Relish should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge. Just keep in mind that it won't have the same extended shelf life that traditional canning provides and is best enjoyed within several days for optimal freshness..
- I highly recommend using fresh corn if you can as it brings the most flavor! However, frozen also works if that's easier for you. Just thaw it just before using!
Corn Relish Variations
This corn relish is easy to customize depending on your flavor preferences.
- Spicy corn relish: Add extra jalapeños or your favorite hot peppers for more heat.
- Sweet corn relish: Use a little more maple syrup to boost sweetness and balance the tangy flavor.
- Fresh vs. frozen corn: Fresh summer corn gives the best flavor, but frozen corn works well year-round.
- Adjust the tang: Use more rice vinegar for a sharper bite or more apple cider vinegar for a slightly sweeter, rounded flavor. To keep the right volume, reduce one if you increase the other so the overall amount stays the same.
How to Use Corn Relish
This relish is incredibly versatile and works as a topping for so many meals!
- Black Bean Burgers or Chickpea Veggie Burgers: Add a spoonful on top for a sweet and tangy flavor boost that pairs perfectly with plant-based patties.
- Veggie dogs: Use it as a condiment to add brightness and crunch.
- Baked potatoes: Spoon it over a fluffy baked potato for an easy way to add flavor and texture.
- Wraps: Layer it into wraps for extra freshness and a pop of acidity.
- Salads and bowls: Add a scoop to a simple salad, or enjoy it in a Buddha bowl with grains, grilled vegetables, and a plant-based protein (like crispy tofu) for a fresh, tangy finish.
- BBQs and potlucks: bring this as a tangy BBQ side to your next summer potluck!
Storage
Store corn relish in an airtight container in the refrigerator and keep it chilled at all times. Since this is a fresh relish and we are not going through the full canning process, it must be kept in the refrigerator and should not be stored on the pantry shelf.
Frequently Asked Questions
Since this is a fresh, refrigerator-style relish and not a canned product, it should always be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For best quality, enjoy within a few days while it’s freshest. If you want to reduce waste, you can easily halve the recipe.
Yes, but the texture will be softer and slightly less fresh than using fresh or frozen corn. Be sure to drain and rinse it well before using.
Corn relish is great as a condiment or topping for black bean burgers, vegan hot dogs, tacos, grilled vegetables, Buddha bowls, baked potatoes, and salads.
This homemade corn relish is a balance of both! It is slightly sweet with a tangy vinegar base and fresh vegetable flavor.
Yes, this Homemade Corn Relish is made with simple, minimally processed ingredients. If you include maple syrup (and cornstarch, if used) in your wfpb definition, it can fit within a WFPB approach depending on your personal guidelines.
More Burger Topping Ideas
📖 Recipe
Homemade Corn Relish
Ingredients
- 2 cups corn kernels - (fresh is best, but thawed frozen corn also works!)
- ½ medium green bell pepper - finely chopped
- 1 large tomato - finely chopped
- ½ yellow onion - finely chopped
- 1 rib celery - finely chopped
- ⅔ cup apple cider vinegar
- ⅔ cup rice vinegar
- ⅔ cup water
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ teaspoon celery seed
- ¾ teaspoon mustard powder
- 1 jalapeno - finely chopped
- ⅓ cup pure maple syrup
- 2 teaspoon cornstarch
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients except for cornstarch in a nonstick medium pot on medium-high heat. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to a simmer. Simmer, uncovered, for 20-25 minutes.
- Once done simmering: In a separate small bowl, stir together cornstarch with 1 teaspoon water. Add this to the corn mixture and stir to combine.
- Continue to stir while simmering for about 5 more minutes, or until the mixture gets slightly thick and cloudy.
- Remove from heat and allow to cool to room temp, then store in the fridge to chill.
- Use as a topping on whatever you desire! Enjoy!
Nutrition
*Nutrition facts are an estimate and are calculated for one serving.
Happy cooking! If you made this recipe don’t forget to tag me (@joyfulbalanceofficial) on facebook or instagram so I can cheer you on for your relish-making ways.
Stay joyfully balanced!
Jess says
so delicious and flavorful!
Delaney Marie says
So glad you liked it!
Juyali says
Amazing! the maple syrup was such a surprising and delish addition. 🙂
Delaney Marie says
Thank you! It adds the perfect amount of sweetness 😉
Lainey says
Awesome recipe! Love that it uses apple cider vinegar instead of vinegar! 😍😍😍
Delaney Marie says
And the apple cider vinegar flavor works so well here! Glad you loved it 🙂