There’s something magical about street corn. The sweet, juicy kernels glistening with butter, the zesty lime cutting through the richness, and that sprinkle of cotija cheese that brings it all together like a culinary hug. Now, imagine all this deliciousness whipped up in a quick skillet at home. Yes, you heard me right! Quick skillet street corn is not just a dish; it’s an experience waiting to happen in your kitchen.
I remember my first encounter with street corn at a lively summer fair. As I bit into that ear of corn slathered in creamy goodness and topped with spices, I was transported to flavor heaven. Fast forward to today when I finally decided to recreate that magic right at home using my trusty skillet. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe that’s perfect for backyard barbecues, movie nights, or simply when you want to impress your taste buds!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This quick skillet street corn comes together in under 30 minutes, making weeknight dinners a breeze.
- The explosion of flavors will transport you straight to the streets of Mexico with every bite.
- Its vibrant colors make it visually irresistible, ensuring it stands out on any dinner table.
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to serve as a side dish or even as a main vegetarian delight!
Ingredients for Quick Skillet Street Corn
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Fresh Corn: Use about 4-5 ears of sweet corn or two cans of corn if you’re short on time. Fresh corn offers the best sweetness!
- Butter: A couple of tablespoons will do the trick use unsalted butter for better control over saltiness.
- Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed juice from one lime adds a zesty brightness that elevates the entire dish.
- Cotija Cheese: This crumbly Mexican cheese gives our street corn its authentic flavor and creamy texture go for the real deal!
- Chili Powder: A sprinkle of chili powder lends just the right kick; feel free to adjust based on your spice tolerance.
- Fresh Cilantro: Chopped cilantro adds a pop of freshness and color that complements all the rich flavors beautifully.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Quick Skillet Street Corn
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Prepare Your Corn
Start by shucking the fresh corn if you’re using ears. Remove all those silky strands—trust me; no one wants those in their skillet magic.
Step 2: Heat Things Up
In a large skillet (preferably non-stick), melt your butter over medium heat until it’s bubbly and inviting. The aroma alone is enough to lure anyone into your kitchen.
Step 3: Cook the Corn
Add your corn kernels (fresh or canned) into the melting butter. Stir them around so they get nice and coated—let them cook for about five minutes until they begin to char slightly.
Step 4: Season It Up
Squeeze in your lime juice and sprinkle chili powder over the corn while stirring. This is where the magic really begins! Continue cooking for another couple of minutes until everything is evenly mixed.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Herbs
Remove the skillet from heat and fold in cotija cheese and chopped cilantro. The cheese will melt slightly, creating a creamy coating around those sweet kernels.
Step 6: Serve It Right
Transfer your quick skillet street corn into bowls or onto plates. Garnish with more cheese and cilantro if you’re feeling extra fancy because who doesn’t want their food to look Instagram-ready?
This quick skillet street corn is not just easy; it’s bursting with flavor that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds so prepare yourself! Enjoy it as a side dish at your next barbecue or on taco night; it’s sure to be a hit every single time!
You Must Know
- This quick skillet street corn recipe combines sweet corn with zesty spices for a vibrant dish.
- Perfect for summer barbecues or cozy winter nights, it brings joy to any table.
- Plus, it’s super easy and quick to whip up, making it a go-to favorite!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve optimal flavor and texture, start by charring the corn in a hot skillet. Once that’s done, mix in the seasonings while incorporating cream and cheese for that creamy goodness. Cooking is all about sequence for perfect results!
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize your quick skillet street corn! Swap out the cheese for feta or add jalapeños for some heat. You can also toss in fresh herbs like cilantro or basil for an added pop of flavor.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover quick skillet street corn in an airtight container in the fridge. When reheating, just warm it on the stovetop over medium heat until heated through. This keeps the flavors intact and prevents sogginess.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use fresh corn if possible; it enhances sweetness and crunch.
- Be careful not to overcrowd the skillet to ensure even charring.
- Lastly, taste as you go adjust seasoning based on your preference for spice and saltiness!
Sometimes, when I make this quick skillet street corn at family gatherings, I get requests for seconds before everyone even finishes their first helping! It’s always a hit, especially with my cousin who claims he could eat it every day! For more inspiration, check out this chicken burrito bowls recipe recipe.
FAQs:
What is Quick Skillet Street Corn?
Quick Skillet Street Corn is a delicious and easy-to-make dish inspired by traditional Mexican street corn, also known as elote. This recipe features crispy corn cooked in a skillet, combined with creamy ingredients like mayonnaise and cotija cheese, topped with spices for extra flavor. Cajun shrimp scampi pairing It’s perfect for summer barbecues or as a tasty side dish any time of the year. The best part is that it takes just minutes to prepare, making it an excellent option for busy weeknights. For more inspiration, check out this garlic shrimp recipe recipe.
How can I customize Quick Skillet Street Corn?
You can customize Quick Skillet Street Corn by adding your favorite toppings and spices. Consider incorporating ingredients like lime juice, chili powder, or even fresh herbs such as cilantro for added freshness. great side dishes like street corn If you prefer a spicier kick, try adding diced jalapeños or hot sauce. Additionally, you can use different types of cheese, such as feta or queso fresco, to give it a unique twist that suits your taste.
Can I make Quick Skillet Street Corn vegan?
Yes, you can easily make Quick Skillet Street Corn vegan by substituting the dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives. Use vegan mayo in place of regular mayonnaise and opt for a non-dairy cheese substitute to maintain the creamy texture. You can also add nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without any dairy. With these simple adjustments, you can enjoy this flavorful dish while adhering to vegan dietary preferences.
What dishes pair well with Quick Skillet Street Corn?
Quick Skillet Street Corn pairs well with various dishes. It makes an excellent side dish alongside grilled meats such as chicken, steak, or fish. You can also serve it at taco nights or alongside burritos and quesadillas for a complete meal experience. simple vegetable side recipes Additionally, it complements fresh salads or grilled vegetables nicely, making it versatile enough to enhance many meals throughout the week.
Conclusion for Quick Skillet Street Corn:
In summary, Quick Skillet Street Corn is an easy-to-make and flavorful dish that brings the essence of street food right to your kitchen. With its creamy texture and zesty toppings, this recipe is perfect for any occasion. Customizable and adaptable to various dietary needs, it’s sure to please everyone at your table. Whether served at summer barbecues or as a quick weeknight side dish, this delightful recipe will become a family favorite in no time!
Quick Skillet Street Corn
Quick Skillet Street Corn is a vibrant and flavor-packed dish that brings the essence of traditional Mexican street corn right to your kitchen. This quick and easy recipe features sweet corn sautéed in buttery goodness, brightened with zesty lime, and topped with creamy cotija cheese and fresh cilantro. Perfect for summer barbecues or cozy dinners, it’s a delightful side that will impress your family and friends!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Side
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
- 4 ears fresh corn (or 2 cans corn)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Juice of 1 lime
- ½ cup crumbled cotija cheese
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Shuck the corn and remove silky strands; if using canned corn, drain well.
- In a large non-stick skillet, melt the butter over medium heat until bubbly.
- Add the corn kernels to the skillet and cook for about 5 minutes until slightly charred.
- Squeeze in lime juice and sprinkle with chili powder while stirring; cook for an additional 2 minutes.
- Remove from heat and fold in cotija cheese and chopped cilantro.
- Serve warm, garnished with extra cheese and cilantro if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 176
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 352mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
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