Description
Mexican street corn transforms creamy corn into a zesty side dish that celebrates bold Southwestern flavors. Grilled kernels mingle with tangy cotija cheese, creating a mouthwatering experience you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups (946 ml) corn kernels (fresh from 6 ears or frozen, thawed)
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
- 2 tbsps (28 g) unsalted butter
- ½ cup (120 ml) whole milk
- 1 tbsp sugar (adjust to taste)
- ¼ tsp salt (or to taste)
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour (for thickening)
- ¼ tsp garlic powder (optional)
- 2 tbsps grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra flavor)
Instructions
- Kernel Preparation: Extract corn kernels by gliding a sharp knife downward along the cob, capturing both kernels and milky residue, ensuring maximum flavor extraction.
- Flavor Foundation: Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat, introducing corn kernels to caramelize and develop rich, toasted characteristics. Sauté until kernels exhibit golden edges and release aromatic notes.
- Liquid Infusion: Pour heavy cream, whole milk, sugar, salt, pepper, and garlic powder into the skillet, creating a harmonious flavor profile that amplifies the corn’s natural sweetness and complexity.
- Thickening Technique: Whisk flour with water to create a smooth, lump-free slurry. Gradually incorporate into the simmering corn mixture, stirring consistently to achieve a luxurious, velvety consistency without clumping.
- Final Enhancement: Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan, allowing its nutty, sharp essence to meld seamlessly with the creamy corn base. Continue stirring until the cheese fully integrates and the mixture reaches an ideal, luscious texture.
- Serving Presentation: Remove from heat when the corn reaches a perfect, spoonable consistency. Transfer to an elegant serving dish, ready to complement robust main courses or stand as a decadent standalone side.
Notes
- Choose Fresh Ingredients: Select pristine, high-quality corn kernels – either freshly cut or premium frozen – for maximum flavor and creamy texture.
- Master Kernel Extraction: When using fresh corn, use a sharp knife to slice downward carefully, then gently scrape the cob’s surface to release natural creamy essence.
- Control Heat Precisely: Maintain moderate skillet temperature to caramelize kernels without burning, developing rich toasted undertones while preserving corn’s delicate sweetness.
- Prevent Lumpy Sauce: Whisk flour and water thoroughly into a completely smooth slurry, stirring consistently when adding to hot mixture to avoid unwanted clumping and ensure silky consistency.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish, Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg