Looking for a quick and tasty meal? This One-Pan Mexican Street Corn Skillet is perfect! It combines fresh corn, vibrant spices, and creamy cotija cheese all in one pan. In just minutes, you can create a dish that bursts with flavor. Whether you’re having a family dinner or whipping up a snack, this recipe will impress. Ready to dive into this delicious blend of ingredients? Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients List
- 4 cups corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced
- 1 small red onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
The main ingredients make this dish colorful and tasty. Corn gives sweetness, while the bell pepper adds crunch. The jalapeño brings heat, and the onion adds flavor. Garlic rounds it out with a rich taste.
Seasoning Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
These seasonings give the dish its bold flavor. Chili powder adds warmth, cumin brings earthiness, and smoked paprika provides depth. Salt and pepper enhance all the tastes.
Finishing Touches
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup cotija cheese, crumbled
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Lime wedges, for serving
Olive oil helps cook the veggies. Mayonnaise adds creaminess and richness. Cotija cheese gives a salty kick that melts in your mouth. Fresh cilantro brightens the dish, and lime wedges add zing when served. Each element makes this dish a true delight.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Skillet
- Step 1: Heat the pan with olive oil over medium-high heat.
Start by pouring olive oil into your large skillet. Let it heat up, but don’t let it smoke. This step helps give a nice base flavor to your dish.
Sautéing the Vegetables
- Step 2: Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
- Step 3: Incorporate garlic, red bell pepper, and jalapeño.
Next, toss in the chopped onion. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until it turns clear. Then, add the minced garlic, diced red bell pepper, and jalapeño. Stir and cook for another 2-3 minutes. This makes the veggies tender and flavorful.
Cooking the Corn
- Step 4: Stir in corn kernels and cook until charred.
- Step 5: Season with spices and mix well.
Now, it’s time for the corn! Add 4 cups of corn kernels to the skillet. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want them to get a nice char. After that, sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to blend all the spices.
Creating the Creamy Mixture
- Step 6: Stir in mayonnaise after removing from heat.
Once everything is well mixed, remove the skillet from the heat. Now, add the mayonnaise and stir until all the corn and veggies are coated. This step makes the dish creamy and rich.
Final Touches
- Step 7: Top with cotija cheese and garnish with cilantro.
Sprinkle the crumbled cotija cheese over the top. Finish with fresh cilantro for a burst of color and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm with lime wedges on the side. A squeeze of lime adds a fresh zing that brightens this dish. Enjoy your One-Pan Mexican Street Corn Skillet!
Tips & Tricks
Best Practices for Cooking Corn
- Use fresh corn for the best taste and texture.
- If using frozen corn, thaw it in the fridge overnight.
- Drain canned corn well before using it in your skillet.
Cooking corn is simple. You want it sweet and crisp. Fresh corn adds a lovely crunch. If you can’t find fresh corn, frozen is a good backup. Just remember to thaw it well. Canned corn can work too, but make sure to drain it first. This avoids extra moisture in your dish.
Enhancing the Flavor
- Add more spices like garlic powder or cayenne for extra heat.
- Homemade mayonnaise gives a fresher taste than store-bought.
To make your dish pop, think about flavor. You can add garlic powder, cayenne, or even smoked salt for a twist. If you make your own mayo, it can taste brighter. Store-bought is fine, but homemade gives a special touch.
Perfecting the Texture
- Aim for a nice char on the corn for added depth.
- Cook the veggies until they are just tender but still crisp.
Getting the right char is key. Cook the corn until it starts to brown. This brings out a deep flavor. For the veggies, cook them just enough. You want them soft but not mushy. This keeps your skillet lively and exciting.
Variations
Adding Protein
You can make this dish even heartier by adding protein. Chicken, shrimp, or beans work well. If you choose chicken, use cooked, shredded chicken. Add it in after you cook the corn. For shrimp, sauté them in the pan until pink. Then mix them in with the corn. If you prefer beans, black beans or pinto beans are great choices. Rinse canned beans and stir them in at the end.
Vegan Adaptations
To make this dish vegan, you can swap the mayonnaise and cotija cheese. Use a vegan mayo instead of regular mayo. This keeps the creamy texture while staying plant-based. For cotija cheese, try using crumbled tofu or a nut-based cheese. Both options add a nice flavor and texture without dairy.
Alternative Flavor Profiles
You can change the flavor of your skillet by adjusting the spices. If you like more heat, add extra jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper. For a smoky flavor, increase the smoked paprika. You might also try adding lime zest or fresh herbs like oregano. These small changes can create a new taste experience with each meal.
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers
To keep your One-Pan Mexican Street Corn Skillet fresh, let it cool. Next, transfer it to an airtight container. You can refrigerate it for up to three days. When you want to eat it again, check for any signs of spoilage before reheating.
Freezing Instructions
For freezing, place the cooled skillet in a freezer-safe container. Make sure to seal it tightly. This dish can last up to three months in the freezer. When you are ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat it in a pan over low heat, stirring often. This will help keep the corn tender.
Shelf Life
When stored in the fridge, your dish stays good for about three days. In the freezer, it maintains quality for about three months. After that, the flavors may fade. Always check for texture and smell before serving leftovers.
FAQs
What can I use instead of cotija cheese?
You can try several cheeses if you don’t have cotija. Good options include:
- Feta cheese: It has a similar crumbly texture.
- Queso fresco: This cheese is milder but works well.
- Parmesan cheese: It adds a different flavor but is still tasty.
Each of these cheeses can bring a unique twist to your dish.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this dish in advance. Here’s how:
- Cook the skillet as usual, but stop just before adding the mayonnaise and cheese.
- Let it cool, then store it in the fridge.
- When ready to serve, reheat it gently. Stir in the mayonnaise and cheese right before serving.
This method keeps the dish fresh and tasty.
How do I reheat One-Pan Mexican Street Corn Skillet?
To reheat, use these methods for the best results:
- Stovetop: Place in a skillet over medium heat. Stir often to prevent sticking.
- Microwave: Use a microwave-safe dish, cover it, and heat in short bursts. Stir between each burst.
Both methods help keep the texture nice and creamy.
This blog detailed how to make a delicious One-Pan Mexican Street Corn Skillet. You learned about the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips for perfecting the dish. I also shared ways to store leftovers and variations to fit your taste.
Now you can enjoy a tasty, easy meal that fits any occasion. Don’t hesitate to experiment with flavors and ingredients. Your kitchen is ready for this flavorful adventure!
