Mexican Fried Corn
Bring bold, authentic flavors to your table with this Mexican Fried Corn recipe—a vibrant side dish bursting with smoky spices, zesty lime, and creamy cotija cheese. Fresh corn kernels are sautéed to golden perfection in a blend of butter and olive oil, then seasoned with garlic powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, and a hint of chili powder for an irresistible depth of flavor. A squeeze of lime juice adds a refreshing brightness, while crumbled cotija, fresh cilantro, and optional jalapeño provide the perfect finishing touches. Quick to make in just 25 minutes, this versatile dish is ideal as a side for tacos, burrito bowls, or grilled meats. Whether you're hosting a fiesta or looking to elevate your weeknight meals, this Mexican street corn-inspired recipe is sure to impress!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 3 cups fresh corn kernels (approximately 4 ears of corn)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 whole lime (zested and juiced)
- 1 cup cotija cheese, crumbled
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped
- 0.5 teaspoons chili powder
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
- 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
- 1 whole jalapeño, finely diced (optional)
Instructions
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the unsalted butter and olive oil, allowing the butter to melt completely.
Add the fresh corn kernels to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, for 8–10 minutes until the corn begins to brown and char slightly.
Reduce the heat to medium. Stir in the garlic powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another 2–3 minutes, ensuring the spices are evenly distributed.
Add the juice of one lime and stir well to deglaze the pan and add brightness to the dish.
Remove the skillet from heat and transfer the corn into a serving dish.
Sprinkle with lime zest, crumbled cotija cheese, and chopped fresh cilantro. If using, add finely diced jalapeño for a touch of heat.
Serve warm as a flavorful side dish or topping for tacos, burrito bowls, or salads.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
339 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 19.9 g | 26% | |
| Saturated Fat | 10.4 g | 52% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 46 mg | 15% | |
| Sodium | 628 mg | 27% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 34.4 g | 12% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 5.5 g | 20% | |
| Total Sugars | 5.7 g | ||
| Protein | 12.1 g | 24% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.4 mcg | 2% | |
| Calcium | 222 mg | 17% | |
| Iron | 1.5 mg | 8% | |
| Potassium | 232 mg | 5% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
