Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my love for *Mexican street corn shrimp*! It’s one of those dishes that just makes my heart sing. The first time I tried it at a little food stand while visiting Mexico, I was blown away by the vibrant flavors—the sweetness of the corn combined with tender shrimp and that spicy kick! I knew I had to recreate it at home. It’s become a go-to dish for me because it’s not only quick to whip up but also brings a big burst of flavor to my table. Trust me, every bite feels like a fiesta! Whether I’m having friends over or just treating myself, this dish is always a winner. You’re going to love how easy it is to bring a taste of the streets of Mexico right into your kitchen!
Ingredients List
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this fabulous *Mexican street corn shrimp*! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 cups corn, fresh or frozen
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup cotija cheese, crumbled
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Make sure to grab the freshest corn you can find—it’s a game changer for flavor! And don’t worry if you can’t find cotija cheese; you can swap it out for feta if that’s what you’ve got on hand. It’ll still be delicious!
How to Prepare Mexican Street Corn Shrimp
Now, let’s dive into the fun part—making this delectable *Mexican street corn shrimp*! I promise it’s easier than you might think, and the flavors will have you dancing in your kitchen!
Step 1: Heat the Olive Oil
First things first, grab your trusty skillet and place it over medium heat. It’s super important to preheat the skillet because this helps the shrimp cook evenly and quickly. Once it’s nice and warm, add that lovely tablespoon of olive oil and let it shimmer for a moment. You want it hot enough that when you add the shrimp, they sizzle beautifully!
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
Now it’s time to add the shrimp! Toss them in and let them cook for about 3-4 minutes. This is my favorite part because the aroma fills the kitchen! You’ll know they’re ready when they turn a gorgeous pink color and curl up slightly. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan—if you have a lot of shrimp, it’s better to do this in batches.
Step 3: Add the Corn and Spices
Once your shrimp are perfectly cooked, stir in the corn, chili powder, and cumin. The corn can be fresh or frozen—just make sure to cook it for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. This is where the magic happens! The spices will coat everything and create that incredible, savory flavor. Oh wow, your kitchen is going to smell amazing!
Step 4: Prepare the Mayonnaise Mixture
While the shrimp and corn are cooking, grab a bowl and mix together the mayonnaise, lime juice, and half of the crumbled cotija cheese. You want this mixture to be creamy but not too thick—think of it as a delicious dressing for your shrimp! Give it a good stir until everything is well combined and creamy.
Step 5: Combine Ingredients
Once the shrimp and corn are cooked to perfection, it’s time to combine them with that luscious mayonnaise mixture. Pour it all together and gently fold it so that every shrimp and kernel of corn gets coated. This step is crucial for ensuring that every bite is packed with flavor!
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Finally, it’s time to make your dish look fabulous! Transfer the shrimp and corn mixture to a serving bowl and sprinkle the remaining cotija cheese on top. Finish it off with a handful of fresh cilantro for that pop of color and flavor. Serve it warm or at room temperature, and watch as everyone digs in! You can even pair this with some warm tortillas or a fresh salad on the side for a complete meal. Enjoy!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying *Mexican street corn shrimp*, you might be curious about the nutritional side of things. Here’s an estimated breakdown per serving:
- Calories: 300
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fiber: 3g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
These values are estimates, but they give you a good idea of what to expect. It’s a deliciously satisfying dish that balances protein and healthy fats, making it perfect for any meal. Enjoy every bite without any guilt!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to prepare—ready in just 25 minutes!
- Flavorful combination of shrimp and sweet corn that’s sure to delight your taste buds.
- Easy to customize with spices—add more heat or different flavors to suit your palate.
- Perfect for any meal, whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends.
Tips for Success
To make sure your *Mexican street corn shrimp* turns out absolutely delicious every time, here are some of my favorite pro tips:
- Use fresh corn: If you can, opt for fresh corn on the cob. It adds a sweetness and crunch that frozen corn just can’t quite match. Plus, it’s so fun to cut it off the cob!
- Adjust the spices: Don’t be afraid to play with the spices! If you like it spicier, add a pinch more chili powder. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a splash of hot sauce to the mayonnaise mixture for an extra kick.
- Don’t rush the cooking: Give your shrimp enough time to turn that lovely pink color; undercooked shrimp can be tough and chewy. Take your time, and you’ll get that perfect texture!
- Make it a meal: Serve this dish with a side of rice or some warm tortillas to soak up all the flavors. It turns a lovely side dish into a complete meal!
- Garnish generously: Fresh cilantro and extra cotija cheese aren’t just for looks—they add a burst of flavor! Don’t skimp on the garnishes; they make a big difference!
Follow these tips, and you’ll be well on your way to impressing everyone with your culinary skills. Enjoy the process, and happy cooking!
Variations
If you’re anything like me, you love mixing things up in the kitchen! Here are some fun variations to take your *Mexican street corn shrimp* to the next level:
- Spice it up: Try adding a dash of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to the shrimp for a smoky, spicy twist. It’ll give your dish an extra kick that’s sure to impress!
- Veggie boost: Toss in some diced bell peppers or jalapeños along with the corn for added color and crunch. You could even throw in some zucchini or chopped spinach for an extra veggie boost!
- Cheese swap: While cotija is classic, feel free to experiment with other cheeses. Crumbled feta or even shredded Monterey Jack can add a creamy texture and delicious flavor!
- Creamy avocado: For an irresistible creamy element, mix in diced avocado just before serving. It’ll add a lovely richness that pairs beautifully with the shrimp and corn!
- Herb infusion: Switch up the garnishes by trying fresh parsley or green onions instead of cilantro. Each herb brings a unique flavor profile to the dish!
- Southwestern flair: Add black beans or corn salsa for a heartier dish. It’s a great way to incorporate more protein and fiber into your meal!
Feel free to get creative and mix and match these ideas to make this dish your own. Cooking is all about experimenting and discovering new flavor combinations, so have fun with it!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve made this fabulous *Mexican street corn shrimp*, let’s talk about how to serve it up for maximum enjoyment! There are so many delicious options that pair beautifully with this dish, and I can’t wait to share them with you!
- Warm tortillas: Soft, warm tortillas are a must! You can use corn or flour tortillas, and they’re perfect for scooping up the shrimp and corn mixture. Trust me, it’s a match made in heaven!
- Fluffy rice: Serve it over a bed of fluffy Mexican rice or cilantro-lime rice for a heartier meal. The rice absorbs all those amazing flavors and adds a nice texture to every bite.
- Fresh salad: A light, refreshing salad with mixed greens, avocado, and a squeeze of lime makes for a great contrast to the richness of the shrimp. It adds a nice crunch and keeps things vibrant!
- Grilled veggies: Pair this dish with some grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or corn on the cob. The smoky flavor adds depth and complements the dish wonderfully.
- Chips and salsa: For a fun appetizer, serve it alongside some tortilla chips and fresh salsa. It’s a great way to kick off your meal and get everyone excited!
- Guacamole: You can’t go wrong with a side of creamy guacamole! It adds a rich, buttery element that pairs perfectly with the spices in the shrimp.
Whatever you choose, these accompaniments will elevate your *Mexican street corn shrimp* experience and have everyone coming back for more. Happy serving!
Print
Mexican Street Corn Shrimp: 5 Steps to Flavorful Bliss
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A flavorful dish combining shrimp and Mexican street corn.
Ingredients
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 cups corn, fresh or frozen
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup cotija cheese, crumbled
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add shrimp and cook until pink, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in corn, chili powder, and cumin. Cook for another 5 minutes.
- In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, lime juice, and half of the cotija cheese.
- Combine shrimp and corn with the mayonnaise mixture.
- Garnish with remaining cotija cheese and cilantro.
Notes
- Use fresh corn for best flavor.
- Adjust spices to your taste.
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: Mexican street corn shrimp, shrimp recipes, corn recipes
