Description
Mexican street corn meets bite-sized perfection in these Spicy Mexican Corn Bites. Crispy, zesty morsels packed with authentic flavors dance between creamy and spicy, promising a delightful explosion of southwestern cuisine you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Primary Ingredients:
- 2 cups (473 ml) frozen corn kernels, thawed (or fresh corn)
- ½ cup (120 ml) crumbled cotija cheese (or feta)
- ½ cup (120 ml) shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 large egg
Spice and Herb Ingredients:
- ¼ cup (60 ml) chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) diced jalapenos (fresh or pickled)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Binding and Frying Ingredients:
- ⅓ cup (80 ml) all-purpose flour
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
Garnish Ingredients:
- Lime wedges
- Extra cilantro
- Chili powder or Tajin
Instructions
- Craft a vibrant corn mixture by thoroughly blending corn, cotija, cheddar, cilantro, jalapenos, egg, flour, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a spacious mixing bowl until a cohesive, dense composition emerges.
- Carefully mold the mixture into compact, uniform bite-sized spheres or compact discs, positioning them neatly on a designated plate or baking surface.
- Establish optimal frying conditions by heating vegetable oil to medium temperature in a skillet, ensuring approximately one inch depth. Validate oil readiness by observing a sizzling reaction when a tiny batter droplet makes contact.
- Execute strategic frying techniques, gently introducing corn bites in measured batches to prevent skillet overcrowding. Rotate each bite periodically, achieving a golden, crisp exterior within 2-3 minutes per side.
- Execute precise oil drainage by transferring freshly fried bites onto paper towel-lined surfaces, allowing excess oil absorption.
- Present the corn bites artfully on a serving platter, embellishing with additional fresh cilantro, a delicate chili powder or Tajin dusting, and accompanying zesty lime wedges for a dynamic flavor enhancement.
Notes
- Control oil temperature carefully to prevent burning and ensure crispy, golden-brown exterior without raw centers.
- Use fresh corn kernels for maximum sweetness and texture, avoiding canned corn which can make bites soggy.
- Adjust spice levels by reducing or increasing jalapeños and chili powder according to personal heat tolerance.
- Consider alternative cooking methods like baking at 400°F for 20 minutes for a healthier option with less oil absorption.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg