Mexican Street Corn, known as “Elote,” is a popular street food found in Mexico and has gained massive popularity worldwide. Traditionally, it’s grilled corn slathered in creamy, tangy sauces, topped with chili powder, cheese, and fresh lime. When paired with shrimp, this dish transforms into a delicious, savory meal that offers the perfect combination of smoky, spicy, creamy, and sweet flavors. In this article, we explore how to make this dish, along with several variations and ways to incorporate it into dinner ideas with seafood.
Ingredients for Mexican Street Corn and Shrimp
To make this flavorful dish, you will need a few key ingredients to bring the flavors together. These include corn, shrimp, and a variety of spices and condiments. You can also prepare accompanying sides, such as cilantro lime rice, to make the meal more complete.
For the Street Corn:
- 4 ears of fresh corn (or 2 cups of frozen corn kernels)
- 2 tbsp of butter
- 1/4 cup of mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup of sour cream or Mexican crema
- 1/2 cup of cotija cheese (or Parmesan cheese)
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb of large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Juice of 1 lime
For the Cilantro Lime Rice (optional, but recommended):
- 1 cup of basmati or long-grain rice
- 2 cups of water or chicken broth
- 1/4 cup of fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tbsp of lime juice
- Salt to taste
Instructions for Preparing Mexican Street Corn and Shrimp
This recipe is surprisingly simple, yet the flavors are anything but basic. The key to a successful Mexican Street Corn and Shrimp recipe lies in balancing the creamy sweet corn sauce, the seasoning for the shrimp, and the zesty lime accents. Let’s break it down step by step.
1. Preparing the Street Corn:
To start, if you’re using fresh corn on the cob, husk and clean the corn, removing all the silk. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add a pinch of salt. Add the corn and cook for about 7-10 minutes until the kernels are tender. If you’re using frozen corn kernels, you can simply cook them in a skillet with a little butter over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
While the corn is cooking, melt the butter in a separate small pan or microwave. Once melted, stir in the mayonnaise and sour cream (or Mexican crema), ensuring a smooth, creamy sauce. Season with salt, pepper, and chili powder to taste.
Once the corn is cooked, slather it generously with the sweet corn sauce and sprinkle with crumbled cotija cheese. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the corn and top with cilantro for a refreshing, fragrant garnish.
2. Preparing the Shrimp:
For the shrimp, heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Season the shrimp with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Once the oil is hot, add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until they turn pink and opaque. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the shrimp as they cook to enhance the flavor.
3. Serving the Dish:
To serve, arrange the Mexican Street Corn on a platter or individual plates. Place the cooked shrimp on top or beside the corn, and drizzle some of the remaining corn sauce over the shrimp for added flavor. If you’re preparing cilantro lime rice, serve it on the side for a complete and satisfying meal.
Variations of Mexican Street Corn and Shrimp
While the classic Mexican Street Corn and Shrimp combination is delicious, there are several variations you can try to suit your tastes or dietary preferences.
Street Corn Shrimp Bowl:
A popular variation is to serve this dish as a “Street Corn Shrimp Bowl,” which makes for a fun, easy-to-assemble meal. In this version, you can combine the shrimp and street corn with a base of rice or quinoa, creating a hearty and filling meal. The creamy corn sauce and smoky shrimp pair beautifully with the grain base, offering a satisfying and healthy dinner option.
Shrimp with Cornbread:
For a Southern twist on this dish, consider pairing your shrimp with cornbread. The rich, buttery texture of cornbread complements the spicy sweetness of the corn, creating a delicious contrast. To make it a full meal, you can prepare a sweet corn sauce that’s similar to the one used for the street corn, and drizzle it over the cornbread.
Shrimp with Corn Recipes:
If you want to explore more ways to use shrimp and corn together, try experimenting with shrimp with corn in soups, tacos, or salads. A creamy shrimp and corn chowder would be a delightful dish to serve on a chilly evening, or you could toss the shrimp and corn into a fresh, vibrant salad for a lighter meal.
Sweet Corn Sauce:
If you’re looking for an even sweeter kick to this recipe, you can swap out the traditional mayonnaise and sour cream for a sweet corn sauce. Blend cooked corn with cream and a touch of honey or sugar, then pour it over your shrimp and grilled corn for a silky, sweet finish.
Cilantro Lime Rice and Shrimp:
Adding cilantro lime rice to your shrimp and corn dish not only enhances the flavor but also provides a perfect balance to the richness of the street corn sauce. Cilantro lime rice is easy to make and takes just a few ingredients: rice, lime, cilantro, and a pinch of salt. This side dish complements both the shrimp and corn, making it an excellent choice for any dinner. It’s also a popular accompaniment for a variety of seafood dishes.
Easy Dinner Recipes for Vacation:
If you’re on vacation and looking for a quick yet flavorful dinner, Mexican Street Corn and Shrimp is an ideal choice. It’s quick to prepare, light, and bursting with fresh flavors. Whether you’re by the beach or at a vacation rental, this dish requires only a few ingredients and is incredibly easy to assemble.
Healthy Dinner Shrimp Recipes
Mexican Street Corn and Shrimp can easily be adapted into a healthy dinner option. Shrimp is a lean protein, low in calories and rich in nutrients like iodine, selenium, and vitamin B12. Paired with the antioxidant-rich cilantro, lime, and corn, this meal becomes a healthy and well-rounded dinner. By opting for grilled corn or using less butter in the street corn sauce, you can make this dish even lighter.
Additionally, incorporating fresh vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, or avocado can increase the nutritional content of the meal. Avocado, for example, adds healthy fats and a creamy texture that balances the spices in the shrimp.
Tips for Perfect Mexican Street Corn and Shrimp
To ensure your Mexican Street Corn and Shrimp turns out perfectly, here are some helpful tips:
- Grilling the Corn: If you prefer, you can grill the corn instead of boiling it. Grilling adds a smoky flavor that enhances the overall taste of the dish. Simply brush the corn with a little olive oil and place it on the grill, turning occasionally until it’s charred and tender.
- Seasoning the Shrimp: Don’t be afraid to season your shrimp generously. Shrimp has a subtle flavor, so bold spices like smoked paprika, garlic powder, and chili powder really bring it to life. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat if desired.
- Make it Spicy: If you like your food spicy, feel free to add a dash of hot sauce or extra chili powder to the corn sauce. You can also serve the dish with sliced jalapeños for a fresh and spicy kick.
- Make Ahead: To save time, you can prepare the cilantro lime rice and corn sauce ahead of time. This allows you to quickly grill the shrimp and assemble the dish when you’re ready to serve.
Final Thoughts
Mexican Street Corn and Shrimp is an unforgettable dish that offers a delightful combination of textures and flavors. Whether served in a bowl, as a taco filling, or alongside cilantro lime rice, this meal is sure to impress your family and friends. From simple dinner ideas with seafood to more elaborate recipes like the Street Corn Shrimp Bowl, there are plenty of ways to enjoy this Mexican-inspired creation. With its bold flavors and vibrant ingredients, this dish is a perfect addition to your collection of shrimp with corn recipes and a go-to for healthy, easy dinner recipes for vacation.
