There’s something electric about the first bite of Mexican street corn, isn’t there? The sweetness of the corn mingling with the tang of lime and the creamy, salty feta—it’s like a mini fiesta in your mouth! I’ve spent countless summer nights enjoying this dish at street carts dotted across Mexico, savoring the joyful bustle and vibrant flavors. And now, I’m bringing that blissful experience to you with a twist: shrimp! When you add succulent shrimp to the mix, you elevate this classic to new heights—trust me, it’s a culinary match made in heaven!
Why you’ll love this recipe
This isn’t just any ordinary dish; it’s a celebration of flavors that dances on your palate. Picture this: juicy shrimp seasoned just right, tossed with sweet corn that’s kissed by the grill, and all that goodness draped in a silky creamy feta sauce. Each bite is a delightful journey that transports you straight to the sun-soaked streets of Mexico! Plus, it’s quick and easy to whip up. You can enjoy a gourmet meal on a weeknight without breaking a sweat.
Imagine serving this beauty at a gathering—your friends will think you’re a kitchen wizard! Whether you’re digging in with a fork or scooping it up with tortillas, every single bite will have you (and your guests) coming back for more. So why not bring a little bit of that street-side magic into your kitchen tonight?
Gather these ingredients
Let’s round up what you need for this flavorful fiesta:
- Shrimp: I prefer using fresh, large shrimp. They really absorb the seasoning and provide that tender, juicy bite. You can substitute with frozen shrimp, just make sure to thaw them thoroughly before cooking.
- Corn: Fresh corn is unbeatable. If it’s not in season, go for good-quality canned or frozen corn—just drain it well!
- Feta Cheese: This creamy, crumbly cheese lends a delightful tang. If you’re looking for a lower-fat option, crumbled goat cheese can work too.
- Cream: A little richness never hurt anyone, right? You could use full-fat cream or even a lighter cream option to keep it a bit healthier.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic is a must for adding depth. You could use garlic powder in a pinch, but you’ll miss the fresh aroma.
- Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice brightens the dish, cutting through the richness beautifully. If you don’t have fresh limes, bottled juice works in a pinch—just use less as it’s often more concentrated.
- Cilantro: This herb adds a fresh burst. Not a cilantro fan? Parsley can step in for a milder flavor.
- Chili Powder, Salt, Pepper, and Olive Oil: These are your staples that pull everything together. Experiment with smoked paprika or cayenne for an extra kick!
How this recipe comes together
Now let me guide you through the cooking process—it’s as simple as it is delicious!
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Heat the Oil: In a pan, pour in some olive oil and turn the heat to medium. We need it hot but not smoking—this isn’t a race!
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Cook the Shrimp: Once the oil is shimmering, toss in your shrimp. Season them generously with salt, pepper, and chili powder. Stir occasionally until they’re pink and opaque. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes. You don’t want to overcook them—nobody likes rubbery shrimp!
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Add the Corn: Mix in the corn and let it sauté for just a few extra minutes. We’re really just heating it through; you want that sweet corn flavor to shine!
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Make the Feta Sauce: While your shrimp and corn are mingling, grab a bowl. Combine feta cheese, cream, minced garlic, and a splash of lime juice. Give it a good mix until creamy and smooth. Here’s the secret—it’ll add a velvety richness that perfectly complements the savory shrimp and sweet corn.
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Combine and Garnish: Pour your creamy feta sauce over the shrimp and corn, combining everything gently so each piece gets a bit of that luscious sauce. Finish with a sprinkle of chopped cilantro on top.
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Serve: You can pair this with some fluffy rice, warm beans, or fresh tortillas. Whatever you choose, it’s bound to impress!
Best way to enjoy it
When it comes to serving this dish, let your creativity flow! I love to plate it on a large platter, giving the colorful shrimp and corn a chance to shine. Drizzle a bit more lime juice over the top for that extra zing and toss on some additional cilantro for visual flair.
If you want to keep things casual, serve it right from the skillet at the table with options for tortillas or tacos—it’s like a DIY corn fiesta that everyone can enjoy! This dish also pairs beautifully with a zesty salad or a refreshing avocado dip.
Storage and reheating tips
Now, let’s talk about leftovers. If you’re fortunate enough to have some (which is rare!), you can store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When it comes to reheating, a quick zap in the microwave will do, but I recommend using a nonstick pan over low heat—it keeps the shrimp tender and prevents them from drying out.
If you want to freeze it, be aware that the texture may change a bit. Store it for up to a month—just make sure it’s sealed tight! Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Extra tips and advice
Pro tip: If you want to kick the flavors up a notch, toast your spices in the oil before adding the shrimp. This releases their essential oils and adds a dynamic layer to each bite! Also, feel free to mix in a touch of cotija cheese along with the feta for extra cheesy goodness.
And if you want to make it a bit lighter, substitute some of that cream with Greek yogurt for a tangy twist—delicious!
Flavor swaps
When it comes to variations, the world is your oyster! Want to spice it up? Try adding diced jalapeños for a spicy kick or swap out the shrimp for chicken or a hearty vegetable medley if you’re looking for a meat-free version. You can also play with toppings—try diced avocados or a drizzle of hot sauce for that extra flair!
Ingredients
- Shrimp
- Corn
- Feta Cheese
- Cream
- Garlic
- Lime Juice
- Cilantro
- Chili Powder
- Salt
- Pepper
- Olive Oil
Step-by-step instructions
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add shrimp, season with salt, pepper, and chili powder, and cook until pink.
- Add corn and cook for a few minutes until heated through.
- In a bowl, mix together feta cheese, cream, garlic, and lime juice.
- Pour the creamy feta sauce over the shrimp and corn mixture.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve with rice, beans, or tortillas.
Your questions answered
- Can I use frozen shrimp? Yes! Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking.
- What can I serve with this dish? It pairs wonderfully with rice, beans, or warm tortillas. A fresh salad is also a great complement!
- How many does this recipe serve? It typically serves 2-4, depending on portion sizes.
- Can I make a vegetarian version? Absolutely—substitute shrimp for grilled zucchini or mushrooms for a delicious variation.
- What’s the prep time? You can have this whipped up in about 30 minutes!
Sometimes, you find a dish that feels like a warm hug. Mexican Street Corn with Shrimp and Creamy Feta Cheese Sauce is one of those meals. It’s not just about flavors; it’s about moments shared around the table, laughter, and maybe a few spontaneous dance moves in the kitchen. Each time you cook this, I encourage you to make it your own—add your favorite toppings, experiment with flavors, and savor the process. Can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Happy cooking!
Mexican Street Corn with Shrimp and Creamy Feta Cheese Sauce
Description
This Mexican Street Corn with Shrimp and Creamy Feta Cheese Sauce is a vibrant dish that combines the sweetness of corn with seasoned shrimp, topped with a rich and creamy feta sauce.Ingredients
Main Ingredients
Instructions
Cooking Instructions
-
Heat Olive Oil
In a pan, pour in olive oil and turn the heat to medium until shimmering. -
Cook Shrimp
Add shrimp to the pan, season with salt, pepper, and chili powder, cooking until they turn pink and opaque (about 3-4 minutes).Avoid overcooking to prevent rubbery shrimp. -
Add Corn
Stir in the corn and sauté for a few minutes until heated through. -
Make Feta Sauce
In a bowl, mix feta cheese, cream, minced garlic, and lime juice until smooth and creamy.This sauce adds richness to the dish. -
Combine and Garnish
Pour the creamy feta sauce over the shrimp and corn, mixing gently. Garnish with chopped cilantro. -
Serve
Serve with fluffy rice, warm beans, or fresh tortillas.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 450kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 28g44%
- Saturated Fat 15g75%
- Trans Fat 0g
- Cholesterol 240mg80%
- Sodium 780mg33%
- Potassium 400mg12%
- Total Carbohydrate 30g10%
- Dietary Fiber 4g16%
- Sugars 6g
- Protein 24g48%
- Vitamin A 15 IU
- Vitamin C 45 mg
- Calcium 20 mg
- Iron 8 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
