Mexican Street Corn and Shrimp

A Zesty One-Pan Summer Flavor Explosion

Craving a restaurant-quality meal that comes together in minutes? This Mexican Street Corn and Shrimp skillet is the ultimate weeknight dinner solution for busy families. Combining succulent, perfectly seared shrimp with the creamy, smoky, and tangy goodness of traditional elote, this dish is a vibrant flavor bomb. It is the perfect low-carb, high-protein meal for when you want something fresh and exciting without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you are prepping for a quick Taco Tuesday or an impressive weekend dinner, this recipe delivers that authentic street food flair straight to your home kitchen. Get ready to elevate your dinner game! 🌽🍤

⏱️ Time Breakdown

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Servings: 4

📝 Ingredients List

  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 cups corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
  • 1/4 cup crumbled cotija cheese
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 lime, juiced
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

✨ Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.

  • Large skillet or frying pan
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Mixing bowls
  • Wooden spoon or spatula

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Sear the Shrimp: Season shrimp with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
  2. Sauté the Corn: In the same skillet, add the remaining oil and corn. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the corn starts to brown and char slightly.
  3. Add Aromatics: Stir in the minced garlic and chili powder, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Create the Creamy Sauce: Reduce heat to low. Stir in the Greek yogurt and lime juice until the corn is well coated.
  5. Combine: Add the cooked shrimp back into the pan. Toss gently to combine.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Top with crumbled cotija cheese and fresh cilantro before serving. Enjoy your delicious creation! ✨

đź’ˇ Pro Tips

  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop.
  • Substitutions: If you don’t have cotija, feta cheese is an excellent salty alternative.
  • Extra Protein: For a heartier meal, serve this over a bed of cilantro-lime quinoa or cauliflower rice.

Variations

If you want to add some heat, mix in a finely diced jalapeño while sautéing the corn. For a different protein, you can substitute the shrimp with diced chicken breast, following the same cooking instructions.

FAQ

Can I use frozen corn? Yes, frozen corn works perfectly! Just make sure to thaw and pat it dry before adding it to the hot skillet to ensure it chars rather than steams.

Is this dish healthy? Absolutely! It is packed with lean protein from the shrimp and fiber from the corn, making it a well-balanced meal.

Print
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Mexican Street Corn and Shrimp

Mexican Street Corn and Shrimp


  • Author: Samantha Jones
  • Total Time: 25
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Pescatarian

Description

Experience a zesty, one-pan flavor explosion with this Mexican Street Corn and Shrimp skillet. This restaurant-quality dish combines succulent, perfectly seared shrimp with the creamy, smoky, and tangy notes of traditional elote. It is a vibrant, low-carb, and high-protein meal perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that brings authentic street food flair directly to your kitchen table.


Ingredients

Scale

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 cups corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
2 tbsp olive oil
1/2 cup Greek yogurt
1/4 cup crumbled cotija cheese
1 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1 lime, juiced
Salt and black pepper to taste


Instructions

Season shrimp with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque; remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the remaining oil and corn, sautéing for 5-7 minutes until the corn begins to char.
Stir in the minced garlic and chili powder, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
Reduce heat to low and stir in the Greek yogurt and lime juice until well combined.
Add the cooked shrimp back into the pan and toss gently.
Top with crumbled cotija cheese and fresh cilantro before serving.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; reheat gently on the stovetop. If you cannot find cotija cheese, feta cheese makes an excellent substitution.

  • Prep Time: 10
  • Cook Time: 15
  • Category: Recipes
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1.5 cups
  • Calories: 285
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 450mg
  • Fat: 9g
  • Saturated Fat: 2.5g
  • Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 32g
  • Cholesterol: 175mg

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