Tasty Skillet Street Corn is a vibrant dish that brings the flavors of street vendors right into your kitchen. This recipe captures the essence of summer with its fresh corn, zesty lime, and creamy toppings. Perfect for barbecues, potlucks, or just a fun family dinner, this skillet corn is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. With its rich flavors and quick cooking time, you’ll find yourself making it again and again.

Jump to:
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tools and Preparation
- Essential Tools and Equipment
- Importance of Each Tool
- Ingredients
- Fresh Corn
- Creamy Mixture
- Optional Heat
- Herbs and Zest
- Cheese & Spice
- For Garnish
- How to Make Tasty Skillet Street Corn
- Step 1: Prepare the Corn
- Step 2: Heat the Skillet
- Step 3: Cook the Corn
- Step 4: Mix in Flavors
- Step 5: Combine Everything
- Step 6: Add Cheese & Serve
- How to Serve Tasty Skillet Street Corn
- As a Side Dish
- On Tacos
- In Salads
- As an Appetizer
- How to Perfect Tasty Skillet Street Corn
- Best Side Dishes for Tasty Skillet Street Corn
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Refrigerator Storage
- Freezing Tasty Skillet Street Corn
- Reheating Tasty Skillet Street Corn
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Tasty Skillet Street Corn?
- Can I make Tasty Skillet Street Corn dairy-free?
- How do I customize my Tasty Skillet Street Corn?
- Is Tasty Skillet Street Corn spicy?
- Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh?
- Final Thoughts
- 📖 Recipe Card
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Bursting with Flavor: The combination of fresh ingredients creates a taste explosion that will delight your taste buds.
- Versatile Side Dish: It pairs well with grilled meats, tacos, or can even stand alone as a light meal.
- Customizable: Adjust the heat by adding more or less jalapeño and chili powder to suit your preferences.
- Fresh Ingredients: Made with simple, wholesome ingredients that you can find at any grocery store.
Tools and Preparation
To make Tasty Skillet Street Corn efficiently, gather the necessary tools before you start cooking.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Cast iron skillet
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Mixing spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Cast iron skillet: Retains heat well for even cooking and gives a nice char to the corn.
- Sharp knife: Ensures clean cuts when removing kernels from the cob for better texture in your dish.
Ingredients
To create this delicious Tasty Skillet Street Corn, you’ll need the following:
Fresh Corn
- 6 ears of fresh corn (husks removed, kernels cut off the cob, approximately 4-5 cups)
Creamy Mixture
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons mayo
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced green onions
Optional Heat
- 1 jalapeño pepper (seeded, stemmed, finely chopped)
Herbs and Zest
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves
- Juice from one medium lime
Cheese & Spice
- 2 ounces cotija cheese (or use queso fresco or feta)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
- Salt to taste
For Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Tasty Skillet Street Corn
Step 1: Prepare the Corn
Start by removing the husks from the corn. Carefully cut the kernels off each ear using a sharp knife. Aim for around 4-5 cups of corn kernels.
Step 2: Heat the Skillet
Place your cast iron skillet on medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil and let it heat up until shimmering.
Step 3: Cook the Corn
Add the freshly cut corn kernels to the skillet. Stir frequently for about 5-7 minutes until they begin to char slightly.
Step 4: Mix in Flavors
In a bowl, combine mayo, lime juice, chili powder, salt, chopped cilantro, green onions, and jalapeño (if using). Mix well to create a creamy sauce.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Once the corn is cooked, pour the creamy mixture over it. Stir thoroughly until all kernels are coated evenly.
Step 6: Add Cheese & Serve
Sprinkle cotija cheese over the top before serving. Optionally garnish with chopped parsley for an extra pop of color and flavor. Enjoy your Tasty Skillet Street Corn warm!
How to Serve Tasty Skillet Street Corn
Tasty Skillet Street Corn is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you are serving it as a side at a barbecue or as a topping for tacos, this flavorful corn will impress your guests.
As a Side Dish
- Perfect alongside grilled meats for a refreshing complement.
- Pair with fried rice for an exciting flavor combination.
On Tacos
- Use as a topping for tacos to add texture and zest.
- Combine with other toppings like avocado and salsa for a delicious bite.
In Salads
- Mix into salads to enhance freshness and taste.
- Great addition to quinoa or bean salads for extra crunch.
As an Appetizer
- Serve in small cups as a fun finger food option.
- Ideal for parties when garnished with lime wedges.
How to Perfect Tasty Skillet Street Corn
To make the best Tasty Skillet Street Corn, follow these tips to enhance flavor and texture.
- Use fresh corn: Freshly cut corn kernels will yield the sweetest flavor.
- Adjust the heat: Add more jalapeño if you prefer spicier corn; less if you like it mild.
- Experiment with cheese: Try different cheeses like feta or queso fresco for varied tastes.
- Add spices: Feel free to mix in additional spices like smoked paprika or cayenne pepper.
- Mix well: Ensure all ingredients are thoroughly combined for balanced flavor in every bite.

Best Side Dishes for Tasty Skillet Street Corn
Tasty Skillet Street Corn pairs wonderfully with various side dishes. Here are some great options to consider.
- Grilled Chicken: Juicy grilled chicken thighs seasoned with herbs complement the sweetness of the corn.
- Black Bean Salsa: A zesty black bean salsa adds protein and flavor contrast.
- Cilantro Lime Rice: Flavorful cilantro lime rice enhances the freshness of the street corn.
- Roasted Vegetables: A medley of roasted vegetables provides depth and earthiness.
- Chips and Guacamole: Crispy chips served with creamy guacamole make for an irresistible pairing.
- Fish Tacos: Light fish tacos balance nicely with the rich flavors of street corn.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Tasty Skillet Street Corn, it’s easy to encounter a few common pitfalls. Avoiding these mistakes will ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time.
- Using old corn: Always choose fresh corn for the best flavor. Old corn can be tough and bland. Look for bright, green husks and plump kernels.
- Skipping the seasoning: Don’t overlook the importance of seasoning! Salt and chili powder enhance the flavors greatly. Taste as you go and adjust accordingly.
- Overcooking the corn: Corn should be cooked just until tender. Overcooking can lead to mushy kernels. Aim for about 5–7 minutes in the skillet.
- Forgetting the lime juice: Lime juice adds brightness and acidity. Don’t skip it! Squeeze fresh lime over your corn right before serving for maximum flavor.
- Not using enough cheese: Cotija cheese adds creaminess and saltiness. Ensure you sprinkle enough on top before serving for a delightful finish.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Tasty Skillet Street Corn in an airtight container.
- It can last in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Ensure it cools down to room temperature before sealing.
Freezing Tasty Skillet Street Corn
- Place Tasty Skillet Street Corn in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- It can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- Label with a date to keep track of freshness.
Reheating Tasty Skillet Street Corn
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Spread corn on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals until warm.
- Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tasty Skillet Street Corn?
Tasty Skillet Street Corn is a quick and delicious version of traditional Mexican street corn made in a skillet with fresh ingredients.
Can I make Tasty Skillet Street Corn dairy-free?
Yes! You can omit the cheese or use a dairy-free cheese alternative to keep this dish dairy-free while still delicious.
How do I customize my Tasty Skillet Street Corn?
Feel free to add ingredients like diced tomatoes, avocado, or different spices based on your taste preferences for a unique twist!
Is Tasty Skillet Street Corn spicy?
The spiciness can be adjusted by adding or omitting jalapeños. For milder flavors, you may skip them altogether.
Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen corn works well too! Just ensure it’s thawed and drained before cooking for the best results.
Final Thoughts
Tasty Skillet Street Corn is not just flavorful but also versatile. This dish is perfect as a side or even as a light snack. Customize it with your favorite toppings or spices to make it truly your own. Try it today, and enjoy the vibrant flavors of street corn right at home!
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Tasty Skillet Street Corn
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
Description
Tasty Skillet Street Corn is a delightful and vibrant dish that captures the essence of summer with every bite. This quick and easy recipe combines fresh corn, zesty lime, and creamy toppings to create a flavorful side that will transport you to bustling street corners filled with tantalizing aromas. Ready in just 15 minutes, this dish is perfect for barbecues, potlucks, or as a light family dinner. Its versatility allows it to pair beautifully with grilled meats or tacos, making it a crowd-pleaser that your guests will rave about. Plus, you can easily customize the heat level to suit your taste! Get ready to impress everyone at your next gathering with this mouthwatering skillet corn.
Ingredients
- 6 ears of fresh corn
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons mayo
- 1/4 cup green onions
- 1 jalapeño (optional)
- 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
- Juice from 1 lime
- 2 ounces cotija cheese
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Remove the husks from the corn and cut the kernels off each ear (about 4-5 cups).
- Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat and add vegetable oil until shimmering.
- Add the corn kernels to the skillet and cook, stirring frequently for 5-7 minutes until slightly charred.
- In a bowl, mix mayo, lime juice, chili powder, salt, cilantro, green onions, and jalapeño (if using) to create a creamy sauce.
- Pour the sauce over the cooked corn and stir until evenly coated.
- Top with cotija cheese before serving, garnished with parsley if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 150g)
- Calories: 205
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 5mg