If you’ve been searching for a dish that bursts with flavor and brings a vibrant twist to your dinner table, look no further than this Shrimp with Mexican Street Corn Sauce Recipe. This dynamic dish combines tender, juicy shrimp with a creamy, zesty sauce inspired by the famed Mexican street corn, delivering a mouthwatering experience that’s bursting with smoky spices, fresh cilantro, and a hint of lime. It’s an absolute crowd-pleaser that feels festive and comforting all at once, perfect for sharing with friends or treating yourself to something special any night of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting your hands on the right ingredients is key to capturing the authentic essence of this dish. Each component is chosen not just for flavor but to build the perfect balance of creaminess, spice, and freshness that highlights the shrimp beautifully.
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined: The star of the dish, providing succulent seafood goodness with every bite.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds a fruity richness and helps cook the shrimp evenly without losing moisture.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Brings a smooth, velvety finish to the sauce and enhances the garlic’s aroma.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses warmth and a fragrant punch essential for depth of flavor.
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise: The creamy base that gives body and richness to the sauce.
- 1/4 cup sour cream: Adds tanginess and lightness, balancing the richness perfectly.
- 1/4 cup Mexican crema: A milder, slightly tangy cream that lends authentic Mexican flair.
- 1 tablespoon lime juice: Brings a fresh zing that brightens the sauce and complements the shrimp.
- 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro: Fresh herbaceous notes that uplift the entire dish.
- 1 teaspoon chili powder: A subtle heat and smoky depth reminiscent of Mexican street food.
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: Adds beautiful color and an irresistible smoky flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon cumin: Earthy warmth that rounds out the spice profile.
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder: Intensifies the garlic flavor without overpowering.
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the savory layers of the sauce.
- 1/4 cup crumbled queso fresco: A soft, salty cheese topping that adds texture and authenticity.
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped: For a fresh, vibrant garnish that brings the dish to life.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential for bringing all flavors into harmony.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle kick and balance to the seasoning.
How to Make Shrimp with Mexican Street Corn Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add your peeled and deveined shrimp in a single layer, allowing them to cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn that perfect pink and opaque. This initial sear locks in their natural juices and sets the foundation for the dish’s flavor.
Step 2: Remove Shrimp and Sauté Garlic
Take the cooked shrimp off the heat and set them aside on a plate to keep warm. Next, in the same skillet, melt the butter which will create a rich base for the sauce. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté it for about 30 seconds until you can smell that intoxicating aroma filling your kitchen but be careful not to let it burn.
Step 3: Craft the Mexican Street Corn Sauce
While the garlic is gently cooking, mix mayonnaise, sour cream, and Mexican crema in a bowl for a luscious, creamy blend. Stir in lime juice, chopped cilantro, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder. Whisk everything together until smooth and creamy. Taste your creation and adjust salt and pepper as needed – this sauce is where the magic truly happens.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Return the shrimp to the skillet and pour the vibrant sauce over them. Toss carefully to coat every piece in the creamy, spicy goodness, then let everything simmer together for 2 minutes. This step allows the shrimp to soak up those rich flavors while keeping their tender texture intact.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Transfer the fully coated shrimp to a serving platter. Sprinkle generously with crumbled queso fresco and fresh cilantro to add a burst of freshness and a delightful cheese crumble that just screams authenticity.
How to Serve Shrimp with Mexican Street Corn Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly chopped cilantro and crumbled queso fresco make for gorgeous garnishes that add not only beauty but also bursts of color and flavor. Don’t hesitate to add a little extra sprinkle of chili powder or a wedge of lime on the side to make every bite exciting.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with simple sides that allow the sauce’s flavors to shine. Consider serving it alongside warm tortillas, Mexican rice, or a crisp green salad. Even a creamy avocado salad or grilled vegetables would complement the spices beautifully and keep the meal balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the shrimp over corn tortillas for shrimp tacos with the sauce acting as both filling and drizzle. Alternatively, pile the saucy shrimp atop a bed of creamy polenta or roasted sweet potatoes for a heartier, comforting plate that will impress guests and family alike.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store your shrimp with Mexican street corn sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The shrimp will keep beautifully for up to 2 days, allowing you to enjoy this delightful dish even on busy days when you crave something quick but flavorful.
Freezing
Freezing shrimp in a creamy sauce can be a bit tricky because the texture may change slightly. However, if necessary, freeze in a sealed container for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain as much of the original texture as possible.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the shrimp gently over low heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally to keep the sauce from separating. Avoid using high heat which can make the shrimp rubbery and the sauce break. Adding a splash of cream or lime juice while reheating can help refresh the sauce’s texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking for the best texture and even cooking.
What if I can’t find Mexican crema?
You can substitute with an equal mix of sour cream and heavy cream or use just sour cream, keeping in mind that the flavor will be slightly less authentic but still delicious.
Is this recipe spicy?
The spice level is mild to moderate thanks to the chili powder and smoked paprika but you can always adjust the amount to suit your personal taste.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
While shrimp obviously isn’t vegan, you could swap in seasoned grilled tofu or cauliflower and use vegan mayonnaise and crema alternatives to recreate something similar.
What type of cheese is queso fresco?
Queso fresco is a crumbly, mild Mexican cheese that adds a lovely salty contrast and creamy texture; it’s great for sprinkling over dishes like this shrimp recipe.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you try this Shrimp with Mexican Street Corn Sauce Recipe, it will quickly become a favorite in your cooking repertoire. It’s vibrant, creamy, and full of those irresistible Mexican-inspired flavors that make every bite something to smile about. So, gather your ingredients, turn on some music, and get ready to fall in love with a dish that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.
Print
Shrimp with Mexican Street Corn Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
This flavorful Shrimp with Mexican Street Corn Sauce recipe combines succulent sautéed shrimp with a creamy, tangy sauce inspired by traditional Mexican street corn flavors. The sauce is a luscious blend of mayonnaise, sour cream, Mexican crema, lime juice, and a medley of spices, topped with crumbled queso fresco and fresh cilantro for an authentic and vibrant dish perfect for a quick, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Shrimp
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup Mexican crema
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Garnish
- 1/4 cup crumbled queso fresco
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Heat the Oil: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook the Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque.
- Set Aside Shrimp: Remove the cooked shrimp from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
- Melt Butter: In the same skillet, add the butter and allow it to melt.
- Sauté Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 30 seconds, or until fragrant.
- Prepare Sauce Base: In a separate bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, and Mexican crema.
- Add Flavorings: Stir in the lime juice, chopped cilantro, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Mix Sauce: Whisk the ingredients together until smooth and well combined.
- Season Sauce: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- Combine Shrimp and Sauce: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and pour the sauce over them.
- Coat Shrimp: Toss the shrimp in the sauce to coat them evenly.
- Simmer Together: Allow the shrimp to simmer in the sauce for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure they are heated through.
- Plate Shrimp: Transfer the shrimp to a serving platter and spoon any remaining sauce over the top.
- Garnish: Sprinkle the crumbled queso fresco and fresh chopped cilantro on top of the shrimp for garnish.
- Serve: Serve immediately and enjoy.
Notes
- Ensure shrimp are cooked just until pink and opaque to avoid toughness.
- You can substitute Mexican crema with sour cream if unavailable.
- Adjust chili powder according to your preferred spice level.
- Serve with warm tortillas or over rice for a complete meal.
- For a dairy-free version, use vegan alternatives for mayonnaise, sour cream, and queso fresco.
