Description
Crispy Mexican Street Corn Fritters made with sweet corn, spices, and topped with a creamy sauce. Perfect for appetizers or sides!
Ingredients
- Corn Kernels (2 cups): The star of the show, contributing sweetness and moisture. Fresh corn is ideal, but frozen or canned corn can also be used if fresh is not available.
- All-Purpose Flour (½ cup): This binds the ingredients together, creating a cohesive batter. For gluten-free options, consider using almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend.
- Cornmeal (½ cup): Adds texture and a slightly nutty flavor, enhancing the fritters’ overall bite.
- Baking Powder (½ tsp): A key leavening agent that helps create a light and fluffy interior.
- Eggs (2 large): Provide structure and richness in the batter, crucial for achieving the right consistency.
- Milk (¼ cup): Adds moisture to the batter; dairy-free alternatives like almond milk can be used.
- Green Onions (¼ cup, chopped) & Cilantro (¼ cup, chopped): These fresh herbs add a burst of flavor, offering refreshing notes that complement the rich sweetness of the corn.
- Ground Cumin (½ tsp) & Smoked Paprika (½ tsp): These spices introduce a warm earthiness and subtle smokiness, paying homage to traditional Mexican flavors.
- Vegetable Oil (¼ cup, for frying): Essential for frying, giving these fritters their coveted golden-brown crust.
Instructions
- Mix the Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of corn kernels, 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of cornmeal, 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder, and various spices (1/2 teaspoon each of cumin and smoked paprika). Add salt and pepper to taste. In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 large eggs and 1/4 cup of milk. Once mixed, pour this into the dry ingredients and stir until combined. Lastly, fold in 1/4 cup each of chopped green onions and cilantro.
- Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, pour in 1/4 cup of vegetable oil and heat it over medium heat. The oil is ready when it shimmers but does not smoke.
- Fry the Fritters: Using a tablespoon, spoon about 2 tablespoons of the batter into the hot oil. Flatten slightly to form round fritters, ensuring they are not overcrowded in the pan. Fry for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until they turn a deep golden brown. Ensure you maintain the oil temperature so they fry evenly.
- Drain: Once cooked, transfer the fritters to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, mix 1/2 cup of sour cream, 1/4 cup of mayonnaise, and 1 tablespoon of fresh lime juice until smooth. This creamy topping is what will elevate your fritters to the next level!
- Serve: Assemble your fritters on a serving platter, topping each with a dollop of the creamy sauce, a sprinkling of crumbled Cotija cheese, and additional chopped cilantro. For a finishing touch, sprinkle a dash of chili powder over the top.