Corn Fries (Mexican Street Corn Style)

July 31, 2023 by Kristen Wood Leave a Comment

Savory with a hint of spice, these corn fries made Mexican street corn-style are just about the best thing to ever grace this blog! Gluten-free, vegetarian, with a vegan option.

Corn: Fresh corn kernels right off the cob or frozen or canned corn will work in this recipe. Just be certain to give a good rinse and drain before cooking

Spices: The combination of garlic powder, smoked paprika, cayenne and cumin seeds really lends this recipe a rich, smoky, slightly spicy flavor that is something to write home about. You can use ground cumin powder instead of cumin seeds, if need be. If you do not like that hint of spicy, omit that pinch of cayenne pepper.

Salt: Salt is essential for bringing out the full potential of all of the ingredients in this recipe.

Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a beautiful freshness to this recipe, but if you are not a fan, you can omit it or use another fresh herb like parsley or basil.

French fries: Homemade french fries or frozen french fries both will do the trick here. I like to make this a super simple and quick recipe by throwing a bag of frozen french fries into the air fryer while I cook the corn in a pan on the stovetop.

Cheese: And kind of cheese will do here. The shredded variety is easiest, but sliced would work, too. I like to use a shredded Mexican cheese blend that contains Monterey jack, Cotija cheese and sharp cheddar. If you are vegan or dairy-free, you can sprinkle on a shredded vegan cheese blend, nutritional yeast or omit it altogether. It will still be tasty!

Lime juice: A drizzle of lime juice just really elevates all of the other flavors in this tasty dish. If you aren’t a fan of the taste of lime, you can replace it with lemon juice, omit it or use something like hot sauce or salsa, instead.

Sour cream: Sour cream adds a nice creaminess and a soft contrast the other textures in this dish. Alternatively, Mexican crema or Greek yogurt work well, too. For a vegan or dairy-free option, use a nice cream yogurt like cashew yogurt, or a vegan sour cream.

Step 1: Cook french fries of choice using preferred method. Set aside.

Step 2: In a skillet (I like to use a cast-iron skillet) over medium heat, add the corn and spices. Pan fry for 3-4 minutes or until some kernels are beginning to turn golden.

Step 3: Stir in the cilantro until just wilted, about 1-2 minutes longer.

Step 4: Remove the corn from the heat and set aside.

Step 5: Place the cooked french fries into a baking sheet or pan and top with the cheese. Pop them into the oven and broil until the cheese is good and melted, about 2 minutes.

Step 6: Remove the fries from the oven and top with the corn, sour cream lime juice and some fresh cilantro.

Step 7: Dig in and enjoy!

This recipe welcomes experimentation and modifications. Sometimes I like to add salsa, sliced avocado and pinto beans for some healthy fat and protein. Use your creativity and your taste buds to guide you!

This recipes tastes best cooked fresh, but if you would like to do some preparation ahead of time, you can cook the fries and the corn and store in the fridge until ready to serve. To serve, top the fries with the cheese and the corn before broiling, followed by the original recipe steps.

To store leftovers, keep stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. To reheat, pop the dish into a 375F oven and bake until warmed throughout, about 10 minutes.

What should I serve with corn fries?

They are great on their own or alongside dishes like my baked chiles rellenos, Instant Pot Peruvian beans, or Mexican-spiced white bean soup. A good hot sauce isn’t too shabby either.

Can I make this without the corn?

Yes! It might go without saying, but the corn is delicious as-is, served other another potato product like wedges or hash browns, served in a cheese quesadilla and so much more!

Easy Grilled Corn Salad

Truffle Fries

Southwestern Vegan Corn Chowder

Crispy Air Fryer Potato Wedges

Garlic Pepper Polenta Fries

—

Previously Published on moonandspoonandyum

***

All Premium Members get to view The Good Men Project with NO ADS. A $50 annual membership gives you an all access pass. You can be a part of every call, group, class and community. A $25 annual membership gives you access to one class, one Social Interest group and our online communities. A $12 annual membership gives you access to our Friday calls with the publisher, our online community.

Log in if you wish to renew an existing subscription.

Username

Email

First Name

Last Name

Password

Password Again

Choose your subscription level

Credit / Debit CardPayPalChoose Your Payment Method

Auto Renew

—

Photo credit: Kristen Wood

Filed Under: Featured Content, Health & Wellness Tagged With: Corn Fries, Mexican Street Corn Style