If you are craving a dish that bursts with vibrant flavors and creamy textures, this Shrimp with Mexican Street Corn Sauce Recipe is going to be your new favorite. It combines succulent shrimp with a luscious, tangy sauce inspired by classic Mexican street corn, packed with lime, cilantro, and a perfect blend of spices. This recipe is all about balancing smoky, zesty, and fresh elements in every bite, making it a standout dish that’s wonderfully quick and satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or impressing friends at your next gathering, this Shrimp with Mexican Street Corn Sauce Recipe delivers big on taste and charm every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, fresh ingredients create the magic in this recipe, each playing an essential role in building flavor, texture, and that irresistible color contrast. From creamy dairy to bright citrus and smoky spices, these ingredients come together effortlessly to make something truly special.
- Shrimp: 1 pound peeled and deveined, the star protein that cooks quickly and soaks up flavors beautifully.
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons to give a subtle fruitiness and perfect sear to the shrimp.
- Butter: 1 tablespoon that adds richness and helps mellow the garlic’s bite.
- Garlic: 2 cloves minced, essential for depth and aroma in the sauce.
- Mayonnaise: 1/2 cup for creaminess and a slight tang that mimics traditional Mexican street corn dressing.
- Sour cream: 1/4 cup to enhance the sauce’s smooth texture while adding a bit of acidity.
- Mexican crema: 1/4 cup for the authentic creamy element that ties all flavors together.
- Lime juice: 1 tablespoon providing a refreshing brightness that cuts through the richness.
- Cilantro: 1 tablespoon chopped inside the sauce, plus extra for garnish, lending fresh herbal notes.
- Chili powder: 1 teaspoon for a gentle smoky heat that awakens the palate.
- Smoked paprika: 1/2 teaspoon adding warmth and delicious color.
- Cumin: 1/4 teaspoon, giving an earthy underpinning that enhances the Mexican flavor profile.
- Garlic powder: 1/4 teaspoon to deepen the garlic presence beyond the fresh cloves.
- Onion powder: 1/4 teaspoon for subtle sweetness and complexity.
- Queso fresco: 1/4 cup crumbled, to sprinkle on top and create that authentic Mexican street corn finish.
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon, carefully balancing all the flavors.
- Black pepper: 1/4 teaspoon for mild heat and spice.
How to Make Shrimp with Mexican Street Corn Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Sear the shrimp
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, place the shrimp in the pan in a single layer, allowing them to cook undisturbed for 2 to 3 minutes per side. You’ll know they’re ready when the shrimp turn a beautiful pink and become opaque. This quick sear locks in moisture while giving a slight crisp edge that’s simply irresistible.
Step 2: Remove and set aside
Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the pan and set them aside on a plate. This step is important to prevent overcooking later and keeps the shrimp perfectly tender.
Step 3: Prepare the sauce base
Throw the butter into the same skillet and let it melt over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté it for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant but not browned—this gentle heat releases the garlic’s sweet, aromatic qualities that really make this sauce sing.
Step 4: Mix the creamy sauce
In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, and Mexican crema. This trio creates the luscious, smooth base that mimics the creamy coating of authentic Mexican street corn.
Step 5: Add fresh and smoky flavors
To your creamy blend, stir in lime juice, chopped cilantro, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder. Whisk these ingredients until everything is well combined and silky. This combination brings brightness, heat, and herbal freshness that lifts the dish far beyond simple shrimp.
Step 6: Season and combine
Taste your sauce and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed to balance the flavors perfectly. Then return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and pour the sauce over them. Toss the shrimp gently to coat each piece with the luscious sauce.
Step 7: Simmer and finish
Let the shrimp simmer in the sauce for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally so all the flavors meld beautifully while the shrimp finish absorbing that creamy, spicy goodness.
Step 8: Garnish and serve
Transfer the shrimp onto a serving platter and generously spoon any remaining sauce over the top. Sprinkle crumbled queso fresco and fresh chopped cilantro to add texture, freshness, and that unmistakable Mexican flair.
How to Serve Shrimp with Mexican Street Corn Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of queso fresco and chopped fresh cilantro really elevate the dish, imparting a lovely crumbly texture and a bright herbal note that ties into the flavors of the sauce perfectly. For extra zing, a wedge of lime on the side invites guests to add as much citrus as they like.
Side Dishes
This shrimp pairs beautifully with simple sides like warm corn tortillas or fluffy Mexican rice. You can also serve it over a bed of grilled corn or alongside a fresh cabbage slaw for a satisfying crunch. The creamy sauce making the shrimp shine also complements light, fresh sides effortlessly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the shrimp in mini tostadas or as a taco filling garnished with extra cilantro and queso fresco. You might also layer it atop a baked potato for a comforting meal or use it to top off a vibrant salad for a casual yet impactful dinner.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover shrimp with Mexican street corn sauce should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Consume within 2 days to enjoy the best flavor and texture, as seafood tends to be delicate.
Freezing
While shrimp usually freezes well, the creamy sauce is best fresh. Freezing may change its texture and separate. If needed, freeze cooked shrimp separately without the sauce, and make a fresh batch of sauce when ready to serve.
Reheating
Gently reheat leftovers in a skillet over low heat to avoid toughening the shrimp or curdling the sauce. Stir frequently and add a splash of cream or water to restore smoothness if needed.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking to ensure a nice sear and avoid excess moisture in the pan.
Is Mexican crema the same as sour cream?
Mexican crema is similar to sour cream but thinner and slightly sweeter, with a milder tang. It adds a rich creaminess that’s perfect for this sauce, but sour cream or crème fraîche can be a substitute if needed.
Can I make this dish spicy?
Definitely! To add heat, increase the chili powder or add a pinch of cayenne pepper. You can also serve it with sliced jalapeños or hot sauce on the side.
What’s the best way to peel and devein shrimp?
Use a small paring knife or shrimp deveiner to remove the shell and the dark vein along the back. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry. Many stores sell pre-peeled and deveined shrimp if you want to save time.
Can I substitute the queso fresco?
If queso fresco isn’t available, try feta cheese for a similar crumbly texture and tang, or cotija cheese for a saltier finish closer to the original flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Shrimp with Mexican Street Corn Sauce Recipe is such a delightful explosion of textures and flavors that I promise once you try it, it will become one of your go-to dishes. The creamy, zesty sauce paired with tender shrimp creates a harmonious taste experience that’s surprisingly easy to prepare. Don’t wait to bring a little fiesta into your kitchen with this irresistible recipe — your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Shrimp with Mexican Street Corn Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 0h 10m
- Total Time: 0h 25m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
This Shrimp with Mexican Street Corn Sauce recipe features succulent shrimp cooked to perfection and coated in a creamy, tangy sauce inspired by the flavors of Mexican street corn. The sauce combines mayonnaise, sour cream, Mexican crema, lime juice, and a blend of spices for a vibrant, flavorful topping, garnished with crumbled queso fresco and fresh cilantro. Perfect for a quick and easy dinner with bold, zesty flavors.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Cooking
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Mexican Street Corn 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 skillet: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat to prepare for cooking the shrimp.
- Cook the shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side until the shrimp turn pink and opaque.
- Set shrimp aside: Remove the cooked shrimp from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Prepare garlic: In the same skillet, add the butter and allow it to melt, then add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Make the sauce base: In a separate bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, and Mexican crema to form the creamy base for the sauce.
- Add seasonings: Stir in lime juice, chopped cilantro, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder into the sauce base.
- Mix sauce: Whisk all the ingredients together until smooth and well combined, adjusting seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine shrimp and sauce: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and pour the sauce over them, tossing to coat evenly.
- Simmer shrimp: Allow the shrimp to simmer in the sauce for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally to heat through and blend flavors.
- Serve and garnish: Transfer shrimp to a serving platter, spoon any remaining sauce over the top, and sprinkle with crumbled queso fresco and fresh chopped cilantro for garnish.
- Enjoy: Serve immediately while hot for the best flavor and texture experience.
Notes
- You can adjust the chili powder and smoked paprika to increase or reduce the spiciness according to your preference.
- If Mexican crema is not available, you can substitute it with a mix of sour cream and heavy cream or use extra sour cream.
- Serve this shrimp dish with warm tortillas or over rice for a complete meal.
- For added texture, consider garnishing with some roasted corn kernels or diced jalapeños if desired.
