Sizzling Charred Corn Delight Recipe: Sweet Summer Magic

Summers burst with vibrant flavors that dance on the palate, and this charred corn delight recipe captures that essence perfectly.

Smoky kernels sizzle and caramelize, creating a mouthwatering side dish that screams fresh and bold.

Each golden kernel brings an explosion of sweet and charred notes to your plate.

The recipe combines simple ingredients with expert techniques to elevate a humble vegetable into a stunning accompaniment.

Grilling brings out the natural sweetness of corn, transforming it into a culinary masterpiece.

Minimal effort yields maximum flavor in this quick and irresistible dish.

You’ll want to serve this at every summer gathering, delighting friends and family with its incredible taste.

Why Charred Corn Delight Is a Cookout Winner

• Craft with Ease: No complicated techniques or special skills needed, making these coconut cream balls perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike.
• Quick No-Bake Delight: Skip the oven and enjoy a speedy dessert that comes together in minutes without heating up the kitchen.
• Crowd-Pleasing Treat: Irresistibly sweet and coconutty, these balls work wonderfully for parties, potlucks, or casual family gatherings, appealing to both kids and adults.
• Customize Your Creation: Experiment with different coatings like chocolate drizzle, chopped nuts, or colored sprinkles to make these treats uniquely yours.

Ingredients for Making Charred Corn Delight

• Fresh Corn on the Cob: A sweet summer vegetable that becomes smoky and caramelized when grilled.
• Olive Oil: Helps create a perfect char and adds a subtle richness to the corn.

• Cherry Tomatoes, Red Onion, Avocado, Cilantro: A colorful mix of fresh vegetables that provide crunch, sweetness, and herbal notes to the salad.

• Olive Oil, Lime Juice, Smoked Paprika, Salt, Pepper: A zesty dressing that brings vibrant flavors and enhances the overall taste of the salad.
• Feta Cheese, Cotija Cheese: Optional creamy and tangy cheese toppings that add a rich, salty finish to the dish.

Steps for Cooking Charred Corn Delight Recipe

Step 1: Fire Up the Grill

Get your grill or grill pan blazing hot over medium-high heat. This is where the magic begins for our corn adventure!

Step 2: Dress the Corn

• Corn on the cob
• Olive oil

Lightly coat the corn with olive oil, making sure every kernel gets some love. This helps create that perfect golden-brown char.

Step 3: Create Smoky Goodness

Place the corn on the hot grill, turning it every few minutes. Watch for those beautiful dark spots that scream flavor!

Cook until the kernels look beautifully blackened and smell amazing, about 8-10 minutes.

Step 4: Break Down the Corn

Let the corn cool down for a few minutes.

Then grab a sharp knife and carefully slice those kernels off the cob. They’ll look like little golden nuggets of deliciousness.

Step 5: Build the Flavor Base

• Charred corn kernels
• Cherry tomatoes (halved)
• Avocado (diced)
• Red onion (chopped)
• Fresh cilantro

Step 6: Whip Up the Zesty Dressing

• Olive oil
• Lime juice
• Smoked paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Whisk everything until it’s perfectly blended. Taste and adjust the seasonings if needed.

Step 7: Bring It All Together

Drizzle the dressing over the salad and gently toss. Make sure every ingredient gets coated with that tangy, smoky goodness.

Step 8: Final Flourish

Sprinkle some crumbled feta or cotija cheese on top if you’re feeling extra fancy. Serve immediately and watch everyone dive in!

Notes for Getting Corn Perfectly Charred

• Use high heat and rotate corn frequently to achieve even charring without burning the kernels.
• Choose ripe, firm cherry tomatoes and creamy avocados for the best flavor and texture in your salad.
• Adjust lime juice and smoked paprika proportions to create a tangy, smoky taste that complements the charred corn.
• Swap feta with cotija for a more authentic Mexican-style garnish or use goat cheese for a creamy alternative.
• Char corn and chop vegetables in advance, storing separately to maintain freshness and assemble quickly before serving.

Creative Ways to Change Charred Corn Up

• Grilled Zucchini Swap: Replace corn with grilled zucchini slices for a low-carb alternative that maintains the charred, smoky flavor profile.
• Vegan Feta Alternative: Substitute dairy cheese with crumbled tofu or nutritional yeast to create a plant-based version of the salad that's equally creamy and tangy.
• Spicy Mexican Remix: Add diced jalapeños, swap cilantro for pickled jalapeños, and include black beans to transform the salad into a zestier, protein-packed dish.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Version: Replace red onion with kalamata olives, swap lime juice for lemon, and add cucumber for a Greek-style interpretation of the original recipe.

What Goes With Charred Corn on the Table

• Pair Zesty Margaritas: Complement the smoky corn salad with a tangy margarita that echoes the lime in the dressing. The tequila's brightness and salt rim will enhance the salad's vibrant flavors.
• Match Mexican Cerveza: Grab a crisp Mexican beer like Corona or Modelo Especial to cut through the richness of avocado and cheese. Its light, refreshing profile perfectly balances the charred corn's smokiness.
• Create Wine Harmony: Select a crisp, unoaked Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that mirrors the salad's citrusy and herbal notes. These wines provide a clean, refreshing counterpoint to the dish's robust flavors.

Storing Charred Corn Delight for Future Meals

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days. Keep cheese separate to prevent sogginess and maintain crispness.
• Not recommended due to avocado and tomato texture changes. Fresh ingredients will become mushy and lose their vibrant taste.
• Gently mix salad and add fresh dressing to revive flavors. Sprinkle additional cheese and herbs to restore original texture.
• Bring salad to room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving to preserve ingredient quality and prevent wilting.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh corn?

Yes, you can use frozen corn, but grilling won’t achieve the same charred effect. Thaw and pat dry the corn, then quickly sauté in a hot skillet to get some caramelization.

• How do I prevent the avocado from turning brown?

Toss the diced avocado with a bit of lime juice right after cutting. The acid helps prevent oxidation and keeps the avocado looking fresh and green.

• What if I don't have smoked paprika?

Substitute with regular paprika and add a dash of cumin or chili powder to create a similar depth of flavor. The goal is to maintain a smoky, slightly spicy undertone in the dressing.

Charred Corn Delight Recipe

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4.7 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Smoky charred corn delight brings Mexican street food magic straight to your kitchen, celebrating summer’s golden harvest. Spicy, tangy, and irresistibly fresh, you’ll savor each bite of this simple yet extraordinary culinary experience.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 4 ears fresh corn, husked
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 avocado, diced
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta or cotija cheese (optional)

Herbs and Seasonings:

• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Dressing Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lime juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped

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Instructions

1. Fire up a grill or heavy-bottomed grill pan to medium-high heat, ensuring an even, intense cooking surface for perfect corn caramelization.
2. Delicately coat corn with olive oil, creating a protective and flavor-enhancing layer for grilling.
3. Position corn on the hot grill, rotating periodically to achieve uniform charring and smoky exterior, approximately 8-10 minutes total cooking time.
4. Allow grilled corn to cool slightly, then skillfully slice kernels off the cob using a sharp blade, capturing maximum flavor and texture.
5. Transfer golden corn kernels into a spacious mixing bowl, preparing for salad assembly.
6. Introduce halved cherry tomatoes, creating vibrant color and fresh burst of flavor.
7. Add diced avocado for creamy richness and textural contrast.
8. Incorporate finely chopped red onion for sharp, zesty undertones.
9. Sprinkle fresh cilantro to elevate the salad’s aromatic profile.
10. Craft a zesty dressing by whisking olive oil, tangy lime juice, smoky paprika, and seasoning in a separate container.
11. Taste and calibrate dressing, adjusting salt and pepper for perfect balance.
12. Gently cascade dressing over salad, ensuring every ingredient receives delicate coating.
13. Optional: Crown the dish with crumbled feta or cotija cheese for additional complexity.
14. Serve immediately, presenting a vibrant, summer-inspired culinary creation.

Notes

• Enhance the smoky flavor by using a cast-iron skillet for even charring and deeper caramelization of corn kernels.
• Swap fresh corn with frozen or canned corn during off-season for consistent taste and texture.
• Customize the salad by adding grilled protein like shrimp, chicken, or tofu for a more substantial meal.
• Make it vegan by omitting cheese and using plant-based alternatives like nutritional yeast for a similar savory profile.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 174 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 146 mg
• Fat: 11 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 17 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 7 mg