Description
Korean Corn Cheese
Korean Corn Cheese is a delightful fusion of creamy, cheesy goodness and sweet corn that has become a staple side dish in Korean BBQ restaurants. This easy and quick dish is perfect to share at gatherings or as a satisfying snack. Typically served sizzling in a cast-iron skillet, it pairs beautifully with spicy Korean dishes like Gochujang Chicken wings. Its gooey texture and sweet-savory flavors make it an absolute crowd-pleaser, especially during the summer BBQ season!
3 cups corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
½ tsp cayenne pepper
2 ½ tbsp Kewpie mayonnaise
1 ½ tsp granulated sugar
¼ tsp salt
¼ tsp pepper
2 tbsp salted butter
2 stalks green onion, chopped
⅔ cup shredded mozzarella
Directions:
1. Preheat oven broil to 450˚F.
2. In a bowl, mix corn, cayenne pepper, mayo, sugar, salt, and pepper.
3. Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat, add the corn mixture, and cook for 5-7 mins.
4. Mix in green onions, top with cheese, and broil for 2-3 mins.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Kcal: 237
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prepare the Oven: Set your oven to broil at 450°F (230°C). Position a rack in the upper third of the oven so the skillet will be close to the broiler element.
2. Mix the Base: In a medium bowl, thoroughly combine the corn kernels, cayenne pepper, Kewpie mayonnaise, granulated sugar, salt, and black pepper until the corn is evenly coated.
3. Cook the Corn: Place an oven-safe skillet (cast iron is ideal) over medium heat. Add the butter and let it melt. Pour in the corn mixture and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes until heated through and slightly caramelized.
4. Add Aromatics & Cheese: Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the chopped green onions. Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the entire surface of the corn.
5. Broil to Perfection: Carefully transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Broil for 2-3 minutes, watching closely, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and has golden-brown spots.
6. Serve Immediately: Remove from the oven (the handle will be extremely hot). Let cool for a minute before serving directly from the skillet.
Serving Suggestions
Korean Corn Cheese is incredibly versatile. Serve it sizzling hot as a:
- Side dish for Korean BBQ (galbi, bulgogi) to cut through rich meats.
- Dip with toasted baguette slices, tortilla chips, or crispy tteok (rice cakes).
- Topping for baked potatoes, grilled steak, or even a gourmet hot dog.
- Accompaniment to spicy stews like kimchi jjigae or with fried chicken.
How-to Summary
Mix corn with mayo and spices, cook in a buttered skillet, stir in green onions, top with mozzarella, and broil until golden and bubbly. Serve hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this without an oven? Yes. After cooking the corn mixture, simply sprinkle on the cheese, cover the skillet with a lid, and let it melt over low heat for 2-3 minutes.
What can I use instead of Kewpie mayo? Regular mayonnaise works, but Kewpie has a richer, umami flavor. Add a tiny splash of rice vinegar to regular mayo to better mimic its taste.
Can I prepare Korean Corn Cheese ahead of time? You can mix the corn base ahead and refrigerate it. When ready, cook and add cheese as directed. For best texture, avoid broiling ahead of time.
Is fresh, frozen, or canned corn best? All work. For superior flavor, use grilled fresh corn or well-drained canned/frozen corn that has been pan-roasted to remove excess moisture.
Can I add other ingredients? Absolutely. Common additions include diced bell peppers, crumbled bacon, jalapeños for heat, or a sprinkle of Parmesan with the mozzarella.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using Wet Corn: Ensure canned or frozen corn is thoroughly drained and patted dry. Excess water will make the dish soggy.
- Overcooking the Cheese: Watch the broiler closely. Cheese can go from perfectly golden to burnt in seconds.
- Skimping on Browning: Don’t rush the stovetop cooking step. Letting the corn mixture lightly caramelize builds foundational flavor.
- Using Pre-Shredded Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting as smoothly. Shred your own mozzarella block for the best gooey texture.
Conclusion
Korean Corn Cheese is the ultimate easy, shareable comfort food. Its perfect balance of sweet corn, creamy richness, and savory cheese makes it an unforgettable side dish or appetizer. By following this guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you can reliably create a restaurant-quality version at home. It’s a guaranteed hit that will have everyone asking for the recipe.