Instant Pot Mexican Street Corn Recipe

If you’re craving a creamy, flavorful treat that brings the festive spirit of a street fair right into your kitchen, this Instant Pot Mexican Street Corn Recipe is an absolute game-changer. Bursting with a vibrant mix of sweet corn varieties, melty cream cheese, and a hint of garlic herb goodness, it’s the perfect comfort food that’s quick to prepare and irresistible to eat. Whether you’re serving it as a side or a snack, this dish delivers layers of texture and bold flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are refreshingly simple yet each plays an essential role in crafting the rich, creamy, and savory experience that makes this Instant Pot Mexican Street Corn Recipe so special.

• 12 ounces frozen Gold and White corn: offers a sweet, tender bite that’s perfect for this creamy mix.
• 12 ounces frozen Organic yellow corn: adds a lovely pop of bright flavor and natural sweetness.
• 12 ounces frozen White shoe-peg corn: gives a slightly nutty crunch to contrast the creaminess.
• 16 ounces Cream Style Corn: infuses the dish with added creaminess and a smooth texture.
• 1/2 stick Butter: melts into the dish for luscious richness and to sauté the onions.
• 1 large sweet onion: sautéed to bring sweetness and depth of flavor.
• 1 Tablespoon minced garlic: adds that classic aromatic punch.
• 3 – 4 ounces Cream Cheese: melts luxuriously to make the dish irresistibly creamy.
• 1/2 cup Lawry’s Garlic Herb Marinade: infuses every bite with savory herbaceous notes.
• 1 Tablespoon garlic salt: enhances the garlic flavor and seasons perfectly.
• 1 teaspoon seasoned pepper: gives a gentle kick that balances the creaminess.
• 1 Tablespoon sugar: brightens and balances flavors with a subtle sweetness.
• 2 Tablespoons heavy cream: adds extra indulgence for a silky finish.
• Shredded Parmesan Cheese: to sprinkle on top, offering a salty, nutty finish.
• Finely chopped Parsley: for a fresh, vibrant garnish that makes each serving pop.

How to Make Instant Pot Mexican Street Corn Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Onions

Start by hitting the Saute button on your Instant Pot and melting the butter until it’s bubbling gently. Add the sweet onion and let it sauté for about 2 minutes until it becomes translucent and fragrant, setting a flavorful base for your corn mixture.

Step 2: Add the Frozen Corn

Next, toss in your trio of frozen corns—the gold and white, yellow, and shoe-peg varieties. Sauté everything together for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, so the corn begins to turn golden and just a bit caramelized, which amps up the natural sweetness and texture wonderfully.

Step 3: Mix in the Cream Style Corn and Seasonings

With the sauté setting off, pour in the cream style corn along with minced garlic, garlic salt, seasoned pepper, and sugar. Give it a good stir to combine all those delicious elements into a cohesive, creamy blend that’s the heart of your Instant Pot Mexican Street Corn Recipe.

Step 4: Pressure Cook the Corn

Secure the lid on your Instant Pot and press the Manual button, setting the cooking time to 5 minutes. Make sure the pressure valve is in the ‘SEALING’ position, then lock the lid until you hear a beep indicating it’s locked and cooking away.

Step 5: Quick Release the Pressure

Once the Instant Pot finishes cooking and switches off, perform a quick release by carefully turning the valve from ‘SEALING’ to ‘VENTING’. This releases steam promptly, ensuring the corn doesn’t overcook and maintains its perfect creamy-tender texture.

Step 6: Confirm Pressure is Fully Released

Before removing the lid, double-check that the float valve has dropped to avoid any steam burns. Safety first, because no one wants a kitchen accident when the deliciousness is so close!

Step 7: Stir the Corn

Lifting the lid, give the corn a thorough stir so all those cooked kernels and creamy bits meld together beautifully, setting the stage for the finishing touches.

Step 8: Melt the Cream Cheese and Add Marinade

Turn the Saute setting back on and add cream cheese, heavy cream, and the Lawry’s Garlic Herb Marinade. Stir continuously so the cream cheese melts fully and the marinade infuses a savory herb flavor throughout.

Step 9: Let it Thicken

Saute for a couple more minutes, allowing the cream cheese to meld into the corn and some of the liquid to absorb, resulting in a luscious, creamy mixture that clings to every bite.

Step 10: Rest Before Serving

Turn off the Saute function and let the corn sit in the pot for about 5 minutes. This rest time allows the flavors to marry even further, creating that signature richness you expect from your Instant Pot Mexican Street Corn Recipe.

Step 11: Serve and Enjoy!

Spoon this velvety corn into bowls or plates and top generously with shredded Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley for a final pop of flavor and color. Grab a fork, dig in, and savor every bite of this crowd-pleasing dish!

How to Serve Instant Pot Mexican Street Corn Recipe

Garnishes

Don’t underestimate the power of garnishes. A sprinkle of shredded Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty contrast that heightens the creamy corn’s flavor, while the parsley brightens with a fresh, herbaceous lift that makes the dish feel festive and complete.

Side Dishes

This Instant Pot Mexican Street Corn Recipe pairs beautifully with grilled meats like juicy chicken or steak, but also shines alongside a zesty taco spread or even a crisp green salad. Its richness helps balance and elevate the entire meal, creating a harmonious plate everyone will love.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the corn in small mason jars at a party or as part of a buffet so guests can grab and go. Another idea is to turn it into a layered dip, alternating with diced tomatoes, avocado, and spice for a handheld fiesta treat that’s guaranteed to impress.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer any leftover corn to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It stays fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or snacks the next day.

Freezing

If you want to save it longer, this recipe freezes wonderfully. Place the cooled corn in a freezer-safe container or bag, removing as much air as possible, and freeze for up to 2 months. Just be mindful that cream-based dishes may slightly change in texture after thawing, but the flavor remains delicious.

Reheating

To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen, then warm gently on the stove or microwave. Stir well to restore creaminess, and add a splash of heavy cream or butter if it feels thick; you want that smooth, dreamy consistency every time.

FAQs

Can I use fresh corn instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Fresh corn will add a nice sweet crunch and a fresher flavor. Just cut the kernels off the cobs and adjust cooking time slightly to ensure tender results without overcooking.

Is this recipe very spicy?

Not at all! The Instant Pot Mexican Street Corn Recipe focuses on creamy, garlicky, and savory flavors without much heat, making it approachable for all taste buds. You can always add chili powder or hot sauce if you like it spicier.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

With a few swaps like dairy-free cream cheese, vegan butter, and plant-based creamer, you can absolutely make a delicious vegan version. The corn and herbs provide a great base that’s easy to adapt for plant-based diets.

What if I don’t have Lawry’s Garlic Herb Marinade?

No worries! You can substitute with your favorite garlic and herb seasoning or even a mix of minced garlic, dried parsley, and a touch of olive oil to mimic the marinade’s flavor profile.

How important is the quick release step?

It’s quite important to prevent the corn from overcooking and turning mushy. Quick releasing the pressure stops the cooking immediately, preserving the best texture and flavor in your Instant Pot Mexican Street Corn Recipe.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about this Instant Pot Mexican Street Corn Recipe that warms the soul and excites the taste buds. It’s effortless to make, bursting with flavor, and brings a festive flair to any meal. Give it a try—you might just find your new go-to side dish or snack that everyone raves about!

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