Easy Shrimp Street Corn Skillet Recipe
If you love bold flavors and easy one-pan meals, this Shrimp Street Corn Skillet is the recipe for you. Juicy shrimp are cooked with smoky chipotle seasoning and paired with creamy, cheesy street-style corn. A drizzle of tangy crema, fresh cilantro, and cotija cheese makes every bite delicious.
This dish is inspired by Mexican street corn (elote) but turned into a hearty skillet meal with shrimp. It’s quick, flavorful, and perfect for a weeknight dinner or weekend gathering. The best part? It’s ready in just 30 minutes with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Zest of 1 lime
- 1½ tsp chipotle chili powder (plus more for serving)
- 2 tsp kosher salt, divided
- ¼ cup fresh lime juice
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
- 2 (10-oz) bags frozen corn kernels, thawed
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped
- 2 scallions, thinly sliced (green and white parts separated)
- 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- ⅓ cup water
- 3 tbsp crumbled cotija cheese
- 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh cilantro
- 8 corn tortillas, warmed
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Season the Shrimp
- Mix shrimp with lime zest, chipotle chili powder, and 1 teaspoon of salt.
- In a separate bowl, stir lime juice, mayonnaise, and sour cream to make the crema.
Step 2: Cook the Corn
- Heat 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add corn in a single layer, season with ½ teaspoon salt, and cook for 5 minutes without stirring. This gives the corn a nice char.
Step 3: Add Flavor
- Stir in jalapeño, scallion whites, and garlic. Cook for 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in the water to deglaze the pan, scraping up browned bits.
Step 4: Cook the Shrimp
- Push corn to one side of the skillet. Add 1 tablespoon butter to the empty side.
- Place shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2 minutes per side until pink and cooked through.
Step 5: Finish the Dish
- Drizzle the crema over the shrimp and corn.
- Sprinkle cotija cheese and cilantro on top.
- Serve with warm tortillas on the side.
Why This Recipe Works
- Quick & Easy – Done in 30 minutes with simple steps.
- One Pan Only – Less mess, easy cleanup.
- Big Flavors – Smoky, creamy, tangy, and cheesy all in one bite.
- Customizable – Adjust spice, add more veggies, or swap proteins.
Tips and Variations
- Swap shrimp for chicken, scallops, or roasted tofu.
- Add extra veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes.
- For a lighter version, replace sour cream with Greek yogurt.
- Serve in tacos, over rice, or enjoy with tortilla chips.
Serving Suggestions
This skillet is great for:
- Taco night with tortillas, avocado, and pickled onions.
- A quick dinner for two with a glass of white wine.
- Meal prep—it reheats well for lunches.
- Parties—serve with chips as a dip-style skillet.
Conclusion
This Easy Shrimp Street Corn Skillet is the perfect mix of comfort and freshness. With smoky chipotle shrimp, creamy street-style corn, and zesty lime crema, it’s a recipe that tastes like it came from a restaurant but is simple enough for any home cook.
Try it once, and it will become a regular in your weeknight dinner rotation!
