Crispy Corn Cakes Recipe by Pioneer Woman with Savory Crunch

Sizzling pioneer woman corn cakes burst with golden, crispy magic that transforms ordinary meals into extraordinary experiences.

Southern kitchens celebrate these delectable corn kernels dancing in hot skillets.

Each corn cake carries a symphony of flavors that pirouette between savory and sweet sensations.

Scallions and garlic whisper aromatic secrets through tender, perfectly seasoned bites.

Cotija cheese adds a salty crescendo that elevates these humble patties beyond basic side dishes.

Light, crisp edges embrace soft centers, creating a textural masterpiece that beckons hungry diners.

These corn cakes promise pure culinary delight waiting to grace your dinner table.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 210 kcal

Servings: 4

Ingredients at Work in Pioneer Woman Corn Cakes

• Red Onion: Select a firm, glossy onion with no soft spots for the best crunch and zesty flavor.
• Avocado: Choose a ripe avocado that yields gently to pressure, ensuring creamy texture.
• Roma Tomato: Pick a vibrant, firm tomato with deep color for maximum freshness.
• Sweet Corn Kernels: Opt for fresh, plump kernels that burst with natural sweetness.
• Scallions: Look for bright green, crisp stalks with firm white bottoms.
• Lime: Select heavy, smooth limes with bright green skin for maximum juice.

• Cotija Cheese: Seek a crumbly, authentic Mexican cheese with robust, salty notes.
• Eggs: Choose large, fresh eggs with bright, firm yolks.

• All-Purpose Flour: Use unbleached flour for superior texture and flavor.
• Ground Cumin: Select fragrant, recently ground cumin for deep, earthy undertones.
• Ground Paprika: Choose vibrant, rich paprika for warm, subtle heat.

• Vegetable Oil: Pick a neutral, high-smoke-point oil for perfect frying.
• Kosher Salt: Use coarse salt for balanced seasoning.
• Black Pepper: Freshly ground provides the most intense, aromatic flavor.
• Sea Salt: Sprinkle as finishing salt for delightful texture and taste.
• Garlic: Select plump, firm cloves with no green sprouts for pure, sharp flavor.

Cooking Tools That Make Corn Cakes Easy

• Mixing Bowls: Small and medium sizes for combining ingredients and preparing salsa.
• Whisk: Perfect for blending dry and wet ingredients smoothly.
• Cutting Board: Essential for dicing avocados, tomatoes, and chopping herbs.
• Sharp Knife: Needed for precise chopping and dicing of vegetables.
• Skillet: Heavy-bottomed pan ideal for frying corn cakes evenly.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate portioning of flour, spices, and other ingredients.
• Grater: For zesting lime and grating garlic cloves.
• Paper Towels: Great for draining excess oil from fried corn cakes.
• Kitchen Thermometer: Helps monitor oil temperature for perfect frying.
• Spatula: Useful for flipping corn cakes and transferring them to serving plate.

A Simple Guide to Making Corn Cakes

• Craft Zesty Salsa

Dice vibrant red onion, ripe avocado, and juicy Roma tomato into a small bowl. Squeeze fresh lime juice and sprinkle lime zest. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Let the salsa mingle and develop rich flavors while preparing the corn cakes.

• Create Batter Base

Whisk together crumbled Cotija cheese, flour, cumin, and paprika in a medium mixing bowl. Crack eggs and blend smoothly into the dry ingredients until fully incorporated.

• Layer Flavor Boosters

Add sweet corn kernels, grated garlic, sliced scallions, and an extra burst of lime zest. Fold these ingredients gently into the batter, creating a vibrant and textured mixture.

• Fry Golden Delights

Heat vegetable oil in a heavy skillet until shimmering. Carefully drop spoonfuls of corn cake batter into the hot oil. Fry each side until achieving a gorgeous golden-brown crispness, approximately 2-3 minutes per side.

• Serve and Celebrate

Transfer crispy corn cakes to a paper towel to drain excess oil. Sprinkle with sea salt and a final squeeze of lime. Top generously with the prepared avocado salsa. Enjoy these mouthwatering corn cakes immediately while they’re hot and crisp!

Tips and Upgrades for Pioneer Woman Corn Cakes

• Boost Flavor Dynamics: Experiment with different cheese varieties like sharp cheddar or pepper jack for unique taste profiles in your corn cake batter.
• Customize Salsa Spice: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the avocado salsa for an extra kick of heat that complements the crispy corn cakes.
• Perfect Frying Technique: Use a thermometer to maintain consistent oil temperature, ensuring evenly cooked corn cakes with a crispy exterior and tender interior.
• Storage and Reheating Hack: Store leftover corn cakes in an airtight container and reheat in a preheated oven at 375°F for 5-7 minutes to maintain their crispiness and prevent sogginess.

How to Present and Serve Corn Cakes

• Elevate Dining Experience: Serve these golden corn cakes on a rustic wooden board for a stunning presentation that catches everyone's eye.
• Pair with Refreshing Drink: Complement the crispy corn cakes with a zesty margarita or fresh citrus-infused sparkling water to balance the rich flavors.
• Create Brunch Sensation: Transform these corn cakes into a weekend brunch showstopper by adding a light poached egg on top and extra avocado salsa around the plate.
• Customize with Toppings: Offer additional garnishes like chopped cilantro, extra crumbled Cotija cheese, or a drizzle of spicy hot sauce for personalized flavor adventures.

Corn Cakes Storage That Keeps Them Tasty

• Preserve Freshness: Store corn cakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to maintain their crispy texture.
• Quick Meal Prep: Prepare batter ingredients ahead of time and store separately in the refrigerator. Mix wet and dry components just before cooking to ensure maximum crispiness and flavor intensity.
• Freeze for Later: Wrap individual corn cakes in parchment paper, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen corn cakes will keep well for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven.
• Salsa Storage Tip: Keep avocado salsa covered with plastic wrap directly touching the surface to prevent browning. Consume within 24 hours for the freshest taste and texture.

Crispy Pioneer Woman Corn Cakes Recipe

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4.7 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Corn cakes from the Pioneer Woman showcase Southern comfort with crispy edges and golden-brown perfection. Blending simple ingredients creates a delightful side dish that completes you with nostalgic flavors and homestyle charm.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup fresh sweet corn kernels (from about 2 ears of corn)
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 avocado, finely diced
• 1 Roma tomato, finely diced
• 4 cloves garlic, grated
• ⅓ cup finely diced red onion
• 2 scallions, thinly sliced
• ¼ cup crumbled Cotija
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground paprika
• 2 limes, zested and juiced
• Kosher salt (to taste)
• Sea salt (for finishing)
• Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
• Vegetable oil (for frying)

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Instructions

1. Salsa Preparation: Dice red onion, avocado, and Roma tomato in a small bowl. Incorporate lime zest and juice, then season with kosher salt and black pepper. Let the mixture rest to develop robust flavors.
2. Batter Foundation: Combine Cotija cheese, flour, cumin, and paprika in a medium bowl. Whisk beaten eggs into the dry ingredients, creating a smooth, cohesive mixture.
3. Corn Cake Composition: Gently fold sweet corn kernels, minced garlic, sliced scallions, and lime zest into the batter, ensuring even ingredient distribution.
4. Frying Technique: Heat vegetable oil to 350°F in a heavy-bottomed skillet. Carefully drop batter by tablespoon into hot oil, frying until each corn cake reaches a golden, crispy texture (approximately 2-2½ minutes per side).
5. Finishing Touch: Drain corn cakes on paper towels to remove excess oil. Sprinkle with sea salt and fresh lime juice. Top each cake with prepared avocado salsa and serve immediately for maximum flavor and crispiness.

Notes

• Optimize Oil Temperature: Maintain a consistent 350°F for perfectly crispy corn cakes without burning or undercooking.
• Balance Batter Consistency: Ensure the mixture isn’t too wet or dry by adjusting flour or eggs for ideal texture and golden crispiness.
• Batch Frying Technique: Cook corn cakes in small batches to prevent overcrowding and maintain oil temperature for even, crisp results.
• Fresh Ingredient Impact: Use freshly cut corn kernels and just-zested lime for maximum flavor and brightness in the corn cakes and salsa.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg