Charred corn brings a unique twist to corn salsa by adding a smoky and slightly caramelized flavor to the dish. When corn is charred, a chemical reaction takes place that creates new and complex flavor compounds, resulting in a rich, smoky, and nutty taste that enhances the overall profile of the salsa.
Charred corn salsa is a condiment that celebrates simplicity and showcases the delightful flavors of its basic ingredients. This salsa is a perfect balance of smoky, sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy notes, making it a versatile and appetizing addition to a wide range of dishes.
- Charred Corn: The star of the show, charred corn, infuses the salsa with a unique smoky flavor and a slight caramelized sweetness. The charred corn kernels bring a delightful crunch and a crisp texture to the dish.
- Red Onion: Finely chopped red onion adds a vibrant color and a distinct pungency to the salsa. The onion’s sweetness perfectly complements the smokiness of the charred corn and provides a pleasant contrast to the spicy jalapeno.
- Jalapeno: Finely chopped and seeded jalapeno brings a kick of heat to the salsa, awakening the taste buds. Its warmth balances the sweetness of the corn and red onion and the tanginess of the lime juice, creating a harmonious and flavorful combination.
- Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice injects a burst of energy into the salsa. Its zesty and citrusy notes enhance the other flavors, providing a refreshing and vibrant quality to the dish.
- Olive Oil: High quality extra virgin olive oil enriches the salsa with a silky texture and a hint of richness. It helps bind the ingredients together while complementing the charred corn’s smokiness and the spiciness of the jalapeno.
- Spices: The addition of ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and ground black pepper elevates the overall flavor profile of the charred corn salsa. Cumin adds warm and earth notes, chili powder introduces another element of smokiness, and salt and ground black pepper help balance all of the flavors.
Together, these ingredients create a simple, vibrant, and delicious salsa that is perfect as a dip with tortilla chips, a topping for tacos, grilled meats, and salads, or an accompaniment to anything you can think of.
Charred Corn Salsa
4
servings15
minutes30
minutes45
minutesCharred corn salsa is a perfect balance of smoky, sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy notes, making it a versatile and appetizing addition to a wide range of dishes.
Ingredients
4 ears of yellow corn
1 small red onion, finely chopped
1 small jalalpeno, finely chopped and seeded
1/4 cup cilantro, freshly chopped
2 tablespoons lime juice
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
Equipment
Chef’s knifeRecommendation
Mixing bowlsRecommendation
Grill panRecommendation
Directions
- Preheat your grill or stovetop grill pan to medium-high heat.
Or, you can use the open gas flame on a burner if you don’t have either, but for safety concerns, I’d advise against it. - Husk the corn, if necessary, and brush the kernels with extra virgin olive oil.
- Place the corn on the hot grill or grill pan and let it char and cook for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally until the corn kernels are lightly charred on all sides.
- Remove the charred corn from the grill and let it cool for a few minutes. Once cooled, carefully cut the corn kernels off the cobs and transfer them to a mixing bowl.
- Add the finely chopped red onion, jalapeño pepper, and cilantro to the bowl with the charred corn.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, extra virgin olive oil, salt, ground black pepper, ground cumin, and chili powder. Pour the dressing over the corn and vegetable mixture. Toss everything together until well combined, ensuring the dressing coats all the ingredients.
- Cover the bowl and chill for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve the charred corn salsa as a topping for tacos or as a flavorful dip with tortilla chips.Loading gallery media…
