As an experienced home cook, I’m always looking for alternatives or substitutions to replace certain ingredients when I’m out of them or looking for a quicker option.
One ingredient many people love is Mexicorn – Corn with red and green peppers that add a flavorful kick to any meal.
But what happens when you can’t find Mexicorn at your local grocery store?
In this post, I’ll share with you 16 of the best substitutes for Mexicorn with the ratio and how to use them in your favorite recipes.
In short, " What can I use instead of mexicorn?" Canned Corn with Sliced Jalapenos and Honey, Canned Corn with Paprika and Cumin, Canned Corn with Salsa, Canned Corn with Red Peppers and Cilantro, Canned Corn with Cream Cheese and Chives, Canned Corn with Lime and Garlic and many more.
What is Mexicorn, and what does Mexicorn taste like?
Mexicorn is a term generally used to describe a flavorful blend of Corn and additional ingredients commonly used in Mexican cuisine.
It’s often available as a canned product in grocery stores, made by several different brands.
A typical Mexicorn blend includes:
– Whole Kernel Corn: This is the primary ingredient and the base of the blend.
– Bell Peppers: Red and green bell peppers are common. They add a crunch and a sweet, slightly bitter taste.
– Onion: This adds a slight sharpness and depth to the mix.
– Spices: A blend of spices, such as paprika and garlic, is often included to add warmth and complexity.
In terms of taste, Mexicorn offers a delicious combination of flavors. The sweetness of the corn duos is wonderful with the savory peppers and onions, while the added spices give it a mildly spiced, aromatic, and flavorful profile.
The texture is typically crisp and somewhat juicy, owing to the corn and bell peppers. It’s a versatile blend that can add a lot of flavors to a wide variety of dishes.
Uses of Mexicorn
Mexicorn is a popular hybrid vegetable created by crossing sweet Mexican Corn with white or yellow summer corn.
The result is a sweet, crunchy, and flavorful ear of Corn that is a favorite among gardeners and cooks alike.
Mexicorn is perfect for adding to salads, casseroles and salsas. It can also be roasted, grilled or boiled and makes a great appetizer with melted butter.
When cooked, mexicorn kernels become tender yet still retain their crunchy texture. Its sweetness pairs well with savory dishes like chili or tacos, as well as sweet recipes like desserts and cobblers.
Mexicorn kernels are also great additions to homemade popcorn mixes.
Mexicorn is an excellent source of vitamin C, potassium, folate, dietary fiber and antioxidants. Eating just one ear of mexicorn provides nearly 40% of the advised daily value of vitamin C.
It’s also high in plant-based polyphenols that may help decrease inflammation and lower the risk for certain types of cancer.
Where to buy mexicorn?
If you are looking for mexicorn where to buy, there are a few other places you can go. Many specialty food stores carry it, as do some international grocery stores.
You can also order online from many retailers that provide a variety of diverse flavors and types of mexicorn.
Best substitutes for mexicorn with a ratio
1. Canned Corn with Sliced Jalapenos and Honey – delicious combo substitute for mexicorn
This spicy-sweet combo is perfect for replacing Mexicorn. All you require to do is mix a can of Corn, sliced jalapenos, and honey.
Ratio or measurement: For every 14 ounces of canned Corn, add ⅓ cup of sliced jalapenos and 3 tablespoons of honey.
Mix well and use in your recipe. It provides a satisfactory balance of sweetness and heat, with a crunch from the jalapenos.
2. Canned Corn with Paprika and Cumin
This combo gives your dish a smoky flavor with a hint of spice.
Ratio or measurement: Mix a can of Corn with 1 teaspoon paprika and 1 teaspoon cumin. For every 14 ounces of canned Corn, add one teaspoon of paprika and cumin each.
Mix well and use in your recipe.
3. Try Canned Corn with Salsa to replace mexicorn
This combination provides a tangy and savory flavor to your dish.
Ratio or measurement: Mix a can of Corn with ¾ cup of your favorite salsa. For every 14 ounces of canned Corn, add ¾ cup of your favorite salsa.
Mix well and use in your recipe.
4. Canned Corn with Red Peppers and Cilantro
This combination is perfect for adding color and a fresh taste to your dish.
Ratio or measurement: Mix a can of Corn, chopped red peppers, and chopped cilantro. For every 14 ounces of canned Corn, add ⅓ cup of chopped red peppers and ¼ cup of chopped cilantro.
Mix well and use in your recipe.
5. Canned Corn with Cream Cheese and Chives – decent alternative for mexicorn
This mixture provides a creamy texture and a mild onion-like flavor.
Ratio or measurement: Mix a can of Corn, softened cream cheese, and chopped chives. For every 14 ounces of canned Corn, add 4 ounces of softened cream cheese and two tablespoons of chopped chives.
Mix well and use in your recipe.
6. Canned Corn with Lime and Garlic
This combination is perfect for providing a tangy and zesty flavor to your dish.
Ratio or measurement: Mix a can of Corn with lime juice and minced garlic. For every 14 ounces of canned Corn, add one teaspoon of minced garlic and 2 tablespoons of lime juice.
Mix well and use in your recipe.
7. Use Canned Corn with Chipotle Peppers and Honey in place of mexicorn
This combination provides a smoky and sweet flavor with a hint of spice.
Ratio or measurement: Mix a can of Corn, chopped chipotle peppers, and honey. For every 14 ounces of canned Corn, add ⅓ cup of chopped chipotle peppers and 3 tablespoons of honey.
Mix well and use in your recipe.
8. Canned Corn with Mexican Cheese
This combination provides a cheesy and salty flavor.
Ratio or measurement: Mix a can of Corn and crumbled Mexican queso fresco cheese. For every 14 ounces of canned Corn, add 4-6 ounces of crumbled Mexican queso fresco cheese.
Mix well and use in your recipe.
9. Corn with red and green peppers – tasty combo replacement for mexicorn
Ratio or measurement: To replace one can of Mexicorn, you can mix 1/2 cup of canned Corn with 1/4 cup of chopped red pepper and a one-fourth cup of chopped green pepper.
10. Frozen Corn with bell peppers
Ratio or measurement: Use 1/2 cup of frozen Corn cooked with 1/4 cup of chopped red and 1/4 cup of chopped green bell peppers to substitute one can of Mexicorn.
11. Corn and minced jalapeños – good combo substitute for mexicorn
Ratio or measurement: Add some heat to your dish by mixing together 1/2 cup of canned Corn with 1/4 cup of minced jalapeño peppers to get the same zesty flavor as Mexicorn.
12. Creamed Corn with red and green peppers
Ratio or measurement: For a creamier texture, mix 1/2 cup of creamed Corn with a one-fourth cup of chopped red and 1/4 cup of chopped green peppers.
13. I Must try Corn with diced pimentos to alter the taste of mexicorn
Ratio or measurement: If you enjoy a sweeter flavor, you can thinly slice 1/4 cup of pimentos and mix them with 1/2 cup of canned or frozen Corn.
14. Corn with chopped tomatoes
Ratio or measurement: If you're looking for a more rustic flavor, substitute 1/2 cup of canned or frozen Corn with 1/4 cup of chopped tomatoes and 1/4 cup of diced onions.
15. Frozen Corn with diced green chilies – similar like mexicorn
Ratio or measurement: If spice is your thing, you can replace one can of Mexicorn with 1/2 cup of frozen Corn cooked with 1/4 cup of diced green chilies.
16. Corn with sliced black olives
Ratio or measurement: For a tangy, salty flavor, mix 1/2 cup of canned or frozen Corn with 1/4 cup of sliced black olives.
Learn more: Amazing substitutes for breadfruit with ratio & how to use
Homemade Mexicorn Recipe
Mexicorn is a delicious combination of Mexican flavors and sweet Corn. It’s a great side dish or snack perfect for parties, potlucks, and any event where you like adding a little extra flavor.
To make Mexicorn, you’ll need just a few ingredients. First, you’ll need canned corn kernels – about two 15-ounce cans should do it.
Drain the kernels and set them aside in a large bowl. Next, add in some diced peppers – poblanos or jalapenos work best – as well as some diced red onion and cilantro leaves.
Then stir in some salsa verde or green chile sauce and season everything with salt, pepper, and chili powder to taste.
Finally, mix in some butter (preferably melted) until everything is evenly combined before serving.
If desired, you can also add some shredded cheese, like queso fresco or feta, for a cheesy twist on the classic recipe!
Top with some chopped avocados for an extra creamy texture and flavor that will tantalize your taste buds!
But why stop there?
You can easily substitute other vegetables like red bell peppers or zucchini to give your Mexicorn an even more unique flavor!
Add some chopped tomatoes for an extra burst of freshness, or throw in some cooked bacon bits if desired. The possibilities are endless when creating your very own version of this delicious side dish!
How to Pick the Most Appropriate Substitution Option for Mexicorn
When selecting a suitable substitution option for Mexicorn, consider the following tips:
1. Understanding Mexicorn: Mexicorn is a blend of whole-kernel Corn, bell peppers, and onions, typically seasoned with spices.
To choose a suitable substitute, it’s important to understand the key components and flavors of Mexicorn.
2. Flavor Profile: Mexicorn offers a combination of sweet Corn, bell pepper, and onion flavors, often with a touch of spice. Look for substitute options that can provide a similar taste profile and complement the overall dish.
3. Corn Alternatives: If the corn component is crucial, consider using alternatives like frozen Corn, canned Corn, or fresh corn kernels. Choose the type of Corn that best suits your recipe and desired texture.
4. Bell Pepper and Onion Substitutes: To replicate the flavors of bell peppers and onions in Mexicorn, consider using fresh or frozen chopped bell peppers and onions. These can be sautéed or used raw, depending on your preference.
5. Seasonings and Spices: Mexicorn often includes seasonings like paprika, garlic, and other spices. Pay attention to the specific flavors imparted by these seasonings and consider incorporating them into your substitute option.
6. Texture Considerations: Mexicorn has a specific texture with crisp corn kernels and crunchy bell peppers. Choose substitutes that can provide a similar texture, such as blanched or sautéed corn and bell peppers.
7. Fresh vs. Canned: Decide whether you prefer using fresh ingredients or are open to using canned alternatives. Fresh ingredients may offer a more vibrant and natural taste, while canned options provide convenience and longer shelf life.
8. Recipe Adaptation: Be prepared to adapt your recipe to accommodate the chosen substitute. Adjust ingredient quantities and cooking times as needed to ensure the overall dish maintains its desired taste and texture.
9. Taste Testing: Conduct taste tests with your chosen substitute to ensure it matches your expectations and works well in your recipe. Make adjustments as required until you achieve the desired flavor and texture.
Remember, while a substitute may not provide an exact replication of Mexicorn, these tips can help you find an alternative that offers a similar taste and texture profile, allowing you to enjoy your dish with a suitable replacement.
Discover more: Perfect substitutes for cassava for best home cooking
Conclusion on substitute for mexicorn
As an experienced home cook or chef, you should not be limited to just one ingredient in your kitchen.
Knowing how to substitute ingredients can save you time and money.
The 16 Mexicorn alternatives that I have shared with you, along with their ratios and how to use them, are perfect for any recipe that calls for Mexicorn.
They all provide a unique flavor and texture to your dish, making them a must-try for any kitchen.
So, go ahead and get innovative – experiment with these substitutions today and take your cooking to the next level!
FAQs on substitute for mexicorn
Q1. What is similar to mexicorn?
Mexicorn is similar to a sweet-spiced blend of Corn, peppers, and mild spices.
Other dishes that are similar include Mexican Street Corn (Esquites) which is a classic street food consisting of grilled or boiled Corn seasoned with mayonnaise, sour cream, cheese, chili powder and lime juice.
Frito Pie combines Fritos corn chips with chili con carne and Poblano Elote, which is roasted poblano peppers mixed with melted butter or crema Mexicana and cotija cheese. All of these dishes are perfect for enjoying Tex-Mex cuisine!
Q2. Is Southwest Corn and Mexicorn the same?
No, Southwest Corn and Mexicorn are not the same. Southwest Corn is a variety of sweet Corn that has been selectively bred for environmental conditions in the southwestern United States.
Specifically, it is known for its disease-resistant characteristics and drought tolerance. It’s also characterized by large kernels that are yellow, white, and sometimes speckled with red or purple colors.
Mexicorn, on the other hand, is a hybrid variety specifically created for Mexican cuisine. This type of Corn is characterized by having smaller kernels than Southwest Corn – often yellow or white – as well as being sweeter in flavor.
Additionally, Mexicorn typically contains more sugar and less starch than standard varieties of Corn. This makes it ideal for usage in recipes such as creamed Corn or salsa.
Q3. What is the difference between Mexicorn and Fiesta Corn?
Mexicorn is a type of corn dish featuring peppers, onions, and spices. Fiesta corn is an enhanced version of Mexicorn that also contains cheese and other ingredients such as cilantro or jalapenos. Both are usually served as side dishes at Mexican restaurants.
Mexicorn has fewer ingredients than Fiesta corn but still provides a flavorful addition to any meal. It can be performed hot or cold and is an unbelievable method to add color and flavor to any dish.
For added zest, add other seasonings such as cumin or chili powder. For a kick of heat, try adding diced jalapenos or serrano peppers. Mexicorn is easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time – perfect for busy weeknights!
Enjoy this delicious dish with burritos, tacos, enchiladas, or as an accompaniment to grilled meats. This flavorful side will become a family favorite in no time!
