Korean Corn Cheese: Easy Recipe for a Cheesy Side Dish

By Lisa Bot | Published 29 November 2024

What Is Korean Corn Cheese?

Korean corn cheese is a popular side dish often served at Korean BBQ restaurants. It's a simple, cheesy dish made with sweet corn, melted mozzarella, mayonnaise, and a few other basic ingredients.

While it’s commonly eaten in Korea, it’s become popular in many other places, including Australia. You can enjoy it as a side dish, appetiser, or even as a snack with drinks. Korean corn cheese is known for its creamy texture and sweet, salty flavour.

Read my review of Korean corn cheese at Soju Social Korean Restaurant Bankstown.

Ingredients for Korean Corn Cheese

Making Korean corn cheese at home is easy. You’ll need the following ingredients:

Corn: Canned or fresh sweet corn works best. Canned corn is the easiest, but if you want to use fresh corn, make sure you boil it first.
Mozzarella cheese: Use shredded mozzarella. This type of cheese melts really well and gives that gooey texture.
Mayonnaise: Kewpie mayonnaise (a Japanese mayo) is often used, but regular mayo will work too.
Butter: Adds richness to the dish.
Sugar: A small amount of sugar balances the savoury ingredients.
Salt and pepper: To season the dish to your taste.

These basic ingredients come together quickly to create a cheesy, comforting side dish.

Easy Homemade Korean Corn Cheese Recipe

Here’s how you can make Korean corn cheese in just a few simple steps:

Ingredients:

1½ cups sweet corn (canned or fresh, drained)
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2½ tablespoons mayonnaise (Kewpie or regular)
1 tablespoon butter (unsalted)
½ tablespoon sugar
Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

Preheat your oven: Set the oven to 200°C if you plan to broil the dish.
Mix the ingredients: In a bowl, combine the corn, mayonnaise, sugar, and season with salt and pepper. Stir everything until it’s well mixed.
Prepare the dish: Spread the mixture in a small baking dish or oven-safe skillet. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the top.
Bake or broil: Place the dish in the oven and bake for about 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. If you want a golden top, broil the dish for an extra 2-3 minutes.
Serve: Take it out and serve immediately while it’s hot and gooey.

This dish can also be made on the stovetop if you don’t want to use an oven. Just use a frying pan with a lid and let the cheese melt over low heat.

Fresh, Canned, or Frozen Corn: Which Is Best?

When making Korean corn cheese, you can use fresh, canned, or frozen corn, depending on what you have available.

Fresh corn: This gives the best flavour but requires more prep. You’ll need to cook the corn first, which can take some extra time.
Canned corn: This is the easiest option and still tastes great. Make sure to drain the can properly and avoid creamed corn.
Frozen corn: Works well if you don’t have fresh or canned. Just make sure it’s fully thawed and drained before using it in the recipe.

Overall, canned corn is the most convenient, but fresh corn provides a more intense flavour.

Variations and Add-Ins

There are several ways you can customise Korean corn cheese to suit your taste. Here are a few ideas:

Bell peppers: Adding finely chopped bell peppers gives a bit of crunch and extra flavour.
Bacon: Crispy bacon bits add a smoky taste that pairs well with the cheesy corn.
Imitation crab meat: This adds a seafood element to the dish, which is quite popular in some versions of Korean corn cheese.
Spicy kick: If you like a bit of heat, try adding chopped chillies or a sprinkle of chilli flakes.

You can be as creative as you like with this dish since it’s easy to adapt.

Mistakes to Avoid When Making Korean Corn Cheese

Here are a few common mistakes to avoid to make sure your Korean corn cheese turns out perfect:

Not draining the corn: If you use canned or frozen corn, make sure to drain it properly. Too much liquid will make the dish soggy.
Overcooking the cheese: Keep an eye on the dish when it’s in the oven. You want the cheese to melt but not burn.
Skipping the sugar: It might seem odd to add sugar to a savoury dish, but it helps balance the flavours. Don’t skip it, even if you’re using sweet corn.

What to Serve with Korean Corn Cheese

Korean corn cheese pairs well with many different dishes, especially grilled meats. Here are some ideas for what to serve it with:

Korean BBQ: It’s a perfect side for Korean BBQ, especially with grilled beef or pork.
Tortilla chips or bread: You can serve it as a dip for tortilla chips or crusty bread.
Rice: Corn cheese goes well with plain steamed rice for a simple meal.

It’s also great on its own as a snack, especially when you’re having a casual meal with friends or family.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Korean corn cheese ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dish a day or two in advance. Just cover it and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve it, bake it until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

How long does it last in the fridge?

Korean corn cheese will last up to three days in the fridge if stored in an airtight container. To reheat, you can pop it in the microwave or the oven.

Can I freeze Korean corn cheese?

It’s not recommended to freeze this dish. The texture of the corn and cheese changes when frozen and thawed, so it’s best enjoyed fresh.

Can I make it without mayonnaise?

If you prefer not to use mayonnaise, you can try using cream cheese or sour cream as a substitute. The texture will be slightly different, but it will still be creamy and delicious.

Final Thoughts

Korean corn cheese is a simple and delicious dish that you can easily make at home. Whether you’re serving it with Korean BBQ or enjoying it as a snack, it’s sure to be a hit with anyone who loves cheesy, creamy flavours. The best part is that you can customise it however you like, making it a versatile side dish that fits any occasion.

With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you’ll have a dish that’s sure to impress your friends and family. Give it a try next time you’re looking for something tasty and easy to make!

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Disclaimer

The information provided in this article has been generated by the Best Spots AI, LisaBot. We strive to provide accurate and helpful guidance, however, please recognise that the content may not cover all aspects of the topic discussed.

Lisa Bot

Meet LisaBot, the AI food connoisseur. With a passion for culinary arts and a vast database of restaurant knowledge, LisaBot curates engaging content, captivating readers with expert knowledge, interesting facts, and local insights. Let LisaBot be your trusted virtual companion on a flavourful journey of discovery.