Spicy Southeast Asian Corn Fritters
These Spicy Southeast Asian Corn Fritters are a delightful combination of sweet and spicy flavors, perfect for appetizers or snacks. Inspired by traditional recipes but given a modern twist, they feature the sweetness of fresh corn combined with the heat of poblano chilies and aromatic spices, ensuring a burst of flavor in every bite. Easy to prepare and quick to fry, these fritters will become a household favorite that showcases the vibrant culinary essence of Southeast Asia.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
poblano chile
1 (roasted, peeled, stemmed, and seeded)
red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon
fresh corn kernels
3 cups (from 5 or 6 ears of corn) (removed from the cob)
egg
1 (beaten)
all-purpose flour
1/2 cup
ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon
ground cumin
1 teaspoon
fresh cilantro leaves
1/2 cup (chopped)
salt
1 dash
pepper
1 dash
corn oil
for deep frying
Instructions
1
Begin by roasting the poblano chile in a dry skillet over medium heat. Rotate occasionally until the skin is charred all over. Once roasted, remove from heat, let cool, then peel, stem, and seed the chile.
2
In a food processor, combine the roasted poblano with the red pepper flakes and 2 cups of fresh corn. Blend until smooth, stopping to scrape down the sides if necessary.
3
Transfer the corn puree into a mixing bowl. Add the remaining whole corn kernels, egg, flour, ground coriander, ground cumin, and fresh cilantro. Season with a dash of salt and pepper. Mix until just combined; the mixture should hold together when clumped. If it's too loose, add a little more flour to achieve the desired consistency.
4
In a deep saucepan or skillet, heat at least 2 inches of corn oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (180°C). You can test the oil's readiness by dropping in a pinch of flour; it should sizzle immediately.
5
Using a spoon or your hands, form the batter into golf-ball-sized fritters. Carefully slide the fritters into the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 4 minutes, turning once, until they are golden brown and crispy.
6
Once fried, remove the fritters and drain on paper towels. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce and ENJOY!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Spicy Southeast Asian Corn Fritters?
They are a delightful snack or appetizer combining the sweetness of fresh corn with the heat of poblano chilies and aromatic spices.
Are these corn fritters vegetarian?
Yes, these fritters are vegetarian as they contain corn, flour, eggs, and spices.
How many ears of corn do I need?
You will need approximately 5 to 6 ears of corn to get the required 3 cups of kernels.
Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen corn, but ensure it is completely thawed and patted dry before use.
How do I roast the poblano chile?
Roast it in a dry skillet over medium heat, rotating until the skin is charred all over, then peel and seed it.
What is the purpose of blending some of the corn?
Blending 2 cups of the corn creates a puree that acts as a flavorful base, while the remaining kernels provide texture.
What can I use if I don't have a poblano chile?
You can substitute with an Anaheim pepper for mild heat or a green bell pepper for no heat.
How do I know when the oil is ready for frying?
The oil is ready when it reaches 350°F (180°C) or when a pinch of flour sizzles immediately upon contact.
What type of flour is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for all-purpose flour to help bind the ingredients together.
Can I make these fritters gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend.
What spices give these fritters their flavor?
The primary spices are ground coriander, ground cumin, red pepper flakes, and fresh cilantro.
How long do I need to fry the fritters?
Fry them for about 4 minutes, turning once, until they are golden brown and crispy.
What should I do if my batter is too loose?
If the mixture doesn't hold together, add a little more flour until you achieve the desired consistency.
What size should the fritters be?
It is recommended to form the batter into golf-ball-sized portions.
What is the best oil for frying these?
Corn oil is suggested for deep frying, though other high-smoke-point oils like vegetable or canola oil work well.
How should I serve these corn fritters?
Serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauce, such as sweet chili sauce or a spicy mayo.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
You can attempt a vegan version by using a flax egg or a commercial egg replacer as a binder.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 11 ingredients including the spices and the oil for frying.
Do I need to peel the roasted poblano?
Yes, the charred skin should be peeled off after roasting for a smoother texture in the puree.
Is the cilantro necessary?
Cilantro provides a fresh, aromatic element essential to the Southeast Asian flavor profile, but you can omit it if you have a preference against it.
Can I prepare the batter ahead of time?
The batter can be prepared a few hours in advance and kept in the refrigerator, but it is best fried fresh.
Why did my fritters turn out soggy?
Soggy fritters usually result from oil that isn't hot enough; ensure the oil stays at 350°F during frying.
How do I drain the excess oil?
Place the fried fritters on paper towels immediately after removing them from the oil.
Can I bake these instead of frying?
While you can bake them, they will not achieve the same characteristic golden-brown crispiness as deep frying.
How do I store leftover fritters?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
What is the best way to reheat them?
Reheat them in an oven or air fryer at 350°F until warmed through to maintain their crispiness.
Can I use canned corn?
Yes, but make sure to drain and rinse it thoroughly to remove excess sodium and moisture.
How spicy are these fritters?
They have a mild to moderate heat depending on the spice level of your poblano and the amount of red pepper flakes used.
Should I beat the egg before adding it?
Yes, the recipe specifies using one beaten egg to ensure it incorporates evenly into the mixture.
Are these fritters suitable for kids?
If your children enjoy a little spice, they are a great snack, but you can reduce the red pepper flakes for a milder version.