Easy Korean Corn Cheese
Easy Korean Corn Cheese is a easy Korean recipe that serves 4. 202 calories per serving. Recipe by What Great Grandma Ate on YouTube.
Prep: 5 min | Cook: 11 min | Total: 20 min
Cost: $2.25 total, $0.56 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 cup Corn Kernels (canned or frozen, drained well)
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (cut into small pieces)
- 2 tablespoons Mayonnaise (regular mayo, room temperature)
- 1 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (low‑moisture mozzarella, shredded)
- 1 teaspoon Granulated Sugar (adds a subtle sweetness)
Instructions
Prepare Ingredients
Drain the corn, shred the mozzarella if not pre‑shredded, and measure butter, mayo, and sugar.
Time: PT5M
Heat Skillet
Place the skillet over medium‑high heat and let it warm for about 2 minutes.
Time: PT2M
Melt Butter
Add the butter pieces and stir until fully melted, about 1 minute.
Time: PT1M
Sauté Corn
Add the drained corn to the pan and sauté, stirring occasionally, until the kernels are lightly golden, about 3 minutes.
Time: PT3M
Add Mayonnaise
Stir in the mayonnaise, coating the corn evenly. Cook for another minute.
Time: PT1M
Sweeten Slightly
Sprinkle the teaspoon of sugar over the corn mixture and stir until dissolved.
Time: PT30S
Melt Cheese
Evenly distribute the shredded mozzarella over the top, cover the skillet with a lid, and let the cheese melt for 2‑3 minutes.
Time: PT3M
Serve Immediately
Remove the skillet from heat, give a gentle stir to combine, and serve hot as a side dish.
Time: PT0M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 202
- Protein
- 6g
- Carbohydrates
- 20g
- Fat
- 12g
- Fiber
- 2g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, Gluten‑Free (if mayo is gluten‑free)
Allergens: Dairy, Egg (mayonnaise)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Corn Kernels: fresh corn kernels, frozen corn
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: margarine, olive oil
- Instead of Mayonnaise: Greek yogurt, vegan mayo
- Instead of Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: shredded cheddar, shredded provolone, vegan cheese
- Instead of Granulated Sugar: honey, agave syrup, omit for less sweet
Equipment Needed
- Skillet
- Spatula
- Measuring Spoons
- Serving Plate
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Melt butter without letting it brown or burn
- Sauté corn until lightly golden to develop flavor
- Cover the pan to fully melt the mozzarella cheese
Chef Tips from the Video
- For extra sweetness, use fresh corn off the cob
- Add a pinch of salt or a dash of black pepper for depth
- Garnish with chopped scallions or parsley for color
Troubleshooting
Cheese does not melt smoothly
Use shredded low‑moisture mozzarella and cover the pan to trap steam; lower heat if needed.
Corn becomes watery
Drain and pat the corn dry before adding to the pan.
Butter burns
Reduce heat to medium and add the corn as soon as the butter is fully melted.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.
Freezer: Not recommended – cheese texture changes when frozen.
Room temperature: Serve immediately; can sit at room temperature for up to 1 hour but will lose its gooey texture.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the corn‑butter‑mayo mixture and keep refrigerated; add cheese and melt just before serving
- Shred cheese in advance and store in a sealed bag
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Korean Corn Cheese in Korean barbecue cuisine?
Korean corn cheese, often called "옥수수 치즈," originated as a simple street‑food snack and quickly became a beloved side at home Korean barbecues. Its creamy, cheesy texture complements the smoky meat, making it a staple comfort side that families share during gatherings.
What are the traditional regional variations of Korean Corn Cheese in Korean cuisine?
While the basic recipe uses corn, butter, mayo, and mozzarella, some regions add a touch of gochujang for spice or sprinkle chopped green onions for freshness. In Jeju, a hint of sweet potato puree is sometimes mixed in for extra sweetness.
How is Korean Corn Cheese traditionally served in Korean homes?
It is typically served hot, straight from the skillet, as a communal side dish alongside grilled samgyeopsal or galbi. Diners scoop the gooey cheese‑coated corn onto their plates and eat it with rice or wrap it in lettuce.
During what occasions is Korean Corn Cheese commonly enjoyed in Korean culture?
Korean corn cheese appears at family gatherings, weekend BBQs, and festive celebrations like Chuseok or birthdays, where sharing a warm, cheesy side adds to the convivial atmosphere.
What makes Korean Corn Cheese special compared to other corn side dishes in Korean cuisine?
The combination of buttery corn, creamy mayonnaise, and a generous melt of mozzarella creates a uniquely rich, sweet‑savory flavor that isn’t found in typical Korean vegetable sides, making it a crowd‑pleasing indulgence.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Korean Corn Cheese at home?
Common errors include burning the butter, using too much liquid corn which makes the dish soggy, and adding cheese too early so it dries out. Follow the stovetop method, drain the corn well, and melt the cheese only at the end.
Why does this Korean Corn Cheese recipe use mayonnaise instead of cream?
Mayonnaise provides a stable emulsion that keeps the corn coating smooth and adds a subtle tang, while also being shelf‑stable and easy to find. Cream would separate under high heat, whereas mayo stays glossy.
Can I make Korean Corn Cheese ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, you can prepare the corn‑butter‑mayo mixture and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. Add the shredded mozzarella and melt just before serving. Store in an airtight container and reheat gently on the stovetop.
What texture and appearance should I look for when Korean Corn Cheese is done cooking?
The corn should be glossy and lightly golden, and the mozzarella should be fully melted, forming a smooth, slightly bubbly surface. The dish should look creamy with a golden‑brown edge on the corn.
What does the YouTube channel What Great Grandma Ate specialize in?
The YouTube channel What Great Grandma Ate focuses on traditional and nostalgic home‑cooked recipes, often highlighting comfort foods from Korean heritage and sharing stories from past generations.
How does the YouTube channel What Great Grandma Ate's approach to Korean cooking differ from other Korean cooking channels?
What Great Grandma Ate emphasizes simplicity, minimal ingredients, and authentic family‑style techniques, often using stovetop methods that reflect how older generations cooked before modern ovens became common.
Last updated: September 6, 2026
