Corn Pancakes, Thai Style

Thai-style Corn Pancakes – fresh corn combined with eggs, seasoned with soy and chile, and cooked in butter to perfection. After trying countless variations, these pancakes stand out as the absolute best, delivering a burst of delightful flavors with every bite. The combination of fresh corn, scallions, and minced chile creates a taste sensation that is simply irresistible. Serve these delectable pancakes either plain, with a side of Basil-Soy Dipping Sauce, or topped with a splash of lime juice, minced chile, and chopped basil for an extra kick. For a variation with a unique twist, explore the Korean-style and Hot Curry versions. Both options add exciting new dimensions to this delicious dish. So, let’s dive into the recipe and experience the mouthwatering delight of Thai-style Corn Pancakes!

Makes: 4 servings

Time: 30 minutes

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 eggs, separated
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 cup chopped scallion
• 1 teaspoon minced fresh chile (like jalapeño or Thai), or to taste, or hot red pepper flakes or cayenne to taste
• 2 cups corn kernels, preferably just stripped from the cobs, but thawed frozen is acceptable
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 to 4 tablespoons butter, peanut oil, or neutral oil, like grapeseed or corn

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. In a large bowl, combine the egg yolks, a pinch of salt, a generous 1/2 teaspoon or more of black pepper, chopped scallions, minced chile, corn kernels, soy sauce, and flour. Mix the ingredients well until fully combined.
2. In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form.
3. Put 3 tablespoons of butter or oil in a large skillet (cast-iron or nonstick is best) over medium-high heat.
4. Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the corn mixture, creating a light and airy batter.
5. Once the butter foam subsides or the oil is hot, spoon pancake-sized dollops of the batter into the pan, cooking 4 to 6 pancakes at a time.
6. Cook the pancakes until they turn nicely brown on one side, which typically takes 3 to 5 minutes. Then, carefully flip the pancakes to brown the other side.
7. If needed, keep the cooked pancakes warm in a low oven while you cook the remaining batches, adding the remaining butter or oil as necessary.
8. Serve the Corn Pancakes immediately, offering a delightful burst of flavors with each bite.

VARIATIONS:

• Corn Pancakes, Korean Style: Add 1 tablespoon each of minced fresh ginger and garlic, with the chile being optional. Cook the pancakes using a mix of neutral oil and dark sesame oil for a Korean-inspired twist.
• Hot Curry Corn Pancakes: Increase the amount of chiles to 2 teaspoons or more, and substitute Hot Curry Powder for the soy sauce. Pair these spicy pancakes with a cooling Raita to balance the heat.

TIPS:

• Fresh Corn: For the best flavor and texture, use fresh corn kernels stripped directly from the cobs. If fresh corn is not available, thawed frozen corn can be used as an acceptable alternative.
• Beating Egg Whites: Achieving stiff peaks when beating the egg whites is crucial to creating light and fluffy pancakes.
• Serving Suggestions: Enjoy the Thai-style Corn Pancakes on their own or pair them with Basil-Soy Dipping Sauce, a splash of lime juice, minced chile, and chopped basil for added zest.
• Explore the Variations: Embrace the flavors of different cultures with the Korean-style and Hot Curry versions, enhancing your dining experience with exciting twists on the classic Corn Pancakes.

Delight in the scrumptious Thai-style Corn Pancakes, an extraordinary treat of fresh corn, eggs, and delightful seasonings. With their light and airy texture and mouthwatering flavors, these pancakes are sure to become a favorite at your dining table. Whether you serve them plain, with a zesty dipping sauce, or experiment with delightful variations, every bite of these pancakes is a culinary journey to savor. Embrace the flavors of Thai cuisine and explore the unique Korean-style and Hot Curry variations, adding a touch of excitement to this beloved dish. So, let’s get cooking and indulge in the irresistible pleasure of Thai-style Corn Pancakes!