Cilantro-Lime Instant Pot Creamed Corn

Instant Pot Creamed Corn in white bowl with teal rim and a spoon on wood table.

Cilantro-Lime Instant Pot Creamed Corn

This recipe is an adaption of my childhood memories of creamed corn, combined with my love of the cilantro and lime flavor profile.

Course Side Dish

Cuisine Southern

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Servings

Calories 202kcal

Author Gary White

Ingredients

5 cups corn
1 ½ cups water
1 tsp. sea salt
2 Tbsp. cilantro leaves finely chopped
zest of 2 limes finely choped
¼ tsp. cayenne pepper
½ cup butter
1 Tbsp. cornstarch
2 Tbsp. water

Instructions

Cut corn kernels off 6 cobs to yield 4-5 cups. Break up the corn into individual kernels.
Place corn, 1 ½ cups of water, and 1 tsp. sea salt into the Instant Pot. Mix well.
Lock the lid and cook on high pressure for 4 minutes.
Once the cooking time is complete, perform a quick release of the pressure and remove the lid.
Switch the Instant Pot to the sauté setting. Add ½ cup butter, chopped cilantro, lime zest, and ¼ tsp. cayenne pepper. Mix until the butter is completely melted.
Make a cornstarch slurry by mixing 1 Tbsp. cornstarch with 2 Tbsp. water. Pour the slurry into the pot and mix well until the desired consistency is reached, about 1 minute.
Switch the Instant Pot to the warm setting until ready to serve.

Video

Notes

Expert Tips

Fresh Corn: Use fresh corn for the best flavor, but frozen corn works well too.
Microplane Grater: Use this for zesting limes for the finest zest.
Vegan Option: Substitute regular butter with vegan butter.
Adjusting Heat: Reduce or omit cayenne pepper if you prefer a milder dish.
Cornstarch Slurry: Ensure the slurry is well mixed to avoid lumps.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Serving Suggestions: This dish pairs well with grilled meats or as a side for Mexican-inspired meals.

FAQs

Can I make this without cilantro and lime? Yes. Leaving out cilantro and lime will give you a more traditional creamed corn.

What is a microplane grater? Microplane graters are perfect for delicate work such as grating spices, like nutmeg, and zesting citrus fruit. You can purchase one on Amazon for under $15 or from the kitchen department of your local department store.

What if I don’t have a microplane grater? In a pinch, you may use a vegetable peeler and a knife to make lime zest.

Can I use frozen corn? Yes, you can use frozen corn without defrosting. The cooking time remains the same.

Nutrition