Zesty Jalapeno Corn Relish Recipe: A Sunny Burst of Flavor

Spicing up summer gatherings becomes effortless with this zesty jalapeno corn relish that delivers a punch of flavor.

Kernels burst with smoky heat and vibrant colors.

Local farmers’ markets provide the freshest ingredients for this simple condiment.

Crisp corn mingles with tangy peppers, creating a versatile topping for grilled meats or tacos.

Chopped jalapeños add a delightful kick that wakes up any plate.

Homemade relish beats store-bought versions every single time.

You’ll want to keep a jar of this bright, bold mixture in your refrigerator for spontaneous flavor boosts.

What Makes Jalapeno Corn Relish So Tasty

• Boost Kitchen Confidence: Master a simple yet impressive corn relish that transforms ordinary meals into gourmet experiences with minimal cooking skills required.
• Versatile Flavor Enhancer: Create a zesty condiment that complements grilled meats, tacos, sandwiches, and salads, instantly elevating your culinary repertoire with vibrant taste and texture.
• Quick Homemade Delight: Prepare a fresh, preservative-free relish in just a few minutes, delivering restaurant-quality flavor straight from your kitchen with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction.
• Customize Heat Levels: Control the spiciness by adjusting jalapeno seeds, making this recipe adaptable for various taste preferences and perfect for family gatherings or personal enjoyment.

Jalapeno Corn Relish Ingredients Overview

• Corn Kernels: Sweet summer corn provides the base and texture of the relish.
• Jalapeno Peppers: Adds a spicy kick with adjustable heat levels.
• Red Bell Peppers: Brings a mild sweetness and vibrant color to the relish.
• Red Onions: Contributes a sharp and tangy flavor profile.

• Garlic: Provides a deep, pungent flavor foundation for the relish.
• Mustard Seeds: Releases a subtle nutty and slightly spicy essence.

• Apple Cider Vinegar, Sugar, Salt, Black Pepper: Create a balanced sweet, tangy, and savory flavor combination that enhances the overall taste of the relish.
• Olive Oil: Serves as the cooking medium and adds a subtle richness to the dish.

Steps To Make Jalapeno Corn Relish

Step 1: Wash and Dry Vegetables

Clean all vegetables thoroughly under cool running water. Pat them completely dry using clean kitchen towels to remove excess moisture and ensure crisp texture.

Step 2: Slice and Dice Peppers

Slice jalapeno peppers into thin rings. Remove seeds for mild heat or keep them for extra spiciness. Finely dice red bell peppers and red onions into small, uniform pieces.

Step 3: Heat Oil and Toast Mustard Seeds

Pour olive oil into a large skillet over medium-high heat. Wait until the oil shimmers, then add mustard seeds. Allow seeds to pop and release their nutty aroma, creating a flavorful foundation.

Step 4: Sauté Garlic

Quickly add minced garlic to the skillet. Stir continuously to prevent burning and develop a rich, aromatic base for the relish.

Step 5: Cook Corn Kernels

Add corn kernels to the skillet. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until they turn light golden and become slightly tender, developing a sweet, caramelized flavor.

Step 6: Combine Vegetables

• Diced jalapenos
• Red bell peppers
• Red onions

Continue cooking for 2-3 minutes to blend flavors and soften the vegetables.

Step 7: Season the Relish

Pour apple cider vinegar over the vegetable mixture. Sprinkle in sugar, salt, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly to distribute seasonings evenly.

Step 8: Simmer and Reduce

Lower heat to low. Simmer the relish for 5-7 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and liquid to reduce slightly, creating a rich and cohesive condiment.

Step 9: Cool and Rest

Remove skillet from heat. Let the relish cool to room temperature, which helps flavors intensify and develop a more complex taste profile.

Step 10: Store and Preserve

Transfer jalapeno corn relish to clean, sterilized jars. Seal tightly and refrigerate. The relish will stay fresh for up to one week, ready to enhance your favorite dishes.

Pro Tips For Jalapeno Corn Relish Prep

• Prep Like a Pro: Wash all vegetables meticulously and pat completely dry to prevent excess moisture that could dilute the relish's vibrant flavors.
• Control the Heat: Remove jalapeno seeds for a milder version or keep them intact for a spicier kick, giving you total control over the relish's heat level.
• Master the Sauté Technique: Heat olive oil until it shimmers, then add mustard seeds to release their nutty aroma and create a flavor-packed base for your relish.
• Balance Flavors Perfectly: Stir in sugar, vinegar, salt, and pepper gradually, tasting as you go to achieve a harmonious sweet-tangy-spicy profile that complements various dishes.

Try These Variations On Jalapeno Corn Relish

• Spicy Mango Corn Relish: Replace bell peppers with diced fresh mango for a sweet and tangy tropical version that adds bright flavor complexity.
• Smoky Chipotle Corn Relish: Substitute jalapeños with chipotle peppers in adobo sauce to create a deeper, smokier heat profile that complements the corn's sweetness.
• Herb-Infused Corn Relish: Add fresh chopped cilantro or dill during the final cooking stage to introduce an aromatic herbal dimension to the classic recipe.
• Vegan Corn Relish: Ensure all ingredients are plant-based and swap sugar with agave nectar or maple syrup for a completely vegan-friendly condiment that maintains rich flavor depth.

Pair Jalapeno Corn Relish With These Favorites

• Pair Spicy Sweetness with Crisp White Wine: Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc complement the relish's vibrant heat and sweetness, balancing the corn's richness with their bright, acidic notes.
• Grill Perfectly Matched Proteins: Grilled chicken, pork tenderloin, or mild white fish create an ideal canvas for this zesty relish, allowing the corn's smoky-sweet flavors to shine through.
• Serve Alongside Creamy Counterpoints: Soft goat cheese, rich cream cheese, or smooth avocado provide a cool, creamy contrast to the relish's spicy-tangy profile, creating a delightful taste experience.

Storing Jalapeno Corn Relish The Right Way

• Store the relish in airtight glass containers, keeping it fresh for 5-7 days in the coldest part of your refrigerator. Cover completely with a tight-fitting lid to prevent absorption of other food odors.
• Transfer the relish to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 2-3 months, maintaining optimal flavor and texture. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Warm the relish in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Add a splash of water or vinegar to restore moisture and prevent drying out. Heat until warmed through, approximately 3-4 minutes.

Jalapeno Corn Relish Questions Answered

• Can I make this relish less spicy?

Remove the jalapeno seeds or use fewer peppers to reduce heat. You can also substitute with a milder green pepper for a gentler flavor.

• Is this relish good for canning?

While this recipe is designed for short-term refrigeration, you can modify it for proper water bath canning by following standard canning safety guidelines and adjusting acidity levels.

• What main dishes pair well with this corn relish?

This relish complements grilled meats like chicken, pork, and fish. It’s excellent as a topping for tacos, burgers, and sandwiches, adding a bright, tangy kick.

Jalapeno Corn Relish Recipe

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4.8 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Spicy jalapeño corn relish brings summer’s zesty charm to your plate, dancing with fresh kernels and fiery peppers. Crisp, tangy, and perfect for grilled meats or as a vibrant side, you’ll savor each colorful bite of this Mexican-inspired condiment.

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Ingredients

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Corn and Vegetables:

• 4 cups corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
• 2 jalapeno peppers
• 1/2 cup red bell pepper
• 1/4 cup red onion

Vinegar and Seasoning:

• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Preservation and Binding:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp mustard seeds
• 1 clove garlic, minced

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Instructions

1. Prepare all vegetables by thoroughly washing and patting them dry with clean kitchen towels to ensure optimal cleanliness and prevent excess moisture.
2. Carefully slice jalapeno peppers into thin, uniform rings, removing seeds for milder heat or keeping them for extra spiciness, then finely dice red bell peppers and red onions.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high temperature, allowing it to shimmer slightly before adding mustard seeds, which will begin to pop and release their aromatic essence.
4. Introduce minced garlic to the skillet, stirring quickly to prevent burning and creating a fragrant base for the relish.
5. Add corn kernels to the skillet, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until they develop a light golden color and become slightly tender.
6. Incorporate diced jalapeno, red bell pepper, and red onion into the corn mixture, continuing to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to blend flavors and soften vegetables.
7. Pour apple cider vinegar over the vegetable mixture, then sprinkle sugar, salt, and black pepper, stirring thoroughly to ensure even distribution of seasonings.
8. Reduce heat to low and simmer the relish for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the liquid to reduce slightly, creating a cohesive and vibrant condiment.
9. Remove from heat and let the relish cool to room temperature, which will help the flavors intensify and develop a more complex taste profile.
10. Transfer the jalapeno corn relish to clean, sterilized jars for storage, ensuring a tight seal and refrigerating to maintain freshness for up to one week.

Notes

• Customize heat levels by removing jalapeno seeds for a milder version or keeping them for extra spiciness, giving you full control over the relish’s intensity.
• Experiment with different vinegars like rice or white wine vinegar to create unique flavor variations that complement various dishes.
• Consider roasting corn kernels beforehand to enhance their natural sweetness and add a smoky depth to the relish’s overall flavor profile.
• Make this relish vegetarian and vegan-friendly by using organic ingredients and ensuring all components align with plant-based dietary requirements.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 100
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 190 mg
• Fat: 4 g
• Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg