This Korean-inspired corn cheese with a sweet corn drink is quick, comforting, and uses every bit of the corn — even the cooking water. It’s an easy treat that feels indulgent but wastes nothing: the water used to boil the corn becomes a naturally sweet base for a creamy corn drink.
Sweet and Creamy Corn Drink
Yes, a drink made from corn water — and it’s surprisingly delicious. The corn infuses the boiling water with a light sweetness and fresh corn flavor. A little sugar and a splash of milk turn that corn-infused liquid into a refreshing, slightly creamy drink. Try it once and it might become a new favorite.
Fresh corn on the cob yields the best flavor and texture, but frozen corn works well when fresh corn isn’t available. Boiling the corn concentrates the flavor in both the kernels and the cooking liquid, making the drink especially tasty when you reduce that liquid slightly before finishing.
Corn Cheese – a Staple in Korean BBQ!
Corn cheese is a popular side at Korean barbecue restaurants and trendy spots, and it’s easy to make at home. This version combines hot corn with butter, mayonnaise, and plenty of melty cheese for a rich, savory-sweet dish. It’s comforting, shareable, and budget-friendly compared with dining out.
I like using freshly grated mozzarella for a gooey texture, but any melty cheese will do. Kewpie mayonnaise is my go-to — it’s slightly sweeter and richer than standard American mayo because it’s made with egg yolks. If you have Kewpie, it enhances the flavor, but regular mayo works fine too.
Check out these recipes if you’re a fan of Korean food!
- Korean Macaroni Salad (Banchan)
- Korean Cafe Homemade Strawberry Milk
Watch my video tutorial below!
Don’t waste your corn water! #corncheese #learnontiktok #foodfam #quickrecipes #asianfood #fyp #aapifamily
Print
Korean Corn Cheese and Drink
- Author: Jasmine and Tea
Description
This recipe shows how to enjoy corn fully — the kernels become a cheesy, comforting side and the cooking water becomes a sweet, creamy drink.
Ingredients
Scale
Corn Cheese
- 2 cups corn (fresh is best; frozen or canned also work)
- 1 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp kewpie mayonnaise (or regular mayo)
- 1/2 cup grated cheese (mozzarella or another melty cheese)
- Salt, to taste
- Red pepper flakes, to taste
Sweet Corn Drink
- Granulated sugar, to taste
- Milk or a milk alternative, a splash for creaminess
Instructions
- Fill a pot with enough water to cover the corn by about half an inch and bring it to a boil. Cook the corn until tender. Reserve the cooking water; we’ll reduce it for the drink.
- Remove the corn and continue to simmer the cooking liquid until it concentrates and tastes strongly of corn rather than watery. Keep it warm while you prepare the corn cheese.
- While the liquid reduces, mix the hot corn kernels with butter, mayonnaise, and grated cheese. Season with salt and red pepper flakes to taste.
- Top the corn with an extra sprinkle of cheese and a little mayonnaise for a glossy finish. If you like, melt the top under a broiler or in a hot oven for a minute to get extra gooeyness.
- Pour some of the reduced corn liquid into a cup, sweeten with granulated sugar, and add a dash of milk for creaminess. Stir to combine and taste, adjusting sweetness and milk as needed.
- Serve the corn cheese hot alongside the sweet corn drink and enjoy immediately.
Notes
The corn drink is best when made with fresh corn on the cob, but frozen or canned corn still produces a tasty, slightly sweet beverage. Adjust sugar and milk to your preference.