
Mexican Corn Dog
Sausage in sweetcorn batter with jalapeño and cotija cheese.
About this recipe
Frankfurter sausage coated in spiced sweetcorn batter with jalapeño, cotija cheese and chilli powder, fried until golden and crispy. The Tex-Mex version of the American fairground classic with a spicy, flavoursome kick.
History & Origin
The Mexican Corn Dog is a perfect example of how Tex-Mex culture transforms an American fairground classic into something entirely new and more exciting. The original corn dog - a sausage on a stick, coated in sweet cornmeal batter - is an invention of the Texas state fairs of the early 20th century, popularised across the United States from the 1940s. But in the hands of Mexican and Tejano communities of the American Southwest, this humble street snack was radically transformed: jalapeño was added to the batter for heat, cotija cheese crumbled in for a salty, earthy note, chilli powder mixed with lime for dusting on top, and some Texan cooks even substitute the conventional sausage with Mexican chorizo. The county fairs of Texas, especially the State Fair of Texas in Dallas, are world-famous for their fried food innovations, and the Mexican Corn Dog has become one of the favourites at these events. Beyond the fairs, food trucks in the Rio Grande Valley and San Antonio serve artisanal versions of this snack that honour the traditions of both cultures.
Estimated cost
£7.91
Total cost
£1.32
Per serving
* Approximate prices based on UK supermarkets
Nutritional information per serving
350
Calories
12g
Protein
32g
Carbohydrates
18g
Fat
2g
Fibre
680mg
Sodium
* Approximate values. May vary depending on ingredients used.
Method
- 1
Thread each sausage onto a long wooden skewer (pre-soaked in water for 10 minutes). Pat the sausages thoroughly dry with kitchen paper so the batter adheres properly.

- 2
Make the batter: mix the cornmeal, plain flour, baking powder, sugar, salt and chilli powder. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg with the milk and add to the dry ingredients. Fold in the finely chopped jalapeño and the crumbled cotija cheese. The batter should be thick but pourable, like pancake batter. If too thick, add a little more milk.

- 3
Heat plenty of oil to 180°C in a deep saucepan. The oil should be at least 10cm deep.

- 4
Pour the batter into a tall, narrow glass or jug (ideal for dipping). Submerge each sausage on its skewer, turning to coat evenly in batter.

- 5
Fry the corn dogs for 3-4 minutes, turning constantly, until golden and crispy on all sides. Drain on kitchen paper.

- 6
Dust with more chilli powder and crumbled cotija. Serve immediately with yellow mustard, chipotle mayonnaise and hot sauce.

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Founder, Recetas Mexas
Mexican from Puebla, IT professional and foodie. Author of 1000+ authentic Mexican recipes adapted for home kitchens worldwide. Based in Madrid since 2018.
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