There’s something truly magical about the vibrant flavors of a mexican street corn recipe, especially when the sun is shining and friends are gathered around. Imagine biting into sweet, juicy corn, perfectly charred and slathered in a creamy mixture that dances with zesty lime and spicy chili. It’s like a mini fiesta on a cob! This dish, known as elote, is a staple at street carts in Mexico, and it captures the essence of summer gatherings and outdoor celebrations. The combination of textures and flavors—crunchy, creamy, spicy, and tangy—makes it irresistible. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become a go-to for barbecues, picnics, or just a casual evening on the patio. Let’s dive into this deliciousness together!
Ingredients List
For this mouthwatering mexican street corn recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 4 ears of corn, husked
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup crumbled Cotija cheese
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 lime, juiced
- Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
These simple yet flavorful ingredients come together to create a delightful dish that’s perfect for sharing!
How to Prepare Instructions
Ready to whip up this fantastic mexican street corn recipe? Let’s get grilling! First things first, you’ll want to preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This is crucial for achieving that perfect char on your corn. While the grill heats up, husk your corn and give it a rinse to remove any silk. Once the grill is hot, place the corn directly on the grates.
Grill the corn for about 10 to 15 minutes, turning occasionally. You’re looking for nice charred spots all around, which adds that smoky flavor we love. Don’t rush this part; the char is what makes it so special! When the corn is ready, carefully remove it from the grill and let it cool slightly—just enough so you can handle it without burning your fingers.
Now, while your corn is cooling, let’s make that creamy topping! In a bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, and half of the Cotija cheese. This mixture is what transforms the sweet corn into a flavor explosion, so make sure it’s well combined. Once the corn has cooled a bit, generously spread the creamy mixture all over it. Don’t be shy! Finally, sprinkle the remaining Cotija cheese on top and finish with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for that extra zing!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation—ready in just 25 minutes!
- Bold, vibrant flavors that bring a taste of Mexico to your table.
- Simple grilling method that makes it perfect for summer barbecues.
- Vegetarian-friendly, so everyone can enjoy this delicious dish.
- Highly customizable with toppings and spice levels to suit your taste.
- Perfectly charred corn adds a smoky depth that’s simply irresistible.
Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll be on repeat throughout the season!
Tips for Success
To nail this mexican street corn recipe, here are some of my favorite pro tips! First, make sure your grill is preheated to medium-high heat—this is key for that gorgeous char. If you want to kick things up a notch, feel free to adjust the chili powder to match your spice preference; I sometimes add a pinch of cayenne for extra heat! For the best char, turn the corn frequently to ensure even grilling, and don’t be afraid to leave it on until you see those beautiful charred spots. Trust me, it’ll make all the difference in flavor!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to switch up your mexican street corn recipe! For a twist, try adding crumbled bacon or diced avocado for extra richness. Want to change the flavor profile? Mix in some chipotle sauce for a smoky kick or top with fresh diced jalapeños for a spicy crunch. You can also experiment with different cheeses; feta works beautifully if you can’t find Cotija. For a zesty touch, sprinkle some chili-lime seasoning or drizzle with hot sauce. The possibilities are endless, so feel free to get creative and make it your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you happen to have any leftovers from this delicious mexican street corn recipe, don’t worry! You can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure to let the corn cool completely before sealing it up to avoid condensation, which can make it soggy. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, the best way to reheat is on the grill for a few minutes until warmed through and slightly charred again. If you don’t have a grill, a stovetop skillet works just fine, just be sure to keep an eye on it to prevent burning. Enjoy that fresh flavor all over again!
Nutritional Information
Here’s an estimated breakdown of the nutritional values for each serving of this delightful mexican street corn recipe:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fiber: 3g
Keep in mind that these values can vary based on ingredients and portion sizes!
FAQ Section
Can I make this mexican street corn recipe ahead of time?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the creamy topping in advance and store it in the fridge. Just grill the corn right before serving for that perfect char and flavor.
What’s the difference between elote and esquites?
Great question! Elote is served on the cob, while esquites is essentially elote served off the cob in a cup, often mixed with similar toppings. Both are delicious!
Can I use frozen corn?
You can, but fresh corn really shines in this recipe! If you’re using frozen, make sure it’s thawed and well-drained before grilling.
How spicy is this recipe?
The spice level is adjustable! You can control the heat by adding more or less chili powder. If you love heat, feel free to add some jalapeños or hot sauce!
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this delicious mexican street corn recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a perfect side dish for everyone to enjoy!
For more delicious recipes, check out this pasta primavera recipe or this creamy garlic parmesan pasta recipe.
Print
Mexican Street Corn Recipe: 7 Bold Flavors to Savor
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A flavorful Mexican street corn recipe that combines sweet corn with creamy toppings and spices.
Ingredients
- 4 ears of corn
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup crumbled Cotija cheese
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 lime, juiced
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Grill the corn for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until charred.
- In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, and half of the Cotija cheese.
- Remove corn from the grill and let it cool slightly.
- Spread the mayonnaise mixture over the grilled corn.
- Top with remaining Cotija cheese and chopped cilantro.
- Serve immediately with lime wedges.
Notes
- Adjust chili powder according to your spice preference.
- For a smoky flavor, add smoked paprika.
- This dish is best served fresh.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ear of corn
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: mexican street corn recipe, elote, grilled corn, corn on the cob
