Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my favorite summer treat: this Mexican street corn recipe! It’s a vibrant burst of flavor that takes me straight to the streets of Mexico, where the aroma of grilling corn fills the air. The sweet, charred corn is slathered in a creamy sauce, topped with crumbled cotija cheese, and just the right amount of chili powder for that kick. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll be hooked! It’s perfect for barbecues, backyard gatherings, or just a cozy night in. Plus, it’s super easy to whip up! I can’t wait for you to try it and bring a little fiesta to your kitchen!
Ingredients List
- 4 ears of corn, fresh
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
How to Prepare the Mexican Street Corn Recipe
Prepping the Grill
Alright, let’s get that grill fired up! Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, which should take about 5 minutes. You want it nice and hot to get those beautiful char marks on the corn. Trust me, the grill is your best friend for this recipe!
Grilling the Corn
Now, it’s time to grill the corn! Place the ears directly on the grill grates and let them cook for about 10-15 minutes. Make sure to turn them occasionally so they get that lovely char all around. The best way to check if they’re done is by looking for those dark, caramelized spots. You’ll know they’re ready when the kernels are tender and bursting with flavor!
Making the Sauce
While your corn is grilling away, let’s whip up that creamy sauce! In a medium-sized bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, and a sprinkle of salt. Give it a good mix until everything is well combined and smooth. You can taste it and adjust the lime juice or salt to your liking. Wow, it’s going to be so good!
Assembling the Corn
Once the corn is beautifully grilled and has cooled down slightly (just a minute or two), it’s time to spread that delicious sauce all over! Use a spatula or a brush to coat each ear generously with the creamy mixture. Then, sprinkle the crumbled cotija cheese on top. Oh my goodness, just wait until you see it!
Final Touches
To finish it off, garnish your Mexican street corn with fresh cilantro. This not only adds a pop of color but also a burst of freshness! And don’t forget to serve it immediately for the best texture. You’ll want to dig in while it’s warm and creamy—trust me, it’s absolutely irresistible!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- Deliciously smoky and creamy flavors that transport you straight to the streets of Mexico.
- Vegetarian-friendly, making it a great side dish for everyone to enjoy.
- Customizable to your taste—add more lime juice or chili powder for an extra kick!
- Fresh ingredients that burst with flavor and make you feel good about what you’re eating.
- Perfectly pairs with grilled meats, salads, or even as a standalone snack.
Tips for Success
Alright, if you want to elevate your Mexican street corn to the next level, I’ve got some golden tips for you!
- Use Fresh Corn: Seriously, fresh corn makes all the difference! Look for ears that are bright green, with tightly wrapped husks. The sweeter the corn, the better your dish will taste.
- Adjust Lime Juice: Don’t be shy with the lime juice! It adds a zesty brightness that balances the creaminess. Taste as you go, and feel free to add more if you want that citrus zing.
- Serve Immediately: This is a must! The texture is best when served fresh off the grill. The creamy sauce and charred corn are a match made in heaven, so dig in right away for the ultimate experience.
- Experiment with Toppings: Get creative! You can sprinkle some extra chili powder or even a dash of hot sauce if you like heat. A squeeze of lime right before serving is also fantastic!
- Don’t Overcook: Keep a close eye on your corn while grilling. You want it tender but not mushy. Those charred bits are where the magic happens, so turn them regularly for even cooking.
With these tips, you’ll absolutely nail this Mexican street corn recipe. Enjoy every bite, and don’t forget to share it with friends (or keep it all to yourself—no judgment here!).
Nutritional Information
Let’s talk about the nutritional goodness of this Mexican street corn recipe! Keep in mind that these values are estimates, but they give you a good idea of what you’re enjoying when you dig into this delicious treat:
- Serving Size: 1 ear of corn
- Calories: 200
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
- Sodium: 300mg
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 5g
This tasty side dish is not only bursting with flavor, but it also packs a decent nutritional punch! Enjoy the balance of creamy, savory, and sweet as you indulge in this delightful recipe.
FAQ Section
Can I make this Mexican street corn recipe without a grill?
Absolutely! You can boil the corn and then add the sauce afterward. Just skip the grilling step, but if you can, try to get that charred flavor by broiling it in the oven for a few minutes!
What if I can’t find cotija cheese?
No worries! You can substitute with feta cheese or even grated parmesan for a similar salty, creamy effect. They work surprisingly well!
How do I store leftovers?
If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare!), store the corn in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll last for about 2-3 days, but the texture is best fresh, so enjoy it right away if you can!
Can I use different spices?
Of course! If chili powder isn’t your thing, you can experiment with smoked paprika or even taco seasoning for a different flavor profile. Get creative and make it your own!
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this Mexican street corn recipe is naturally gluten-free! Just be sure to check the mayonnaise brand you use, as some may contain gluten.
Can I add proteins to this dish?
Definitely! If you want a heartier dish, try adding grilled shrimp or chicken on the side. It makes for a fantastic meal that pairs beautifully with the flavors of the corn.
How spicy is this recipe?
It’s mildly spicy thanks to the chili powder, but you can adjust the heat level according to your taste. If you like it spicier, feel free to add more chili powder or a dash of hot sauce!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve got this mouthwatering Mexican street corn recipe ready to go, let’s talk about what to serve alongside it! This dish is so versatile and pairs perfectly with a variety of flavors, making it an excellent addition to any meal.
- Grilled Meats: You absolutely can’t go wrong with juicy grilled chicken, steak, or shrimp. The smoky, savory flavors of the meat complement the creamy, spicy corn beautifully. It’s like a match made in heaven!
- Tacos: Serve this corn as a side to your favorite tacos—whether it’s carne asada, fish, or even vegetarian options. The freshness of the corn adds a delightful crunch and a burst of flavor!
- Salads: A crisp, refreshing salad can balance out the richness of the corn. Try a simple green salad with lime vinaigrette or a zesty cucumber and tomato salad to keep things light and vibrant.
- Beans and Rice: For a more hearty meal, pair the corn with a side of black beans or cilantro lime rice. These staples will soak up all the delicious flavors and create a well-rounded plate.
- Other Mexican Dishes: Think about serving it alongside enchiladas, quesadillas, or even a classic pozole. The combination of flavors will transport you right to a fiesta!
Honestly, this corn is so good that you might want to make it the star of the show! No matter what you choose to serve with it, I guarantee it’ll be a hit at your table. Enjoy every bite!
Print
Mexican Street Corn Recipe: 5 Irresistible Flavor Ideas
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious Mexican street corn recipe featuring grilled corn topped with creamy sauce, cheese, and spices.
Ingredients
- 4 ears of corn
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
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 salt.
- Once corn is grilled, remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Spread the sauce mixture over the corn.
- Sprinkle cotija cheese on top.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add more lime juice.
- Use fresh corn for the best taste.
- Serve immediately for the best texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ear of corn
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: mexican street corn recipe, elote, grilled corn
