Cumin: Earthy, warm spice bringing authentic Mexican depth, choose freshly ground for most intense flavor.
Chili Powder: Smoky, vibrant seasoning adding gentle heat and complex warmth, select pure ground chili for pure taste.
Cilantro: Fresh, bright herb offering herbal notes and traditional garnish, pick bright green leaves without wilting.
Lime Wedges: Zesty citrus for final squeeze, enhancing overall flavor and providing extra tanginess.
Tools That Help You Prep Street Corn Fast
Grill: Essential for achieving perfect char and smoky flavor on corn.
Small bowl: Needed for mixing mayo, lime juice, and cumin.
Pastry brush: Helpful for oiling grill grates evenly.
Tongs: Perfect for turning and handling hot corn on the grill.
Plate or serving platter: For presenting the finished Mexican corn on the cob.
Cheese grater: Optional, if you want to grate fresh cotija cheese.
How to Grill or Roast Mexican Corn on the Cob
Grill Preparation Warm up your outdoor cooker to a toasty medium-high temperature, creating the perfect environment for transforming plain corn into a mouthwatering Mexican street food delight.
Corn Roasting Carefully place fresh corn cobs directly on the grill grates, letting them dance and char for about 8 minutes. Rotate occasionally to ensure an even golden-brown color and smoky flavor that will make your taste buds sing.
Flavor Explosion Brush each sizzling corn cob with a creamy blend of tangy lime-infused mayo that brings a zesty kick. Generously sprinkle crumbly white cheese, a dash of spicy chili powder, and fresh green cilantro leaves for an explosion of authentic Mexican street corn magic.
Serving Presentation Arrange your gorgeous grilled corn on a beautiful platter, accompanied by bright lime wedges that add a final burst of citrusy freshness. Watch as your guests dive into this irresistible summer classic that captures the vibrant spirit of Mexican cuisine.
Tips for Adding Just the Right Kick
Get perfect char marks by rotating corn every 2-3 minutes, ensuring even cooking and beautiful golden-brown spots.
Replace cotija with queso fresco or feta for a different tangy flavor profile that still complements the spicy seasonings.
When grilling isn't possible, use a cast-iron skillet or broiler to achieve similar caramelized results with equally delicious outcomes.
Adjust chili powder intensity by choosing mild, medium, or hot varieties to match your personal heat tolerance and flavor preferences.
Experiment by adding extra toppings like chopped green onions, diced jalapeños, or a sprinkle of smoked paprika for added depth and complexity.
Serving Mexican Corn at BBQs or Picnics
Fiesta Feast Companion: Pair this zesty Mexican corn with grilled carne asada or spicy chicken tacos for a complete south-of-the-border meal that will make taste buds dance.
Picnic Party Pleaser: Bring these colorful corn cobs to summer gatherings, potlucks, or backyard barbecues where guests can customize their toppings and enjoy a vibrant side dish.
Flavor Boost Option: Experiment with different cheese variations like queso fresco or crumbled feta, or add extra heat with smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for those craving more kick.
Veggie Lover's Delight: Serve alongside other grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus to create a colorful and nutritious vegetable medley that complements the corn's bold flavors.
Storing Leftover Street Corn for Reheating
Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover corn wrapped in plastic wrap or aluminum foil for up to 3 days in the refrigerator, ensuring maximum flavor retention.
Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare mayo mixture and chop toppings in advance, keeping ingredients separate to maintain freshness and crispness before serving.
Reheating Wisdom: Warm refrigerated corn on a hot skillet or grill for 2-3 minutes to restore its charred texture and bring back the vibrant flavors.
Freezing Option: Cut corn kernels off the cob and store in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 2 months, perfect for future salads or side dishes.
Elote mexicano brings street-style corn to home kitchens with creamy, tangy toppings that elevate this classic Mexican street snack. Grilled corn gets slathered in mayo, cotija cheese, chili powder, and lime for a mouthwatering cultural experience.
Ingredients
Scale
4 ears corn
½ cup (120 ml / 4 oz) cotija cheese, grated
¼ cup (60 ml / 2 fl oz) butter, melted
¼ cup (60 ml / 2 fl oz) mayonnaise
2 tsps (10 ml) lime juice
1 tsp cumin
¼ cup cilantro, chopped
chili powder (to taste)
1 lime, cut into 4 wedges for serving
Instructions
Grill Preparation: Preheat outdoor grill to medium-high heat (375-400°F), clean grates and lightly oil to prevent sticking.
Seasoning Mixture: Whisk mayonnaise, lime juice, and cumin in a small bowl until smooth and creamy.
Corn Grilling: Place corn directly on grill, rotating every 2-3 minutes to achieve even golden-brown char, cooking for 7-9 minutes total.
Finishing Touch: Remove corn with tongs, brush generously with melted butter, then roll in prepared mayonnaise mixture to coat completely.
Garnishing: Sprinkle crumbled cotija cheese over corn, dust with chili powder, and garnish with fresh cilantro leaves.
Serving: Plate immediately with lime wedges on the side for optional extra citrus zest.
Notes
Grill Preparation: Clean and oil grates thoroughly to prevent corn from sticking and ensure beautiful grill marks.
Timing is Crucial: Watch corn closely while grilling to achieve perfect golden-brown caramelization without burning kernels.
Coating Technique: Brush butter first, then mayonnaise mixture to help cheese and seasonings adhere better and create rich flavor layers.
Serve Immediately: Enjoy corn hot off the grill for maximum taste and optimal texture, as corn loses its peak flavor and warmth quickly.
Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, Boulder, CO
Degree: Diploma in Culinary Arts
Focus: Hands-on training in classic and modern culinary techniques, emphasizing sustainable cooking practices, kitchen professionalism, and real-world restaurant experience through externships.
Oregon State University
Degree: B.S. in Nutrition and Food Management
Focus: In-depth study of human nutrition, food safety, meal planning, and food-service operations, with a strong foundation in public health, dietetics, and community-based nutrition programs.
Sophie Reynolds is the recipe developer and culinary voice behind many of the approachable, flavor-focused creations at The Dream Café.
Sophie’s style leans into comfort food made simple: wholesome, satisfying meals anyone can make with confidence. Her passion lies in helping home cooks feel at ease in the kitchen while finding joy in the everyday act of cooking.
Sophie Reynolds
Co-Founder, Recipe Curator & Culinary Educator
Expertise
Education
Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, Boulder, CO
Oregon State University
Sophie Reynolds is the recipe developer and culinary voice behind many of the approachable, flavor-focused creations at The Dream Café.
Sophie’s style leans into comfort food made simple: wholesome, satisfying meals anyone can make with confidence. Her passion lies in helping home cooks feel at ease in the kitchen while finding joy in the everyday act of cooking.