Sizzling Mexican Street Corn Recipe: Quick & Flavorful Fun

Mexican street corn bursts with cultural culinary magic, redefineing an ordinary vegetable into a sensational street-side delicacy.

Zesty and complex, this iconic dish represents the heart of Mexican gastronomy through its bold flavor profile.

Creamy sauces mingle with sharp seasonings, creating a remarkable sensory experience that dances across your taste buds.

Bright ingredients come together in a symphony of culinary brilliance, elevating simple corn into something extraordinary.

Techniques passed through generations infuse each kernel with depth and character that speaks volumes about regional cooking traditions.

Smoky undertones and tangy accents blend seamlessly, promising a mouthwatering adventure that connects you directly to authentic street food culture.

Why Mexican Street Corn Is Always a Hit

• Unlock Flavor Explosion: Each bite delivers a symphony of tangy, creamy, and spicy notes that dance on your taste buds, transforming ordinary corn into a culinary masterpiece.
• Customize Your Corn Carnival: Easily adapt the recipe by choosing between roasting, grilling, or boiling, giving you flexibility to match your cooking style and kitchen setup.
• Quick and Simple Gourmet Experience: Whip up this restaurant-quality Mexican street corn in just 30 minutes, with minimal ingredients and straightforward preparation that even novice cooks can master.
• Nutrient-Packed Delicious Treat: Packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, this dish offers a guilt-free indulgence that satisfies both your taste buds and nutritional needs.

What Goes Into That Classic Sweet-Heat Street Corn

• Corn: Fresh, sweet corn with plump kernels for best flavor and texture.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps seasonings stick to corn.

• Mayonnaise: Creamy base that helps other toppings cling to corn.
• Cotija Cheese or Queso Fresco: Traditional Mexican cheese with salty, crumbly texture.
• Chile Powder: Provides warm, spicy kick to the corn.
• Cilantro: Fresh herb that adds bright, herbal notes.

• Salt: Enhances overall flavor of the corn.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and depth to the dish.
• Lime: Bright citrus that provides a tangy, fresh finish.

How to Grill or Roast Mexican Corn Like a Pro

Step 1: Prepare And Roast Corn

Preheat the oven to 400°F. Lightly coat each ear of corn with butter, then season with salt and pepper. Roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes. Alternative cooking methods include grilling or boiling for similar delicious results.

Step 2: Dress The Corn With Zesty Toppings

• Crumbled cotija cheese
• Chili powder
• Fresh cilantro

Gently press the toppings into the corn to ensure they stick. Finish with a pinch of salt and pepper. Serve with fresh lime wedges for a burst of citrusy flavor. The lime can be squeezed over the corn just before eating to enhance the overall taste.

Tips for Creamy, Crumbly, Flavor-Packed Elote

• Rotate Corn Carefully: Turn the corn every 7-8 minutes during roasting to ensure even browning and prevent burning.
• Choose Fresh Corn: Select corn with bright green husks and plump kernels for the best flavor and texture.
• Customize Cheese Selection: Try cotija cheese for authentic Mexican street corn flavor, or use queso fresco as a tasty alternative.
• Control Spice Level: Adjust chile powder amount to match your personal heat preference, from mild to extra spicy.
• Enhance Moisture: If corn seems dry after roasting, brush an extra layer of melted butter to keep kernels juicy and rich.

Keeping Mexican Corn Tasty Beyond Day One

• Refrigeration: Store leftover Mexican street corn in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Wrap each ear individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain moisture and prevent flavor absorption from other foods.
• Reheating Oven: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Place corn on a baking sheet, cover loosely with foil to prevent drying out, and warm for 5-7 minutes until heated through. Sprinkle fresh cheese and cilantro on top to revive the original flavors.
• Microwave Option: Place corn on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat for 30-45 seconds. Check the temperature and rotate halfway through to ensure even warming.

What to Serve with Mexican Street Corn for a Full Spread

• Complement Corn with Crisp Mexican Lager: Reach for a refreshing Corona or Modelo Especial to balance the rich, creamy texture of the street corn. The light, crisp beer cuts through the mayonnaise and cheese, creating a perfect flavor harmony.
• Pair with Zesty Guacamole: Serve the street corn alongside homemade guacamole for a dynamic duo of Mexican flavors. The creamy avocado dip complements the charred corn, adding an extra layer of freshness and depth to the dish.
• Match with Tangy Salsa Verde: Introduce a bright, spicy salsa verde as a side condiment to elevate the corn's flavor profile. The green sauce's acidity and heat will enhance the chile powder and cheese, creating a vibrant taste experience.
• Complete with Grilled Protein: Accompany the street corn with grilled chicken or carne asada to create a full, satisfying meal. The smoky protein pairs beautifully with the corn's creamy, spicy toppings, making for a well-rounded Mexican-inspired feast.

Fun and Fiery Twists on Classic Elote

• Smoky Chipotle Corn: Add a spoonful of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce mixed into the mayonnaise for a bold, smoky kick that brings extra heat and depth to the classic Mexican street corn recipe.
• Elote Salad Style: Cut the roasted corn kernels off the cob and mix them with mayonnaise, cheese, and spices in a bowl for an easy-to-eat salad version that's perfect for gatherings or picnics.
• Vegan Street Corn Remix: Replace traditional mayonnaise with cashew cream and use nutritional yeast instead of cheese to create a plant-based alternative that still captures the authentic street corn flavor profile.
• Bacon-Loaded Corn Fusion: Crumble crispy bacon over the top of the prepared corn and add a sprinkle of green onions for a savory, protein-packed variation that adds extra crunch and richness to the classic recipe.

Mexican Street Corn Recipe

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4.7 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Mexican Street Corn brings zesty street flavors straight to home kitchens with charred corn slathered in creamy, tangy mayo and sprinkled with cotija cheese. Spicy chili powder and fresh cilantro elevate this classic Latin American street snack into a delightful culinary experience you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 large ears of corn
• 1 ½ cups Queso Fresco (crumbled) or Cotija or Parmesan cheese (grated)
• ½ cup mayonnaise

Seasoning and Spices:

• 4 teaspoons chile powder
• sea or kosher salt (to taste)
• freshly ground black pepper (to taste)

Garnish and Finishing:

• 4 tablespoons fresh cilantro (minced, optional)
• 1 lime (cut into four wedges)
• butter (as needed)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (204 degrees Celsius). Generously brush each ear of corn with softened butter, ensuring complete coverage. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the natural corn flavor.
2. Place the buttered corn on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, rotating halfway through to ensure even caramelization. Alternatively, corn can be grilled or boiled for similar results.
3. Remove the roasted corn from the oven and allow it to cool slightly for easier handling. Using a clean kitchen knife or pastry brush, evenly spread a thick layer of creamy mayonnaise across the entire surface of each ear of corn.
4. Crumble cotija cheese or queso fresco over the mayonnaise-coated corn, ensuring complete and generous coverage. Sprinkle ground chili powder and finely chopped fresh cilantro leaves to add vibrant color and bold, zesty flavor.
5. Gently press the cheese, chili powder, and cilantro into the mayonnaise to help the toppings adhere. Finish with an additional pinch of salt and black pepper to taste.
6. Serve immediately alongside fresh lime wedges for squeezing, which will add a bright, citrusy dimension to the rich and spicy corn.

Notes

• Elevate your corn game with this street-style twist that brings bold Mexican flavors right to your plate.
• Roasting transforms ordinary corn into a smoky, caramelized delicacy that captures the essence of authentic street food.
• Creamy mayonnaise creates the perfect sticky base for cheese and spices to cling to, ensuring maximum flavor in every bite.
• Fresh cilantro and zesty lime add brightness and complexity, cutting through the rich, buttery corn.
• Chile powder delivers a spicy kick that makes this dish unforgettably delicious and true to its street food origins.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 380 kcal
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 700mg
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 31g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 9g
• Cholesterol: 30mg