Irresistible Mexican Street Corn Recipe for Summer Cookouts

Corn enthusiasts often dream about authentic mexican street corn that transports taste buds straight to vibrant mexico city markets.

Kernels bursting with smoky, zesty flavors create an irresistible culinary experience.

Street vendors have perfected this simple yet remarkable dish through generations of passionate cooking.

Summer barbecues and outdoor gatherings become magical when you serve these golden, creamy delights.

Charred edges and rich, tangy seasonings elevate humble corn into a spectacular side dish.

Creamy cotija cheese and spicy chili powder dance together, creating a symphony of bold tastes.

We promise this recipe will become your new favorite summer sensation.

Common FAQs About Mexican Street Corn

• What makes cotija cheese unique for this recipe?

Cotija is a Mexican cow’s milk cheese with a crumbly, salty texture that adds distinctive flavor and authentic character to street corn, unlike other cheeses.

• Is this dish considered healthy?

While delicious, this corn is relatively high in calories due to butter, mayo, and cheese. It’s best enjoyed in moderation as a flavorful side dish.

• Can I prepare this corn without a grill?

Yes, you can use a cast-iron skillet or broil in the oven. These methods will still provide caramelization and a similar charred effect on the corn.

• What type of chili powder works best?

Mexican chili powder is recommended for authentic flavor, but standard chili powder from the spice aisle works well too. Choose a blend that provides good heat and depth.

Why Mexican Street Corn Is A Crowd Favorite

• Grill to Perfection: Achieve stunning char marks and smoky flavor by direct grilling, transforming simple corn into a restaurant-quality side dish.
• Quick and Crowd-Pleasing: Prepare in minutes with minimal ingredients, making it an ideal option for gatherings, barbecues, and family meals that everyone will love.
• Flavor Explosion: Combine creamy, tangy, and spicy elements through mayo, cotija cheese, chili powder, and lime juice, creating a mouthwatering Mexican street corn experience.
• No-Fuss Technique: Master simple grilling steps with easy-to-follow instructions, allowing both novice and experienced cooks to confidently create a delicious dish.

Ingredients List For Mexican Street Corn

• Corn Ears: Fresh corn that serves as the base of this classic Mexican street food dish.

• Mayonnaise, Sour Cream: Creamy mixture that provides a rich and tangy layer for the grilled corn.

• Cotija Cheese: Crumbly Mexican cheese that adds a salty and distinctive flavor.
• Chili Powder: Spice that brings warmth and depth to the corn.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste profile.
• Fresh Lime: Citrus fruit that adds brightness and cuts through the richness.
• Cilantro: Fresh herb that provides a vibrant and aromatic garnish.

• Butter: Melted ingredient used to brush corn for better grilling and caramelization.

How To Make Mexican Street Corn At Home

Step 1: Fire Up The Grill

Preheat the grill to medium-high heat, targeting around 400°F to create perfect charring conditions for grilling corn.

Step 2: Prep The Corn

Clean corn ears thoroughly by removing husks and silk. Pat the corn dry with paper towels to ensure a clean grilling surface.

Step 3: Butter The Corn

Coat each corn ear generously with melted butter, preparing them for delicious caramelization.

Step 4: Grill To Perfection

Place corn directly on hot grill grates. Rotate every 2-3 minutes to create uniform charred marks and develop a smoky flavor.

Step 5: Prepare Creamy Coating

• Mayonnaise
• Sour cream

Creating a smooth, creamy base for coating the grilled corn.

Step 6: Check Corn Doneness

Grill corn until it’s uniformly charred and tender, typically 10-12 minutes. Remove from grill and let cool slightly.

Step 7: Create Mexican Street Corn Coating

Roll each grilled corn ear completely in the mayo-sour cream mixture, ensuring full and even coverage.

Step 8: Add Cheese Topping

Sprinkle crumbled cotija cheese over the corn, allowing it to stick to the creamy coating.

Step 9: Season With Spices

• Chili powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Creating a vibrant and zesty flavor profile.

Step 10: Add Citrus Brightness

Squeeze fresh lime juice over the seasoned corn, introducing a tangy dimension.

Step 11: Garnish With Fresh Herbs

Sprinkle chopped cilantro over the corn, adding a fresh herbal accent to the rich, spicy dish.

Step 12: Serve And Enjoy

Plate the Mexican street corn immediately while warm, presenting a mouthwatering culinary experience packed with complex flavors.

Helpful Tips For Mexican Street Corn

• Prep Corn Perfectly: Remove all silk and husk carefully to prevent burning and ensure smooth grilling surface.
• Control Grill Temperature: Maintain medium-high heat around 400°F for ideal caramelization without scorching corn.
• Rotate Consistently: Turn corn every 2-3 minutes to achieve even charring and prevent uneven cooking on all sides.
• Coat Generously: Brush corn with melted butter before grilling to enhance golden-brown color and add rich flavor.
• Season Strategically: Layer flavors by combining mayo-sour cream mixture, cotija cheese, chili powder, and fresh lime juice for authentic Mexican street corn experience.

Ways To Add A Twist To Mexican Street Corn

• Spicy Chipotle Corn: Replace chili powder with ground chipotle for a smoky, intense heat kick.
• Vegan Street Corn: Swap mayonnaise and sour cream with cashew cream, use nutritional yeast instead of cotija cheese.
• Herb-Infused Corn: Substitute cilantro with fresh basil or mint, add garlic powder to the seasoning blend for extra depth.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Alternative: Grill cauliflower steaks using the same marinade and toppings for a keto-friendly version.

Perfect Pairings For Mexican Street Corn

• Pair with Zesty Margaritas: Blend tequila, lime juice, and triple sec to complement the corn's spicy, tangy profile with a refreshing cocktail kick.
• Enhance with Mexican Lager: Grab a crisp, cold Corona or Modelo to balance the rich, creamy cheese and provide a smooth, light counterpoint to the grilled corn's intense flavors.
• Match with Cilantro-Lime Salsa: Create a fresh salsa using diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime to echo the corn's bright, herbal notes and add extra zinginess.
• Create a Smoky Chipotle Dipping Sauce: Whip up a quick sauce mixing mayonnaise, chipotle peppers, and a touch of honey to deepen the corn's existing smoky and spicy elements.

How To Store Mexican Street Corn Easily

• Store grilled corn in an airtight container for up to 3 days, keeping it whole or cut off the cob. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap to prevent moisture loss and preserve texture.
• Place cooled corn in freezer-safe bags, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Place corn on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, rotating to ensure even warming. Stop when corn reaches desired temperature.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Wrap corn in aluminum foil with a splash of water to maintain moisture.

Mexican Street Corn Recipe

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4.7 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 22 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Spicy and creamy Mexican street corn delights with bold flavors that dance across your palate. Grilled to perfection and dressed with zesty toppings, this street food classic invites you to savor a taste of authentic culinary magic.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 4 ears corn
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup sour cream

Cheese and Seasonings:

• 1 cup cotija cheese
• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

Garnish and Flavor:

• 2 limes, juiced
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• 2 tbsp butter

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Instructions

1. Ignite your grill to medium-high heat, aiming for a temperature around 400°F, creating perfect charring conditions for the corn.
2. Thoroughly clean corn ears, removing husks and silk, then pat dry with paper towels to ensure optimal grilling surface.
3. Brush corn generously with melted butter, preparing each ear for an even, golden-brown caramelization.
4. Place corn directly on the hot grill grates, rotating every 2-3 minutes to achieve uniform charred marks and smoky flavor throughout.
5. While corn grills, whisk together mayonnaise and sour cream in a mixing bowl, creating a creamy base for coating.
6. Once corn is uniformly charred and tender (approximately 10-12 minutes), remove from grill and let cool slightly.
7. Roll each grilled corn ear meticulously in the mayo-sour cream mixture, ensuring complete and even coverage.
8. Sprinkle generously with crumbled cotija cheese, allowing it to adhere to the creamy coating.
9. Dust each ear with chili powder, salt, and black pepper, creating a vibrant and zesty flavor profile.
10. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the seasoned corn, adding a bright, tangy dimension.
11. Garnish with chopped cilantro, providing a fresh herbal accent to the rich, spicy corn.
12. Serve immediately while warm, presenting a classic Mexican street food experience bursting with complex flavors.

Notes

• Choose high-quality, fresh corn ears for the most sweet and juicy results.
• Grill corn directly on the grates to achieve those signature smoky char marks that enhance overall flavor.
• For a lighter version, swap butter with olive oil and use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise to reduce calories.
• Experiment with alternative cheese options like feta or parmesan if cotija is unavailable, maintaining the salty, crumbly texture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 560 mg
• Fat: 26 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 35 mg