Quick & Zesty Mexican Street Corn Recipe That Wows Every Time

Zesty Mexican street corn bursts with vibrant flavors that dance across your palate like a fiesta of taste.

This beloved culinary treasure originates from bustling street markets where skilled vendors change simple ingredients into magic.

Creamy, tangy, and perfectly charred, the dish captures the soul of authentic street food culture.

corn takes center stage, elevated by bold seasonings that awaken every sense with their rustic charm.

Crispy kernels meet velvety coatings that blend traditional techniques with modern culinary creativity.

Each bite tells a story of cultural heritage and passionate cooking traditions passed through generations.

street corn represents more than just a side dish – it’s a celebration of flavor, texture, and community connection.

What Makes Mexican Street Corn a Crowd-Pleaser

• Grill-Kissed Flavor Explosion: This Mexican street corn delivers smoky, charred goodness straight from the grill, infusing each kernel with deep, rich taste that dances on your palate.
• Texture Party in Every Bite: Crispy grilled exterior meets creamy crema and crumbly cotija cheese, creating a mouthwatering contrast that keeps taste buds excited and engaged.
• Quick and Easy Summer Delight: Ready in just 20 minutes, this recipe offers a restaurant-quality dish that's perfect for backyard barbecues, family gatherings, or a simple weeknight side dish without complicated techniques.
• Customizable Flavor Adventure: Easily adjust spice levels with chipotle chili powder, swap cheeses, or experiment with fresh herbs, making this corn a versatile crowd-pleaser that adapts to your personal taste preferences.

Mexican Street Corn Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

Corn: Fresh corn on the cob with sweet, juicy kernels that are perfect for grilling and absorbing delicious flavors.

Olive Oil: Helps create a crispy exterior and prevents the corn from sticking to the grill.

Seasoning:

Sea Salt: Enhances the natural sweetness of the corn and provides a subtle mineral flavor.

Chipotle Chili Powder: Adds a smoky, spicy kick to the corn with its deep, rich heat.

Parsley: Brings a fresh, bright green color and mild herbal note to the dish.

Topping and Sauce:

Crema, Cotija Cheese: Creamy, tangy Mexican-style cream and salty, crumbly cheese that add richness and depth to the grilled corn.

Lime Juice: Provides a zesty, bright acidity that cuts through the richness and balances the flavors.

How to Make Mexican Street Corn

Step 1: Prepare Corn for Grilling

Brush each ear of corn with olive oil and lightly sprinkle with sea salt. Wrap individually in aluminum foil, ensuring complete coverage.

Step 2: Fire Up the Grill

Preheat the grill to medium heat (around 350-375°F). This temperature ensures even cooking and perfect corn texture.

Step 3: Grill the Corn

Place foil-wrapped corn on the grill. Cook for 15-20 minutes, rotating every 5 minutes to prevent burning and promote even heating.

Step 4: Create Creamy Topping

• Sour cream
• Mexican crema
• Mayonnaise

Whisk until smooth and well blended.

Step 5: Dress the Corn

Remove corn from foil and unwrap carefully. Generously brush each ear with prepared crema mixture.

Step 6: Add Finishing Touches

• Cotija cheese
• Chipotle chili powder
• Fresh chopped parsley
• Fresh lime juice

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Plate the corn immediately while hot. Serve as a delightful side dish or appetizer perfect for summer gatherings.

Tips for Flavorful Mexican Street Corn

• Maximize Flavor Infusion: Brush corn generously with olive oil to help seasonings adhere and create a delicious caramelized exterior.
• Perfect Grilling Technique: Rotate corn every 3-4 minutes to ensure even charring and prevent burning.
• Cheese Coating Trick: Crumble cotija cheese while still cold for easier and more even sprinkling over the corn.
• Lime Juice Balance: Squeeze fresh lime juice right before serving to maintain bright, zesty flavor and prevent sogginess.
• Temperature Control: Let corn rest for 2-3 minutes after grilling to allow internal temperature to stabilize and flavors to settle.

Reheating and Storing Mexican Street Corn

• Refrigeration: Store leftover Mexican street corn wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or placed in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Cooling completely before storing helps maintain the corn's texture and flavor.
• Reheating: Warm corn gently in the microwave for 30-45 seconds, or reheat on a preheated grill for 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally to prevent burning. Drizzle fresh crema and sprinkle additional cotija cheese after reheating to refresh the flavors.
• Freezing: While possible, freezing is not recommended as the corn's texture becomes mushy and the creamy toppings separate. Fresh preparation always yields the best taste and experience.

Pairing Ideas for Mexican Street Corn

• Pair with Zesty Margarita: The tangy lime and spicy chipotle in the corn perfectly complement a classic margarita's bright citrus notes and tequila kick.
• Match with Grilled Protein Partner: Serve alongside grilled chicken or carne asada to create a complete Mexican-inspired meal that balances the corn's creamy, smoky flavors.
• Embrace Refreshing Cerveza Companion: A crisp Mexican beer like Modelo Especial or Pacifico cuts through the richness of the cotija cheese and provides a cool contrast to the spicy chili powder.
• Create Salsa Verde Side Splash: A fresh, vibrant salsa verde adds an extra layer of brightness and herbaceous flavor that enhances the corn's grilled complexity.

Mexican Street Corn Recipe Variations

• Spicy Cilantro Corn: Replace parsley with fresh chopped cilantro and add a dash of cayenne pepper for extra heat. This version brings a bold, zesty flavor that kicks the traditional recipe up a notch.
• Street-Style Elote Skillet: Cut corn kernels off the cob and sauté in a cast-iron skillet with butter. Top with traditional crema, cheese, and seasonings for a quick stovetop alternative to grilling.
• Smoky Bacon Mexican Corn: Crumble crispy bacon over the finished corn and add a light sprinkle of smoked paprika. The bacon adds a rich, savory element that complements the creamy cheese and tangy lime.
• Vegetarian Chili Corn: Use nutritional yeast instead of cotija cheese for a dairy-free option. Add roasted green chiles for depth and serve with extra lime wedges to enhance the bright, fresh flavors.

Mexican Street Corn Recipe

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4.7 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy, zesty Mexican street corn brings explosive street-side flavors straight to your kitchen. Grilled corn kernels dance with tangy cotija cheese, smoky spices, and rich mayo, creating a mouthwatering fiesta of authentic Mexican street cuisine you’ll absolutely devour.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 6 ears corn, husked and silk removed
• ¼ – ⅓ cup cotija cheese, crumbled
• 2 limes, juiced
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

Spices and Seasonings:

• 2 teaspoons chipotle chili powder
• Sea salt
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Sauce Ingredients:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons sour cream
• 1 lime, juiced
• ¼ teaspoon chipotle chili powder
• Olive oil

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Instructions

1. Prepare corn by generously coating each ear with olive oil and sprinkling a light layer of sea salt before tightly wrapping in aluminum foil.
2. Heat outdoor grill to a medium temperature of approximately 350-375°F (175-190°C), ensuring even heat distribution.
3. Place foil-wrapped corn directly on grill grates and rotate every 5-6 minutes to achieve uniform grilling and prevent charring.
4. Cook corn for 15-20 minutes until kernels become tender and develop a slight golden-brown exterior.
5. While corn is grilling, whisk together crema ingredients in a small mixing bowl until smooth and well-combined.
6. Carefully unwrap grilled corn from aluminum foil, allowing steam to escape.
7. Generously brush each ear of corn with prepared crema, ensuring complete and even coverage.
8. Sprinkle corn with finely crumbled cotija cheese, creating a delicate white coating.
9. Dust corn with chipotle chili powder for a smoky, spicy kick.
10. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for added color and herbaceous flavor.
11. Finish by squeezing fresh lime juice over each ear, enhancing the corn’s natural sweetness.
12. Serve immediately while corn remains hot and crema is still creamy.

Notes

• Tightly wrap corn in foil to lock in moisture and prevent burning during grilling.
• Rotate corn every 5 minutes for even charring and consistent cooking throughout.
• Homemade crema adds authentic Mexican flavor and creamy texture to the dish.
• Fresh lime juice provides bright, zesty acidity that balances the rich, cheesy coating.
• Cotija cheese brings a salty, crumbly element that elevates the traditional street corn experience.
• Chipotle chili powder introduces a smoky, spicy kick that transforms simple grilled corn into a vibrant street food classic.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Appetizer
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 320 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 420 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 65 mg