Sizzling summers call for vibrant, mouthwatering Mexican corn recipe that dance with flavor and bring instant joy to any gathering.
Street-style corn bursts with zesty charm and irresistible textures that tantalize taste buds.
Kernels glazed with creamy, spicy goodness promise a culinary adventure that transports you straight to bustling Mexican markets.
Bold seasonings and fresh ingredients combine in a symphony of color and taste that sparks excitement.
Each bite tells a story of tradition and passion, blending smoky, tangy notes with rich, creamy undertones.
This recipe transforms simple corn into a culinary masterpiece that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Dive into this delectable journey and unleash a wave of vibrant flavors that celebrate the heart of Mexican street food.
Quick Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Calories: 260 kcal
Servings: 5
What You’ll Need to Make Mexican Corn
For Corn Base:
Corn Cobs: Sweet summer stars that bring a juicy crunch, look for bright green husks and plump kernels for maximum flavor.
Vegetable Oil: Helps prevent sticking and promotes beautiful grill marks on corn.
For Flavor Enhancers:
Mayonnaise, Lime Juice, Cumin: Creamy, tangy blend that adds zesty Mexican-inspired depth to the grilled corn.
Melted Butter: Provides rich, golden coating that helps seasonings stick and intensifies corn's natural sweetness.
Cotija Cheese: Salty, crumbly Mexican cheese that adds authentic sharp notes and delightful texture.
Chili Powder: Delivers a warm, spicy kick that complements the corn's natural sweetness.
For Finishing Touches:
Fresh Cilantro: Bright, herbaceous garnish that brings a fresh pop of color and classic Mexican flavor.
Lime Wedges: Provides a citrusy brightness to cut through the rich, creamy coating and add a final zesty accent.
Cooking Tool Checklist for Mexican Corn
Grill: Essential for achieving those perfect charred marks and smoky flavor.
Small bowl: Needed for mixing mayo, lime juice, and cumin sauce.
Pastry brush or spoon: Helps spread melted butter evenly on corn.
Tongs: Perfect for safely handling hot corn cobs on the grill.
Cutting board: Use for chopping cilantro and preparing lime wedges.
Knife: Sharp tool for precise cilantro chopping and lime cutting.
Directions for Roasting and Topping Mexican Corn
Grill Preparation Heat up the grill to a medium-high temperature, creating the perfect sizzling environment for corn.
Flavor Base Whip together a zesty blend of creamy mayo, tangy lime, and warm cumin in a small bowl.
Corn Roasting Lightly coat the grill grates with oil and place corn cobs directly on the heated surface. Let them dance and char for 7-9 minutes, turning occasionally for an even golden color.
Butter Bath Once the corn comes off the grill, give it a luxurious roll in melted butter, ensuring every kernel gets a slick coating.
Flavor Explosion Dunk the buttered corn into the mayo mixture, coating it with the creamy, spiced blend.
Cheese and Spice Shower Generously sprinkle crumbly cotija cheese and fiery chili powder over the corn, creating a mesmerizing texture and flavor profile.
Fresh Finish Scatter fresh, bright cilantro across the corn and serve with juicy lime wedges for an extra burst of citrusy goodness.
Tips for Heat, Cheese, and Flavor Swaps
Swap cotija for queso fresco or feta if you can't find cotija, maintaining that tangy, crumbly texture that complements the corn perfectly.
Adjust the chili powder intensity by using mild, medium, or hot varieties to match your heat preference, creating a personalized flavor profile.
Rotate corn frequently during grilling to ensure even charring and prevent burning, developing a delicious smoky flavor across the entire cob.
Prepare the mayo mixture and chop garnishes in advance, storing them separately in the refrigerator to streamline your cooking process and reduce last-minute prep stress.
For children who might find the spice too intense, serve the corn with the seasonings on the side, allowing them to customize their own cob with milder toppings.
Serving Mexican Corn at Barbecues or Weeknights
Street Food Fiesta: Serve these vibrant corn cobs on a rustic wooden board with extra lime wedges and a sprinkle of additional cotija cheese for a festive, restaurant-style presentation.
Picnic Perfect Platter: Create a colorful summer spread by arranging the corn alongside grilled proteins like chicken or steak, with a fresh salsa or avocado salad to complement the zesty flavors.
Mexican-Inspired Appetizer Station: Set up a DIY corn station where guests can add their own toppings, including extra chili powder, chopped herbs, and additional cheese, encouraging interactive and personalized eating.
Cocktail Companion: Pair these flavorful corn cobs with a cold Mexican beer or a classic margarita to enhance the overall culinary experience and bring authentic street food vibes to your meal.
Smart Ways to Store Leftover Street Corn
Grill Fresh Goodness: Store leftover Mexican corn in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Remove kernels from the cob if desired for easier storage.
Quick Meal Prep Trick: Before grilling, you can prep corn earlier in the day by keeping husked cobs wrapped in damp paper towels inside the refrigerator to maintain moisture and freshness.
Smart Leftover Magic: Transform grilled corn into a delicious salad or salsa by cutting kernels off the cob and mixing with diced tomatoes, onions, and additional cilantro for a quick side dish.
Temperature Care Note: Always cool grilled corn to room temperature before refrigerating to prevent condensation and maintain the best texture and flavor of your Mexican-style corn.
Spicy Mexican corn recipe blends street-style flavors with creamy, zesty ingredients. Grilled kernels coated in tangy mayo, chili powder, and cotija cheese create an irresistible side dish you’ll crave.
Ingredients
Scale
4 ears corn
½ cup (120 ml) cotija cheese, grated
¼ cup (60 ml) butter, melted
¼ cup (60 ml) mayonnaise
2 tsps lime juice
1 tsp cumin
chili powder, to taste
¼ cup chopped cilantro
1 lime, cut into 4 wedges
Instructions
Prep Grill: Heat grill to medium-high, creating an ideal environment for roasting corn with smoky undertones.
Create Coating Sauce: Blend mayonnaise, lime juice, and cumin in a bowl, whisking until smooth and well-integrated.
Grill Corn: Lightly oil grates, place corn directly on hot surface, rotating every few minutes to achieve uniform caramelization and golden-brown char across all sides.
Butter and Coat: Once corn is roasted and deeply marked (about 8 minutes), transfer to a surface and generously brush with melted butter, then roll through prepared mayo-spice mixture to create a rich, tangy exterior.
Finish and Garnish: Lavishly coat corn with crumbly cotija cheese, dust with chili powder for subtle heat, and scatter fresh cilantro for a vibrant herbal accent.
Serve: Present immediately with lime wedges, allowing guests to add an extra citrusy kick to this Mexican-inspired grilled delicacy.
Notes
Grill Mastery: Achieve even charring by rotating corn every 2-3 minutes, ensuring caramelized kernels without burning.
Butter Technique: Dip corn immediately after grilling while hot to help seasoning and cheese adhere perfectly.
Cheese Coverage: Crumble cotija cheese when it’s at room temperature for more even distribution across corn surface.
Flavor Balance: Adjust chili powder quantity based on personal heat preference, starting with small amounts and incrementally increasing.
Degree: Certificate in Food and Beverage Management
Focus: Essential knowledge of recipe development, ingredient sourcing, and food business basics.
Mia Reynolds fell in love with baking as a teenager experimenting in her family kitchen. Her passion took her to New England Culinary Institute, where she learned practical pastry techniques, and later to Community College of Vermont to deepen her understanding of food management.
Mia combines clear, simple baking instructions with heartwarming stories, making home baking approachable for everyone.
Mia Reynolds
Food Writer & Home Cooking Specialist
Expertise
Easy Home Baking, Recipe Writing and Storytelling, Local and Seasonal Ingredients, Baking for Beginners
Education
New England Culinary Institute (NECI), Montpelier, Vermont
Community College of Vermont, Winooski, Vermont
Mia Reynolds fell in love with baking as a teenager experimenting in her family kitchen. Her passion took her to New England Culinary Institute, where she learned practical pastry techniques, and later to Community College of Vermont to deepen her understanding of food management.
Mia combines clear, simple baking instructions with heartwarming stories, making home baking approachable for everyone.