Zesty Mexican Street Corn Recipe: Authentic Fiesta Flavors

Sizzling summer days call for this mouthwatering Mexican street corn recipe that captures the vibrant spirit of street food.

Kernels dance with smoky, tangy flavors that transport you straight to bustling markets in Mexico City.

Creamy, spicy, and utterly irresistible, this dish brings street-side magic to your plate.

Each bite bursts with zesty seasonings and rich, charred goodness.

The combination of mayo, cotija cheese, and chili powder creates an explosion of taste that dances on your tongue.

Soft corn grilled to perfection becomes a canvas for bold, authentic flavors.

Let’s find out this simple yet spectacular recipe and let your taste buds embark on a delicious Mexican culinary adventure.

Serving Mexican Corn with Flavorful Toppings

• Fiesta-Ready Plating: Arrange the corn on a colorful ceramic platter with scattered lime wedges, creating a vibrant Mexican street food presentation that pops with color and excitement.
• Flavor Amplification Station: Set up a small side tray with extra toppings like crumbled cotija cheese, hot sauce, extra chile powder, and chopped cilantro so guests can customize their corn and dial up the flavor intensity.
• Party Pairing Perfection: Serve alongside grilled proteins like carne asada or chicken, or pair with classic Mexican rice and black beans to transform this street corn into a complete and satisfying meal that celebrates bold, zesty flavors.
• Picnic and Potluck Star: Pack these delicious corn ears in a portable container for outdoor gatherings, summer barbecues, or casual get-togethers where everyone can enjoy this simple yet irresistible Mexican-inspired dish.

Storage Suggestions for Street Corn Leftovers

• Quick Chill Strategy: Store leftover Mexican street corn in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Wrap each ear individually in plastic wrap to maintain moisture and prevent flavor transfer.
• Freezing Hack: For longer storage, remove corn kernels from the cob and freeze in sealed freezer bags for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve texture and taste.
• Reheating Magic: Warm refrigerated corn in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of butter for 2-3 minutes. Alternatively, microwave for 30-45 seconds, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
• Prep-Ahead Trick: Chop all toppings like cheese, cilantro, and chile powder in advance and store separately. Keep ingredients in small containers in the refrigerator for quick assembly when hunger strikes, making mealtime a breeze.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 335 kcal

Servings: 5

Mexican Street Corn Ingredient Rundown

• Corn: Fresh, sweet ears bursting with summer flavor, choose bright green husks with plump kernels.
• Butter: Creamy richness that adds depth and helps cheese and seasonings stick perfectly.

• Mayonnaise: Silky binding agent that creates a luscious, tangy layer.
• Queso Fresco, Cotija, Parmesan Cheese: Salty, crumbly cheeses that add authentic Mexican flair and incredible texture.

• Chile Powder: Smoky, spicy kick that transforms the corn with traditional Mexican heat.
• Sea Salt, Black Pepper: Essential flavor enhancers that balance and elevate the entire dish.
• Cilantro: Fresh, bright herb that adds a vibrant green pop and herbal complexity.
• Lime: Citrusy tang that cuts through richness and brings everything into perfect harmony.

Equipment Needed for Mexican Street Corn

• Baking sheet: Perfect for roasting corn evenly in the oven.
• Pastry brush: Helps apply a light, even layer of butter on corn.
• Cheese grater: Use to grate fresh cheese for topping.
• Cutting board: For preparing corn and chopping herbs.
• Sharp knife: To slice lime wedges and remove corn husks if needed.
• Small bowl: Mix seasonings and prepare toppings.
• Tongs: Helpful for handling hot corn and transferring from oven.

How to Prepare Classic Elote at Home

• Corn Preparation

Select fresh corn and prepare for cooking. Choose between oven roasting, grilling, or boiling based on your kitchen setup and preference. Warming creates a delightful golden color and enhances natural sweetness.

• Flavor Explosion

Generously coat corn with creamy mayonnaise, creating a luscious base for toppings. Sprinkle crumbly cheese across the surface, adding a rich tangy layer. Dust with zesty chile powder and fresh chopped cilantro for a vibrant kick. Gently press seasonings to ensure they stick beautifully. Finish with a pinch of salt to elevate all the incredible flavors. Serve with bright lime wedges for an extra burst of citrusy goodness that makes this street corn sing with authentic Mexican flair.

Tips for Bold, Creamy Corn Street-Style

• Experiment with different cheese types like cotija, queso fresco, or feta for unique flavor profiles that complement the corn's sweetness.
• Adjust chile powder intensity based on your heat tolerance. Try smoked paprika or cayenne for a more complex, fiery kick that elevates the street corn experience.
• When grilling corn, rotate ears every few minutes to achieve those beautiful charred marks and smoky flavor that screams authentic Mexican street food.
• For a lighter version, swap mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or sour cream to reduce calories while maintaining that creamy, tangy texture that makes street corn irresistible.
• Beyond cilantro, experiment with chopped green onions, chives, or fresh parsley to add bright, herbal notes that complement the corn's rich, cheesy coating.

Creamy Mexican Street Corn Recipe

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4.8 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Creamy Mexican street corn recipe blends zesty flavors of grilled corn with tangy cotija cheese and spicy chili powder. Fresh ingredients and simple preparation make this classic street snack a perfect summer side dish for you to enjoy.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 ears of corn (large)
• 1 ½ cups queso fresco (crumbled) or Cotija or Parmesan cheese (grated)
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 4 tsp chile powder
• sea or kosher salt (to taste)
• black pepper (freshly ground, to taste)
• 4 tbsps cilantro (fresh, minced, optional)
• 1 lime (cut into 4 wedges)
• butter (as needed)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C). Lavishly coat corn ears with softened butter, thoroughly seasoning with kosher salt and black pepper to amplify natural corn essence.
2. Roasting: Transfer buttered corn to baking sheet, roasting for 20-25 minutes. Rotate midway through cooking to achieve uniform caramelization and golden-brown exterior. Grill or boil methods are acceptable alternatives.
3. Creamy Coating: Once corn reaches optimal temperature, allow slight cooling. Apply generous layer of creamy mayonnaise across entire corn surface using kitchen knife or pastry brush, ensuring complete and even coverage.
4. Flavor Explosion: Generously crumble cotija cheese or queso fresco over mayonnaise-covered corn. Dust with ground chili powder and sprinkle finely chopped cilantro leaves, creating vibrant visual and flavor profile.
5. Finishing Touches: Gently press cheese, chili powder, and cilantro into mayonnaise layer, enhancing adhesion. Add final seasoning pinch of salt and pepper to elevate overall taste experience.
6. Serving: Present immediately with fresh lime wedges, allowing guests to squeeze citrusy brightness over rich, spicy corn, transforming the dish into a complete culinary delight.

Notes

• Choose Corn Wisely: Select fresh, ripe corn with bright green husks and plump kernels for the best flavor and texture.
• Master Butter Technique: Soften butter at room temperature to ensure smooth, even coating that helps seasonings stick perfectly.
• Customize Spice Level: Adjust chili powder quantity based on personal heat preference; start with less and gradually increase for perfect balance.
• Serve Immediately: Enjoy Mexican street corn hot and fresh to experience maximum flavor and optimal texture of crispy, creamy toppings.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 335
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 23 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg