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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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