Flavorful Mexican Corn on the Cob Recipe Ready in Minutes

Mexican corn bursts with vibrant street food magic that captures culinary excitement in every bite.

Grilling refines ordinary corn into an extraordinary sensory experience rich with cultural heritage.

Crisp kernels become a canvas for bold, zesty flavors that dance across your palate.

Creamy, spicy, and tangy elements combine in a mouthwatering symphony that celebrates traditional cooking techniques.

Textural contrasts between charred exterior and tender interior make this dish irresistibly compelling.

Its simple ingredients belie the complex flavor profile waiting to surprise you.

Summer gatherings and casual meals will never be the same with this crowd-pleasing sensation.

Why Mexican Corn on the Cob is Street Food Heaven

• Savor Smoky Grilled Flavor: Charring corn on the grill creates a delightful smoky taste that elevates the classic summer vegetable with a rich, caramelized exterior.
• Celebrate Zesty Tex-Mex Twist: Combining tangy lime, creamy mayo, earthy cumin, and spicy chili powder transforms ordinary corn into a vibrant, bold Mexican-style street food experience.
• Enjoy Quick and Easy Preparation: This recipe requires minimal ingredients and just 15 minutes of cooking time, making it perfect for spontaneous backyard gatherings or weeknight dinners with minimal kitchen effort.
• Indulge in Textural Harmony: The crispy grilled corn coated with creamy mayo, crumbly cotija cheese, and fresh cilantro creates a mouthwatering blend of crunchy, smooth, and fresh textures in every bite.

What Makes This Corn So Irresistible

• Corn on the Cob: Sweet summer corn that creates the base of this classic Mexican street food dish, preferably fresh and in-husk for best flavor.

• Mayonnaise, Lime Juice, Cumin: Creamy and tangy mixture that adds rich, zesty flavor to the grilled corn.
• Butter: Helps seasonings stick and adds rich, golden taste to the corn.
• Cotija Cheese: Traditional Mexican cheese with salty, crumbly texture that provides a sharp accent.
• Chili Powder: Adds smoky heat and vibrant color to the corn.
• Cilantro: Fresh herb that brings bright, herbal notes to the final dish.

• Lime Wedges: Provides a fresh, citrusy finish that can be squeezed over the corn for extra brightness.

Grilling Your Way to Bold Flavors

Step 1: Fire Up the Grill

Crank your grill to medium-high heat, getting it nice and toasty for those golden corn ears.

Step 2: Whip Up the Zesty Mayo Blend

• Mayonnaise
• Fresh lime juice
• Ground cumin

Stir until smooth and well combined.

Step 3: Prepare the Grill Grates

Lightly brush the grill grates with oil to prevent sticking and ensure perfect grilling.

Step 4: Grill the Corn

Place corn directly on the grill and cook for 7-9 minutes, rotating occasionally to get those beautiful char marks all around.

Step 5: Create the Flavor Magic

• Brush with melted butter
• Roll in the prepared mayo mixture

Step 6: Add the Finishing Touches

• Crumbled cotija cheese
• Chili powder
• Chopped fresh cilantro

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Plate the corn and serve with fresh lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of citrusy goodness. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

Tips for Getting That Perfect Corn Char

• Char Confidently: Rotate corn every 2-3 minutes for even, beautiful grill marks without burning.
• Mayo Magic: Whisk mayo mixture thoroughly to ensure smooth, well-blended coating that clings perfectly to corn.
• Cheese Technique: Crumble cotija cheese finely for more even distribution and maximum flavor in every bite.
• Temperature Timing: Let corn rest for 2-3 minutes after grilling to prevent burning your mouth and allow flavors to settle.
• Lime Love: Squeeze fresh lime wedges just before serving to brighten the entire dish and add zesty punch.

How to Keep It Juicy and Delicious Later

• Refrigeration: Store leftover corn wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil for up to 3 days. Place in an airtight container to prevent moisture loss and maintain freshness.
• Reheating Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F. Wrap corn in foil and warm for 5-7 minutes until heated through. Sprinkle fresh cheese and herbs before serving to revive the original flavors.
• Microwave Option: Place corn on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, rotating halfway through, until warm. Add a fresh squeeze of lime and extra cotija cheese to boost the taste and texture.

Sides and Mains That Match the Vibe

• Brew Refreshing Margaritas: Pair this zesty corn with classic lime margaritas that complement the tangy lime and spice elements in the dish.
• Serve Crisp Mexican Beer: Choose a light lager like Corona or Modelo that cuts through the rich, creamy mayo and provides a refreshing contrast to the grilled corn's bold flavors.
• Create Southwest Protein Companion: Grill some spicy chicken or carne asada alongside the corn to make a complete Mexican-inspired meal that balances the corn's creamy and charred textures.
• Add Fresh Salsa Side: Prepare a quick pico de gallo with diced tomatoes, onions, and cilantro to enhance the corn's vibrant flavors and add a fresh, bright element to the plate.

Wild Twists on a Mexican Classic

• Smoky Street Corn Skillet: Transform the grilled corn into a creamy stovetop dish by cutting kernels off the cob and sautéing them with the mayo mixture, cheese, and spices in a cast-iron skillet for a rich, concentrated flavor.
• Corn Fritter Fusion: Blend grilled corn kernels into a batter with eggs, flour, and spices, then pan-fry into crispy golden fritters topped with the traditional cotija and chili powder garnish.
• Spicy Corn Salad Remix: Slice grilled corn kernels into a zesty salad with diced tomatoes, red onions, jalapeños, and a tangy lime-mayo dressing, creating a refreshing side dish that captures the original recipe's bold flavors.

Mexican Corn on the Cob Recipe

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4.7 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Mexican Street Corn delights palates with its rich, tangy blend of grilled corn, creamy mayo, zesty cotija cheese, and spicy chili powder. Smoky, charred kernels dance with vibrant seasonings, delivering an authentic street food experience that transports diners straight to Mexico’s bustling markets.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 ears corn
• ½ cup grated cotija cheese

Supporting Ingredients:

• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) melted butter
• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) mayonnaise

Seasoning and Garnish:

• 2 teaspoons (10 milliliters) lime juice
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• ¼ cup chopped cilantro
• Chili powder
• 1 lime, cut into 4 lime wedges for serving

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Instructions

1. Heat an outdoor grill to medium-high temperature (approximately 375-400°F or 190-204°C), ensuring grates are clean and lightly coated with vegetable oil to prevent sticking.
2. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, freshly squeezed lime juice, and ground cumin until smooth and well combined, creating a creamy seasoning mixture.
3. Place corn ears directly on the preheated grill grates, rotating every 2-3 minutes to ensure even charring and golden-brown caramelization across all sides.
4. Grill corn for 7-9 minutes total, watching carefully to achieve a slightly blackened exterior without burning the kernels.
5. Remove grilled corn using long-handled tongs and immediately brush each ear generously with melted butter, ensuring complete coverage.
6. Roll the butter-coated corn in the prepared mayonnaise mixture, coating each ear evenly and thoroughly.
7. Sprinkle crumbled cotija cheese over the corn, allowing the cheese to adhere to the creamy coating.
8. Dust each ear with chili powder for a spicy kick and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro leaves.
9. Serve immediately with fresh lime wedges on the side, allowing guests to squeeze additional citrus juice if desired.

Notes

• Grill marks add smoky flavor and enhance the corn’s natural sweetness, creating a mouthwatering caramelized exterior.
• Mayo mixture transforms ordinary corn into a zesty, creamy delight that balances tangy lime with warm cumin spices.
• Cotija cheese brings a salty, crumbly texture that perfectly complements the rich, buttery corn kernels.
• Chili powder provides a gentle heat kick that awakens the palate and adds depth to each bite.
• Fresh cilantro sprinkles bright, herbal notes that cut through the richness and add a pop of color.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 210 kcal
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 400mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 30mg