Fiesta-Ready Mexican Street Corn Recipe for Backyard BBQs

Sizzling summer days call for a mouthwatering Mexican street corn recipe that bursts with authentic flavors and vibrant spices.

street vendors have perfected this classic dish for generations, creating a culinary masterpiece that tantalizes taste buds.

Creamy, smoky, and irresistibly zesty, this corn promises to be the star of any backyard gathering.

Charred kernels coated in a luscious blend of mayo, cotija cheese, and chili powder bring an explosion of taste to your plate.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and spicy notes that dance across your palate.

The simplicity of ingredients belies the complex flavor profile that makes this dish a true crowd-pleaser.

Grab your grill and get ready to transport your senses to the vibrant streets of Mexico with this unforgettable corn sensation.

Instructions for Grilling Mexican Street Corn

• Foil Preparation

Create a cozy wrapper for each corn ear using aluminum foil, applying a light olive oil coating and gentle sea salt sprinkle.

• Grill Mastery

Fire up the grill to a steady medium temperature, positioning corn to cook evenly for about 15-20 minutes, rotating periodically until kernels become tender and slightly charred.

• Creamy Topping

While corn roasts, quickly blend the creamy sauce components to create a rich, tangy dressing.

• Final Flourish

Carefully unwrap the grilled corn from its foil cocoon, then lavish each ear with the prepared creamy sauce, dusting generously with zesty chipotle chili powder, crumbly cotija cheese, fresh parsley fragments, and a bright splash of lime juice.

• Serving Style

Present the corn immediately while steaming hot, inviting everyone to dive into this vibrant Mexican street food classic.

Flavor Tweaks for Mexican Street Corn

• Swap traditional crema for Greek yogurt or sour cream to lighten the recipe while maintaining a tangy flavor profile.
• Adjust chipotle chili powder amount to create mild or fiery heat, allowing personalized taste preferences for every family member.
• Soak corn in cold water for 15 minutes before grilling to prevent burning and ensure even, juicy cooking throughout each ear.
• Roast corn in a 425°F oven for 20-25 minutes or use a cast-iron skillet for indoor preparation when outdoor grilling isn't possible.
• Replace cotija with feta, queso fresco, or parmesan for different regional flavor twists and dietary accommodations.

How to Serve Mexican Street Corn Right

• Elevate the Presentation: Serve the grilled Mexican street corn on a rustic wooden platter garnished with fresh lime wedges and extra chopped parsley for a vibrant, Instagram-worthy display.
• Perfect Party Appetizer: Arrange the corn on small individual plates or skewers for easy grabbing at gatherings, making it a crowd-pleasing finger food that sparks conversation.
• Pairing Perfection: Complement the corn with grilled proteins like carne asada, chicken tacos, or alongside a fresh summer salad to create a complete and satisfying Mexican-inspired meal that balances flavors and textures.
• Customize Your Corn: Offer additional toppings like hot sauce, extra cotija cheese, or chopped cilantro on the side, allowing guests to personalize their street corn experience with their preferred level of spice and garnish.

Storing Mexican Street Corn the Smart Way

• Refrigerate Leftovers: Store any unused Mexican street corn in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The corn might lose some crispness but will still taste delicious when reheated.
• Freeze for Later: Wrap individual corn ears tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. They'll keep well for about 2 months, perfect for quick meal prep or unexpected cravings.
• Reheat with Care: Warm refrigerated corn in the microwave for 30-45 seconds or on a skillet with a touch of butter to restore some of its original grilled texture and flavor.
• Prep Ahead Strategy: Chop ingredients like cotija cheese and parsley in advance, storing them separately in sealed containers. This makes assembly faster when you're ready to enjoy your Mexican street corn.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 290 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients for Authentic Mexican Street Corn

• Corn: Sweet, juicy summer staple bursting with natural sweetness, best when picked fresh from local farms or farmers markets.
• Olive Oil: Helps create a golden, crispy exterior while locking in moisture during grilling, choose extra virgin for richer flavor.

• Sea Salt: Enhances corn's natural flavor, use flaky texture for better distribution.
• Chipotle Chili Powder: Adds smoky, spicy kick that complements corn's sweetness, select high-quality ground chili for intense depth.
• Cotija Cheese: Crumbly Mexican cheese providing salty, tangy contrast, look for authentic Mexican brands.
• Parsley: Fresh herb bringing bright, green notes and visual appeal, select vibrant green leaves without wilting.

• Crema: Soft Mexican-style cream delivering smooth, luxurious texture, choose authentic Mexican brand for traditional taste.
• Lime Juice: Introduces zesty, citrusy brightness that cuts through richness, select ripe, juicy limes with firm skin.

Tools Required to Make Mexican Street Corn

• Grill: Essential for cooking corn with perfect char marks.
• Aluminum foil: Protects corn while grilling and helps retain moisture.
• Small mixing bowl: Used for preparing crema mixture.
• Pastry brush: Helps evenly apply olive oil and crema on corn.
• Tongs: Perfect for turning and handling corn on the grill safely.
• Cutting board: Provides space for preparing ingredients and final plating.
• Sharp knife: Useful for cutting lime and chopping parsley.
• Cheese grater (optional): Can help crumble cotija cheese if needed.

Sizzling Mexican Street Corn Recipe

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4.9 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Elote, a classic Mexican street corn dish, blends charred corn with creamy, tangy toppings. Zesty flavors and simple ingredients make this street-style corn an irresistible snack you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 6 ears corn, husked and silk removed
• ¼ – ⅓ cup cotija cheese, crumbled
• 2 tbsps sour cream
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 limes, juiced
• 1 lime, juiced
• 2 tbsps fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 2 tsps chipotle chili powder
• ¼ tsp chipotle chili powder
• Sea salt
• ¼ tsp salt
• Olive oil

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Instructions

1. Prep Corn: Thoroughly coat corn ears with olive oil, sprinkle sea salt, then wrap tightly in aluminum foil to seal in moisture.
2. Grill Setup: Ignite outdoor grill to medium heat around 350-375°F, creating an even cooking surface for perfect grilling.
3. Corn Roasting: Position foil-wrapped corn on grill grates, rotating periodically to ensure consistent golden-brown caramelization and prevent burning.
4. Crema Preparation: Whisk crema ingredients in a bowl until achieving a silky, uniform consistency that will complement the grilled corn.
5. Corn Finishing: Unwrap grilled corn, allowing excess steam to dissipate, then lavishly coat with prepared crema for rich, creamy coverage.
6. Cheese and Spice Topping: Generously dust corn with crumbled cotija cheese and chipotle chili powder, creating a vibrant, textured exterior that balances smoky and tangy flavors.
7. Final Garnish: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley and squeeze lime juice over corn, adding brightness and enhancing the overall taste profile.
8. Serving: Present immediately while corn remains piping hot, ensuring optimal texture and flavor enjoyment.

Notes

• Prevent Burning: Rotate corn every 5-6 minutes to ensure even cooking and avoid charred spots that can make corn bitter.
• Check Corn Doneness: Kernels should turn tender and develop a light golden-brown color, indicating perfect grilling technique.
• Crema Consistency Matters: Whisk crema ingredients thoroughly to create a smooth, even coating that adheres perfectly to grilled corn.
• Serve Immediately: Enjoy Mexican Street Corn hot to experience the optimal blend of creamy, spicy, and zesty flavors at their peak freshness.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg