Imagine standing in a bustling Mexican market, surrounded by the intoxicating aroma of grilled corn wafting through the air. The vibrant colors and lively atmosphere create a sense of excitement that makes your mouth water just thinking about it. Now, picture yourself bringing that experience home with a plate of Homemade Mexican Street Corn, bursting with flavor and topped with creamy goodness. For more inspiration, check out this lunch options recipe.
This dish isn’t just food; it’s a celebration on a cob! Perfect for summer barbecues or cozy family dinners, this recipe promises to be an unforgettable treat that will make everyone come back for seconds. Get ready to take your taste buds on a wild ride. For more inspiration, check out this dinner recipes recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Homemade Mexican Street Corn is easy to prepare, allowing you to impress guests without stress
- The explosion of flavors creates a delightful culinary experience that is visually stunning
- Enjoy it as a side dish, appetizer, or even as a main course if you’re feeling adventurous
- This recipe is versatile enough for any occasion!
I remember the first time I had Mexican street corn at a local fair. My friends and I devoured those cobs like we hadn’t eaten in days! The laughter and joy we shared made it unforgettable.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Fresh Corn on the Cob: Look for bright yellow kernels with firm husks; frozen corn can work in a pinch but fresh is best.
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Mayonnaise: Use full-fat mayo for creaminess; it helps the toppings stick beautifully.
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Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and balances out the sweetness of the corn.
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Chili Powder: Choose your favorite brand; it adds that essential kick!
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Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice brightens up all flavors—don’t settle for bottled!
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Queso Fresco or Cotija Cheese: Crumbly cheese that adds saltiness; both types work wonderfully.
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Fresh Cilantro: Chopped cilantro gives an herbaceous freshness that complements the dish perfectly.
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Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the other ingredients.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Homemade Mexican Street Corn
Prep Your Corn: Start by shucking your fresh corn, removing all the silk strands. Rinse them under cold water to ensure they are clean and ready for grilling.
Grill Those Cobs: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the corn directly on the grill grates for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally until charred and tender—those lovely grill marks are key!
Create Your Sauce: In a medium bowl, mix mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, salt, and pepper until well combined. This creamy concoction is where the magic happens!
Coat Your Corn: Once grilled to perfection, remove the corn from heat and let it cool slightly. Slather each ear generously with your sauce mixture until every kernel is coated.
Add Toppings: Sprinkle crumbled queso fresco or cotija cheese over the sauced corn along with freshly chopped cilantro for added flavor and color—this step makes all the difference!
Squeeze More Lime: Finally, finish off each cob by squeezing more lime juice over them before serving. Your taste buds will thank you for this zesty burst of freshness!
With these steps completed, serve your Homemade Mexican Street Corn hot off the grill while it’s still warm—trust me; it’s best enjoyed straight away!
You Must Know
- Homemade Mexican street corn is a delightful dish that combines sweet corn, creamy toppings, and zesty spices
- It’s perfect for summer barbecues and can easily be customized to suit your taste buds
- The aroma while cooking will make your neighbors wonder what’s happening in your kitchen!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by grilling the corn until it’s charred and tender, then mix up the sauce while it cools. This sequence allows flavors to meld together beautifully and ensures that everything comes together perfectly.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the cheese for feta or sprinkle in some chili powder for extra spice. Adding lime zest gives a fresh twist that elevates this classic recipe.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover corn in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if needed to keep it moist.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To get that delicious char on the corn, use high heat and turn frequently
- Don’t skip the lime juice; it brightens all flavors beautifully
- Lastly, let the corn cool slightly before adding toppings to prevent sogginess
Homemade Mexican street corn always reminds me of summer block parties where we would gather around the grill, sharing stories and laughter while feasting on this delightful treat.
FAQ
How do I choose the best corn for this recipe?
Look for fresh, plump ears with bright green husks and moist silk.
Can I make homemade Mexican street corn vegan?
Absolutely! Use vegan mayo and nutritional yeast instead of cheese for a plant-based version.
What can I serve with homemade Mexican street corn?
This dish pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, tacos, or as a stand-alone snack at parties.
Homemade Mexican Street Corn
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Dive into the vibrant flavors of Homemade Mexican Street Corn, also known as Elote. This delicious dish features sweet, grilled corn on the cob slathered in a creamy sauce and topped with tangy cheese and fresh herbs. Perfect for summer cookouts or cozy family dinners, it’s sure to impress your guests and leave them craving more.
Ingredients
- 4 ears fresh corn on the cob
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- Juice of 2 limes
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 cup crumbled queso fresco or cotija cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Shuck the corn, removing silk and rinsing under cold water.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Grill corn for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally until charred.
- In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Remove corn from grill; let cool slightly. Coat each ear with the sauce mixture.
- Top with crumbled cheese and chopped cilantro. Squeeze additional lime juice over the top before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ear of corn (106g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 360mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: - For a spicy kick, add more chili powder or sprinkle cayenne pepper. - Substitute feta cheese for a different flavor profile. - To enhance freshness, consider adding lime zest to the sauce.
