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Mexican Street Corn Must Try Recipe
Introduction
Craving something creamy, tangy, and smoky with a hint of spice and crunch? This Mexican Street Corn Must Try recipe is your answer. Bursting with juicy grilled corn, slathered in a zesty crema sauce, and finished with crumbled cheese and a sprinkle of chili powder—every bite is like a flavor fiesta.
Popularly known as Elote, this irresistible side dish is a Mexican street food staple you can now recreate at home in just 30 minutes. Whether you’re planning a summer BBQ, taco night, or just want to elevate your weeknight dinner, this recipe is a crowd-pleasing, family-friendly favorite.
The best part? You don’t need a grill or a trip to a street cart in Mexico to enjoy this. It’s easily adaptable for indoor cooking, can be made healthier, and even served off the cob for a mess-free twist. Trust us—this is the one Mexican Street Corn Must Try recipe that’ll keep your guests coming back for seconds.
💡 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- ✅ Ready in 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights
- 🧀 Loaded with creamy, cheesy, zesty flavor
- 🌱 Can be made dairy-free or vegan
- 👨👩👧👦 Kid-approved and picnic-perfect
- 🧼 Minimal cleanup—1 bowl, 1 pan
- 🔥 Grill or stovetop-friendly
Ingredients
- 4 ears of corn, husked
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil or butter
- ¼ cup mayonnaise (use vegan mayo for dairy-free)
- ¼ cup Mexican crema or sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
- ½ tsp garlic powder (or 1 clove minced – how to mince garlic)
- Juice of 1 lime
- ½ tsp chili powder
- ¼ cup crumbled Cotija cheese (or feta or parmesan)
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
- Lime wedges, for serving
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the Corn
- Brush corn with oil or melted butter.
- Preheat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
2. Grill the Corn
- Place corn on the grill, turning every 2-3 minutes until nicely charred (about 8–10 minutes).
- Remove and set aside to cool slightly.
3. Make the Sauce
- In a bowl, whisk together mayo, crema, garlic, lime juice, and chili powder until smooth.
4. Dress the Corn
- Using a spoon or brush, slather sauce all over grilled corn.
- Sprinkle with Cotija, chopped cilantro, and extra chili powder. Serve with lime wedges.
Pro Tips & Variations
✅ Expert Tips
- Char = Flavor: Get a nice char on the corn for that classic smoky flavor.
- Use skewers: For easier handling and cleaner eating.
- No grill? Use a stovetop grill pan or broil the corn.
🔄 Variations
- Off-the-Cob Elote Salad: Cut corn off the cob and mix with sauce in a bowl.
- Spicy Version: Add diced jalapeños or hot sauce to the crema.
- Low-Carb: Use the sauce on grilled zucchini or cauliflower instead.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Serve this Mexican Street Corn with:
- Grilled Carne Asada—Flavor-packed and pairs perfectly
- Mexican Rice – Check out our Easy Restaurant-Style Mexican Rice
- Black Bean Tacos – Try these 15-Minute Vegan Black Bean Tacos
Storage & Meal Prep
- Fridge: Store leftover corn in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Not recommended for sauce-coated corn. Grill corn only, then freeze.
- Reheat: Wrap in foil and warm in oven at 350°F for 10 minutes.
- Meal Prep Tip: Mix the crema sauce ahead of time and store up to 5 days.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 14g
- Protein: 5g
- Carbs: 20g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Values are estimates and vary by ingredients used.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ (Rank Math FAQ Schema)
❓ How do I make the corn extra crispy?
Char the corn directly on an open flame or grill until dark spots form. It adds flavor and crunch.
❓ Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Swap out crema and Cotija with vegan mayo and plant-based cheese.
❓ What’s the cooking time for the corn?
About 8–10 minutes on a hot grill or grill pan, rotating frequently.
❓ Do I need special equipment?
Not at all. A stovetop grill pan or cast iron skillet works just fine.
❓ What other toppings can I use?
Try crushed hot Cheetos, Tajín, avocado slices, or chopped red onion for extra flair.
Recipe Card (Printable)
Print
30-Minute Irresistible Mexican Street Corn Must Try Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Description
Enjoy the bold flavor of Mexican street corn featuring sweet kernels simmered with a touch of sugar, then coated in a luscious blend of mayonnaise, sour cream, and spicy sriracha. Topped with crumbled cotija, fresh cilantro, a sprinkle of chili powder, and a squeeze of lime, each bite bursts with creamy, tangy, and smoky notes. This crowd-pleaser is served in individual cups, perfect for gatherings or summer parties.
Ingredients
-
4 ears of corn
-
2 tbsp oil or butter
-
¼ cup mayo
-
¼ cup crema or sour cream
-
½ tsp garlic powder
-
Juice of 1 lime
-
½ tsp chili powder
-
¼ cup Cotija cheese
-
2 tbsp cilantro
-
Lime wedges
Instructions
-
Preheat grill. Brush corn with oil.
-
Grill corn for 8–10 mins, rotating until charred.
-
Mix mayo, crema, garlic, lime juice, and chili powder.
-
Spread sauce over corn. Top with cheese, cilantro, chili powder.
- Serve warm with lime wedges.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
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Wrap-Up
This Mexican Street Corn Must Try recipe is more than a side dish—it’s a celebration of flavor. Whether you’re new to Mexican cooking or a street food aficionado, this recipe is easy, flavorful, and endlessly customizable.
👉 Don’t forget to ⭐ leave a rating, 💬 drop a comment, or 📌 save it for later on Pinterest.
Thanks for stopping by, and happy cooking, friend! 🌽🇲🇽
