Authentic Mexican Street Corn Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a dish that embodies the vibrant flavors of Mexican street food, then look no further than this must-try recipe for Mexican Street Corn. This easy-to-make cup-style version takes simple frozen corn and elevates it with a creamy, zesty sauce that hits all the right notes – sweet, spicy, tangy, and savory. Perfect for summer gatherings, this dish has a way of disappearing from the table long before the main course even makes an appearance.

The first time I served this Mexican Street Corn to my friends, they were convinced I had picked it up from a local elote cart. Now, it has become a staple request at all my backyard parties, loved by all. What truly sets this dish apart is the finishing touch of a squeeze of fresh lime at the table, evoking memories of bustling street markets and family vacations. It’s a dish that not only satisfies your taste buds but also transports you to the vibrant streets of Mexico.

Whether you’re looking to impress guests at a gathering or simply craving a flavorful snack, this Mexican Street Corn recipe is a winner. With the option to customize the heat level and ingredients, such as using Greek yogurt or Mexican crema for a lighter twist, this dish is versatile and oh-so-delicious. So, whip up a batch, savor the bold flavors, and let this dish take you on a culinary journey to the heart of Mexico.

Quick Benefits

• Easy to make using frozen corn and a simple, flavorful sauce
• Offers a perfect blend of sweet, spicy, tangy, and savory flavors
• Versatile dish that can be served at summer gatherings, parties, or as a side for grilled meats
• Can be customized with different toppings and ingredients for a unique twist

Why You’ll Love This Authentic Mexican Street Corn Recipe Recipe

• Flavor Explosion: This recipe offers a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, tangy, and savory flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
• Easy and Quick: Using frozen corn and simple ingredients, this dish comes together effortlessly, making it a go-to for summer gatherings or quick weeknight meals.
• Crowd Pleaser: Impress your guests with this Mexican Street Corn that will disappear quickly and become a must-requested dish at your gatherings.
• Nostalgic Touch: The addition of fresh lime brings a nostalgic feel of street markets and family vacations, adding a refreshing and citrusy note to the dish.
• Versatile: Enjoy this Mexican Street Corn as a side dish, a topping for grilled meats, stirred into salads, or as a chunky salsa with tortilla chips for parties.
• Customizable: Adjust the heat level by varying the amount of sriracha and chili powder, and swap ingredients like Greek yogurt or Mexican crema for a personalized twist.
• Shareable Snack: Transform a classic street food into a shareable snack that everyone will love, adding a fun and flavorful element to your table.
• Texture and Depth: The crumbled cotija cheese or queso fresco provides a salty and crumbly texture that complements the creamy sauce and crunchy corn kernels beautifully.

Ingredients for Authentic Mexican Street Corn Recipe

Main

• 1/4 cup (60 ml) mayonnaise
• Lime salt, optional, to taste
• 1 pound (450 g) frozen corn
• Kosher salt, to taste
• Chili powder, to taste
• 1/4 cup (10 g) fresh cilantro, chopped, to taste
• 1/2 cup (65 g) cotija cheese or queso fresco, crumbled
• 1 lime, cut into wedges
• 1/2 teaspoon sriracha sauce, or to taste
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) sour cream

Pro Tips for Authentic Mexican Street Corn Recipe

For the best results, try grilling the frozen corn for a smoky flavor before mixing it with the sauce. This will elevate the dish and add a delicious charred element to the corn.

To enhance the flavor profile, consider adding a sprinkle of Tajin seasoning to the Mexican Street Corn for a burst of citrusy, chili zest. This seasoning will complement the sweet, spicy, tangy, and savory elements of the dish beautifully.

For a refreshing twist, serve the Mexican Street Corn alongside grilled steak or chicken for a complete meal. The combination of flavors will take your dinner to the next level and impress your guests with a mouthwatering feast.

How to Make Authentic Mexican Street Corn Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Sweetened Boiling Water

In a saucepan, bring 240 ml of water to a rolling boil. Stir in the sugar until dissolved.

Step 2: Cook the Corn

Add frozen corn to boiling water, cover with a lid, and simmer for 3 to 5 minutes until kernels are heated through and tender.

Step 3: Mix the Dressing

While the corn is simmering, mix mayonnaise, sour cream, sriracha, and both salts in a bowl until a smooth sauce is formed.

Step 4: Drain and Cool Corn

After cooking the corn, drain it well and transfer it back to the pan. Let it cool for about 3 minutes.

Step 5: Combine Corn and Dressing

Gently combine the sriracha-mayo mixture with the warm corn until well coated.

Step 6: Assemble and Garnish

Divide the corn mixture into four serving cups. Top each with crumbled cotija, fresh cilantro, a sprinkle of chili powder, and a lime wedge. Serve promptly.

Storage Tips

To store the finished Mexican Street Corn, refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days. When reheating, use the microwave or a gentle pan over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to restore creaminess. Avoid freezing the dish once mixed, as the mayo sauce may separate.

For variations, consider using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter twist, or swap in Mexican crema for a tangier flavor profile. If cotija cheese is unavailable, crumble feta cheese by hand and briefly rinse it under cool water to soften the flavor. You can also experiment with bold citrus chili zest by trying Tajin seasoning as an alternative to chili powder.

To enhance your meals, spoon the Mexican Street Corn over grilled steak or chicken for a delicious dinner or mix leftovers with black beans and avocado for a hearty lunch bowl. For gatherings, serve the dish on a large platter with tortilla chips for dipping, mimicking a chunky corn salsa.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a lighter twist, Greek yogurt can be used instead of sour cream in the creamy sauce. This substitution adds a tangy flavor without compromising the texture. Similarly, Mexican crema is a great alternative to sour cream if you’re looking for a more traditional touch to the dish. It brings a slightly tangier and richer taste that complements the other flavors well.

If you’re unable to find cotija cheese, crumbled feta can serve as a suitable replacement. To soften the flavor of feta and make it closer to the original, rinse the crumbled feta briefly under cool water. Additionally, Tajin seasoning can be used in place of chili powder for a bolder citrusy and zesty flavor profile. These substitutions offer variety while still maintaining the essence of the Mexican Street Corn dish.

Serving Suggestions

For a fun and flavorful twist on Mexican Street Corn, serve it in individual cups at your next gathering. Allow guests to customize their cups with extra lime, chili powder, and cotija cheese for a personalized touch. This interactive presentation adds a festive element to any party and is sure to be a hit with your friends and family.

To elevate your dinner spread, spoon the Mexican Street Corn over grilled steak or chicken for a burst of flavor. The creamy and tangy sauce pairs perfectly with the smoky meats, creating a delicious and satisfying meal. This dish is a fantastic way to add a touch of Mexican street food flair to your summer BBQs or weeknight dinners.

FAQs for Authentic Mexican Street Corn Recipe

Can I use fresh corn instead of frozen corn for this recipe?

Yes, fresh corn can be substituted by boiling or grilling the kernels before mixing with the sauce.

How can I adjust the spiciness level of the Mexican Street Corn?

The heat level is adjustable by increasing or reducing sriracha and chili powder to taste.

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter version of this dish?

Yes, Greek yogurt can be used in place of sour cream for a lighter spin on the recipe.

What is the best way to serve Mexican Street Corn for optimal flavor?

The corn is best served warm, allowing the sauce and toppings to blend for the fullest flavor. Don’t forget to top it off with a final squeeze of lime before enjoying!

Conclusion

I hope you give this Mexican Street Corn Must Try recipe a whirl in your kitchen soon! It’s a delightful way to bring the vibrant flavors of Mexico to your table, and it’s such a crowd-pleaser. The blend of sweet, spicy, tangy, and savory flavors in this dish is truly a fiesta for your taste buds.

Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering or simply craving a taste of Mexican street food nostalgia, this dish is sure to hit the spot. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a delicious and satisfying treat that will transport you to the bustling streets of Mexico. Don’t forget that final squeeze of lime for that extra burst of freshness. ¡Buen provecho!

Authentic Mexican Street Corn Recipe

“Experience the vibrant flavors of Mexican Street Corn with a creamy, tangy sauce, cotija cheese, and a touch of lime for a perfect sweet, spicy, and savory dish!”

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time10 Minutes

Cook Time5 Minutes

Total Time15 Minutes

CuisineMexican

Skill LevelEasy

Servings4 Servings (4 individual street corn cups)

Ingredients

Main

• 1/4 cup (60 ml) mayonnaise
• Lime salt, optional, to taste
• 1 pound (450 g) frozen corn
• Kosher salt, to taste
• Chili powder, to taste
• 1/4 cup (10 g) fresh cilantro, chopped, to taste
• 1/2 cup (65 g) cotija cheese or queso fresco, crumbled
• 1 lime, cut into wedges
• 1/2 teaspoon sriracha sauce, or to taste
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) sour cream

Instructions

1. Prepare Sweetened Boiling Water: In a saucepan, bring 240 ml of water to a rolling boil. Stir in the sugar until dissolved.
2. Cook the Corn: Add frozen corn to boiling water, cover with a lid, and simmer for 3 to 5 minutes until kernels are heated through and tender.
3. Mix the Dressing: While the corn is simmering, mix mayonnaise, sour cream, sriracha, and both salts in a bowl until a smooth sauce is formed.
4. Drain and Cool Corn: After cooking the corn, drain it well and transfer it back to the pan. Let it cool for about 3 minutes.
5. Combine Corn and Dressing: Gently combine the sriracha-mayo mixture with the warm corn until well coated.
6. Assemble and Garnish: Divide the corn mixture into four serving cups. Top each with crumbled cotija, fresh cilantro, a sprinkle of chili powder, and a lime wedge. Serve promptly.