Go Back
To create this tasty dish, you need just a few key items. Here’s the list: - 4 fresh ears of corn, husked - 1/2 cup creamy mayonnaise - 1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese (or feta cheese for a milder option) - 1 teaspoon chili powder - 1 lime, zested and juiced - 1/4 cup freshly chopped cilantro - Salt, to taste - Optional: 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika for an extra depth of flavor These ingredients work together to bring out bright, bold flavors. The corn shines with its natural sweetness. The creamy mayonnaise adds richness, while cheese and spices boost the taste. You can personalize your street corn with some fun extras. Consider these options: - Add a sprinkle of garlic powder for more flavor. - Use jalapeños or hot sauce for heat. - Try different cheeses like queso fresco or parmesan. - Swap lime for lemon for a different twist. These variations let you adjust the dish to your taste. Have fun experimenting! Gather these tools to make your cooking easier: - Large pot for boiling corn - Mixing bowl for the sauce - Basting brush or spoon for coating - Serving plate for presentation Having the right tools helps make the process smooth. It’s all about enjoying the cooking experience! First, fill a large pot with water. Bring it to a rolling boil. Once boiling, carefully add the husked corn. Cook the corn for 5 to 7 minutes. You want it tender but still crisp. After cooking, take the corn out and let it cool. This makes it safe to handle. While the corn cools, grab a mixing bowl. In this bowl, add creamy mayonnaise. Then, squeeze in the lime juice and add the zest. Next, mix in the chili powder and chopped cilantro. If you like smoky flavor, add smoked paprika. Stir everything until it is smooth and creamy. Now, take the cooled corn. Use a basting brush or a spoon. Generously coat the corn with the mayo sauce. Make sure every part is covered. Next, sprinkle crumbled cotija cheese over each ear. Press lightly to help it stick. Finally, add salt to taste. For extra spice, sprinkle more chili powder. Serve the corn on sticks or on a plate. Garnish with extra cilantro and lime wedges. Enjoy! For the full recipe, check out the details above. To make great Mexican street corn, start with fresh corn. Look for ears with bright green husks. The silk should be light brown and sticky. Press the kernels with your thumb; they should feel firm and juicy. Fresh corn tastes sweeter and gives you the best flavor. Always pick corn that feels heavy for its size. Many people overcook the corn. Cook it for just 5-7 minutes. This keeps it crisp and sweet. Another mistake is not seasoning enough. Salt enhances flavor, so don’t skip it. Also, remember to coat every side with the mayo mix. This ensures a burst of flavor in every bite. Lastly, don't rush when adding cheese. Press it gently for a better stick. To make your corn even tastier, try these ideas: - Add lime zest: This gives a bright flavor. - Use smoked paprika: It adds a nice depth. - Spice it up: Add more chili powder for heat. - Try different cheeses: You can use feta for a milder taste. - Extra toppings: Consider adding diced jalapeños or hot sauce for a kick. These simple tweaks can turn your Mexican street corn into a gourmet treat. For the full recipe, refer to the earlier section. {{image_4}} You can switch up the cheese for Mexican street corn. Cotija cheese is the classic choice. It adds a nice salty bite. If you want something milder, feta cheese works well too. You can even try queso fresco for a lighter texture. Each cheese gives a unique flavor. Get creative and find your favorite! Love heat? Add some spice to your corn! A dash of cayenne pepper can kick it up. You can also mix in some chopped jalapeños for a fresh taste. Another great option is to drizzle hot sauce over the mayo mix. It adds both heat and flavor. Don't forget to sprinkle additional chili powder for that extra zing! While boiling corn is easy, there are other fun ways to cook it. Grilling gives the corn a smoky flavor. Simply husk and soak the corn before grilling for the best results. You can also roast it in the oven. Just wrap the corn in foil and bake for about 20 minutes. Both methods add a unique twist to your dish. Try them out for a new experience! For the full recipe, check out the complete guide on making Mexican Street Corn on the Cob. To keep leftover corn fresh, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil. You can also place it in an airtight container. Make sure to store it in the fridge. Properly stored, it lasts for about 3 to 4 days. Reheating corn is simple. You can use a microwave for quick warmth. Place the corn on a plate, cover it with a damp paper towel, and heat for 30 to 60 seconds. If you prefer a grilled taste, place it on a grill for a few minutes. This adds a nice char and flavor. If you want to save your corn for later, freezing is a great option. First, let the corn cool completely. Wrap each ear in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag. Be sure to label the bag with the date. Frozen corn can last for about 6 months. When you're ready to use it, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating or cooking. Enjoy your Mexican street corn on the cob anytime with this method! For the full recipe, check out the details. Mexican street corn, or elote, comes from Mexico. Vendors sell it on street corners. The corn is grilled and covered in tasty toppings. People love it for its rich flavors. It has roots in ancient Aztec culture, where corn was a vital food. Today, you can find it at fairs and markets. Yes, you can make Mexican street corn vegetarian. The main ingredients are already plant-based. Use mayonnaise, cheese, lime, and spices. If you want a vegan version, try making a sauce with avocado or cashew cream. This keeps the flavor rich without using dairy. Mexican street corn pairs well with many dishes. Here are some ideas: - Grilled chicken or steak - Tacos with your favorite filling - A fresh green salad - Rice and beans for a filling meal - Spicy salsa to kick it up a notch Feel free to explore these options to create a fun and tasty meal. For more details on how to prepare this dish, check out the Full Recipe. Mexican street corn is a delightful dish rich in flavor and culture. We covered the key ingredients needed, how to prepare the corn, and made a tasty sauce. I shared tips for choosing the best corn and avoiding common mistakes. Explore variations, like different cheeses or spicy toppings, to customize it. Finally, I explained how to store leftovers and answered common questions. Enjoying this treat is simple and fun, perfect for any gathering. Try it, and let your taste buds savor the bold flavors!

Mexican Street Corn on the Cob

Discover the irresistible flavors of Mexican Street Corn on the Cob! This easy recipe features fresh corn coated in a creamy mix of mayonnaise, cotija cheese, and zesty lime, topped with cilantro and chili powder for deliciousness in every bite. Perfect for summer barbecues or a tasty side dish, this dish is sure to impress. Click through to explore the full recipe and treat yourself to a taste of the street food you love!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

4 fresh ears of corn, husked

1/2 cup creamy mayonnaise

1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese (or feta cheese for a milder option)

1 teaspoon chili powder

1 lime, zested and juiced

1/4 cup freshly chopped cilantro

Salt, to taste

Optional: 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika for an extra depth of flavor

Instructions
 

Prepare the Corn: In a large pot, bring water to a vigorous boil. Carefully add the husked corn to the boiling water and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the corn is tender but still crisp. Once cooked, remove the corn from the pot and let it cool for a few minutes until it can be handled safely.

    Make the Sauce: While the corn is cooling, prepare the sauce by combining mayonnaise, lime juice, lime zest, chili powder, and chopped cilantro in a mixing bowl. If you are using smoked paprika, add it at this stage. Stir the mixture thoroughly until all ingredients are fully incorporated and creamy.

      Coat the Corn: Once the ears of corn are cool enough to touch, use a basting brush or a spoon to slather the mayo mixture generously over the corn, ensuring that every inch is coated, including the ends.

        Add the Cheese: Evenly sprinkle the crumbled cotija cheese over each ear of corn. Press down gently with your fingers or the back of a spoon to ensure the cheese sticks to the mayo coating.

          Season to Perfection: Add salt to taste, and if you like a bit of kick, sprinkle extra chili powder on top for additional spice.

            Serve: For easy eating, you may skewer each corn cob with a wooden stick or serve the cobs directly on a plate. For a beautiful presentation, garnish with additional chopped cilantro and lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the corn.

              Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4