Homemade Mexican Street Corn Recipe
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If you’re craving a bite of pure, authentic flavor that bursts with zest and texture, this Homemade Mexican Street Corn Recipe is about to become your new best friend in the kitchen. With sweet, smoky grilled corn smothered in a tangy, creamy sauce and sprinkled with salty Mexican cheese, every corn cob feels like a mini celebration of traditional Mexican street food. This vibrant dish balances spicy, citrusy, and savory notes in a way that’s impossible to resist, making it the perfect addition to any meal or gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Keeping the ingredient list simple is part of what makes this Homemade Mexican Street Corn Recipe so charming and easy to whip up. Each component plays its part in creating a flavorful, creamy, and colorful experience that will keep everyone coming back for more.
- Mayonnaise: Provides a rich, creamy base that clings perfectly to the corn.
- Sour cream: Adds a tangy, smooth contrast, balancing the richness of the mayo.
- Chili powder or Tajin: Injects a bold spicy kick and a touch of smoky depth.
- Lime juice: Brightens up the sauce with fresh, zesty acidity.
- Mexican cheese (cotija or queso fresco): Crumbled on top for a salty, crumbly finish that’s signature to this dish.
- Ears of corn: Fresh, sweet corn forms the heart of this recipe and offers that irresistible smoky char when grilled.
- Melted butter: Brushed onto the hot corn to add buttery richness and help the sauce stick.
- Fresh parsley: A bright garnish adding color and a hint of herbal freshness.
How to Make Homemade Mexican Street Corn Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Corn
Start by choosing fresh ears of corn—ideally with bright yellow kernels and fresh green husks. You have two great cooking options: grilling or steaming. Grilling over medium-high heat for about 10-15 minutes allows the kernels to get that desirable char and smoky flavor, turning the corn into something truly special. If you prefer a softer, juicier bite, steaming the corn for 8-10 minutes will do the trick beautifully.
Step 2: Brush on the Butter
Once the corn is cooked and still hot, brush each ear generously with melted butter. This step is essential because the butter not only adds indulgent flavor but also helps the sauce stick to every crevice of the kernels, ensuring every bite is as rich and creamy as possible.
Step 3: Mix the Sauce
In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, chili powder or Tajin, lime juice, and half of the Mexican cheese. Mixing these ingredients thoroughly creates the tantalizing sauce that embodies the spirit of this Homemade Mexican Street Corn Recipe — creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy with a lovely cheesy finish.
Step 4: Coat the Corn with Sauce
Using a brush or spoon, generously coat each buttered ear of corn with the prepared sauce. Make sure to cover every inch so that your taste buds get that perfect balance of smoky corn and creamy sauce in every mouthful.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Finish by sprinkling the remaining cheese over the corn, and add a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately while it’s warm and full of those incredible layers of flavor.
How to Serve Homemade Mexican Street Corn Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is the classic finishing touch, but you can also add a pinch of extra chili powder for heat, a squeeze of lime juice for tang, or even a sprinkle of smoked paprika for a subtle smoky aroma. Each garnish amplifies the vibrant profile of this Homemade Mexican Street Corn Recipe in a unique way.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with grilled meats like steak or chicken, fresh salads, or even a bowl of warm beans for a festive Mexican-inspired feast. Its creamy, spicy character complements simple side dishes by adding a bold pop of flavor and texture.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun party twist, try slicing the corn off the cob and serving it in cups as Mexican street corn salad. Alternatively, arrange the whole ears on a rustic wooden board garnished with lime wedges and extra cheese for a stylish shareable appetizer that guests will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover corn can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. To maintain the best texture and flavor, keep the sauce and corn separate if possible, then combine just before serving.
Freezing
This Homemade Mexican Street Corn Recipe is best enjoyed fresh, as freezing can alter the texture of the corn and the creamy sauce. If you do freeze cooked corn, it’s better to freeze the plain grilled corn without sauce to preserve quality.
Reheating
Reheat leftover corn gently in a microwave or oven until warm, then reapply fresh sauce or garnish to restore that freshly made vibe. Avoid overheating to keep the corn tender and the sauce fresh.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Swap the mayonnaise and sour cream for vegan alternatives, use a dairy-free butter substitute, and replace the Mexican cheese with a plant-based option or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. This way, you keep the spirit of the Homemade Mexican Street Corn Recipe alive while making it vegan-friendly.
What if I don’t have a grill?
No worries! Steaming is a perfect alternative to grilling and yields tender, juicy corn. You can also roast the corn in the oven under the broiler for that charred effect if you want to mimic a grill at home.
Is Tajin essential, or can I use regular chili powder?
Tajin adds a unique tangy, salty, and slightly spicy flavor that’s traditional in Mexican street corn, but regular chili powder works just fine in a pinch. The flavor will be a bit different but still delicious and satisfying.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
Yes! The sauce can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Just give it a good stir before applying it to the corn to refresh the flavors and consistency.
How spicy is this recipe?
This dish has a mild to moderate level of heat, which you can easily adjust by varying the amount of chili powder or Tajin. It’s versatile enough to please those who like a little kick without overwhelming the other beautiful flavors.
Final Thoughts
Ready to impress yourself and your friends with a dish that’s bursting with authentic, rich flavors? This Homemade Mexican Street Corn Recipe is a vibrant celebration of simple ingredients coming together in the most delicious way possible. Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or your next summer barbeque, this recipe promises to add that perfect pop of flavor to any meal. Give it a try — your taste buds will thank you!
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Print
Homemade Mexican Street Corn Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings 1x
Description
This Homemade Mexican Street Corn recipe features perfectly grilled and steamed ears of corn slathered in a creamy, tangy sauce made with mayonnaise, sour cream, chili powder, lime juice, and authentic Mexican cheese. It’s garnished with fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor, making it an irresistible side dish perfect for summer cookouts or everyday meals.
Ingredients
For the Corn
- 5 ears of corn
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Sauce
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon chili powder or Tajin
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1/2 cup Mexican cheese (such as cotija or queso fresco)
Instructions
- Grill the Corn: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the ears of corn on the grill, turning them occasionally to ensure they become evenly charred and tender. This process should take approximately 10-15 minutes, giving the corn a delicious smoky flavor.
- Steam the Corn: While the grilling is the primary method to char the corn, you can also steam it for tenderness. Place the corn in a large pot with about an inch of water at the bottom, cover, and steam until tender, usually around 8-10 minutes.
- Brush with Butter: Once the corn is cooked and still hot, generously brush each ear with the melted butter. This enhances the flavor and helps the sauce adhere better.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, chili powder or Tajin, lime juice, and Mexican cheese. Mix until all ingredients are well combined into a creamy and flavorful sauce.
- Coat the Corn: Using a brush or spoon, generously coat each ear of corn with the prepared sauce, ensuring every kernel is covered for maximum taste.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the coated corn for garnish. Serve immediately to enjoy the perfect blend of smoky, creamy, and tangy flavors.
Notes
- For an extra smoky flavor, char the corn directly over open flames but be careful not to burn.
- Tajin can be substituted for chili powder to add a tangy and slightly salty flavor.
- If Mexican cheese is unavailable, feta or Parmesan can be used as alternatives, though the flavor will differ slightly.
- This recipe works well with fresh corn on the cob during its peak season for the best taste and texture.
- Leftover sauce can be refrigerated for up to 2 days but is best used fresh for optimal flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican
