Zesty Mexican Corn Recipe: A Fiesta of Flavors on Your Plate

Bursting with vibrant flavors, Mexican corn revolutionizes ordinary side dishes into culinary celebrations of zesty delight.

Cultural traditions blend seamlessly in this iconic street food favorite that captures authentic regional essence.

Kernels dance with bold seasonings, creating a sensory experience that tingles taste buds and ignites passion for Latin American cuisine.

Bright, tangy ingredients meld together, promising a mouthwatering journey through rich agricultural heritage and time-honored cooking techniques.

Creamy textures intermingle with spicy undertones, offering you a delectable representation of regional gastronomic brilliance.

Each bite tells a story of community, connection, and generations of culinary wisdom passed down through family recipes.

This simple yet extraordinary dish represents more than just food—it embodies a celebration of flavor and cultural identity.

Reasons You’ll Crave This Mexican Corn

• Grill for Smoky Flavor: Fire up the grill to achieve those delicious charred marks that add a deep, smoky dimension to the corn's natural sweetness.
• Customize with Zesty Toppings: The combination of tangy lime, creamy mayo, salty cotija cheese, and spicy chili powder creates a flavor explosion that transforms simple corn into a mouthwatering Mexican street food experience.
• Quick and Easy Summer Delight: This recipe takes just minutes to prepare, making it perfect for backyard barbecues, potlucks, or a quick side dish that'll impress everyone with minimal effort.
• Texture Party in Your Mouth: Enjoy the contrast between the crisp, charred corn kernels, creamy mayo coating, and crumbly cotija cheese for a sensational bite that hits all the right texture notes.

What You Need for Mexican Corn

Main Ingredients:

Corn on the Cob: Sweet summer corn with natural sugars that caramelize beautifully on the grill, ideal for creating a charred and smoky flavor profile.

Cotija Cheese: Crumbly Mexican cheese with a salty and tangy character that adds rich texture and authentic flavor to the dish.

• Mayonnaise, Lime Juice, Cumin: Creamy and zesty sauce blend that provides a tangy and complex flavor coating for the corn.
• Chili Powder: Spicy and warming seasoning that adds a vibrant kick and traditional Mexican touch.
• Melted Butter: Rich ingredient that enhances corn's natural sweetness and helps other seasonings adhere.

• Cilantro, Lime Wedges: Fresh herb and citrus element that brightens the dish with aromatic and tangy notes, providing a classic Mexican street corn garnish.

How to Make Authentic Mexican Corn

Step 1: Prepare The Grill

Heat the grill to medium-high temperature, ensuring an even cooking surface.

Step 2: Create Flavor Mixture

• Mayonnaise
• Fresh lime juice
• Ground cumin

Set the mixture aside for later use.

Step 3: Grill The Corn

Lightly coat grill grates with cooking oil to prevent sticking.

Place corn cobs directly on the grill.

Cook for 7-9 minutes, rotating occasionally to achieve an even char and golden-brown color.

Step 4: Coat The Grilled Corn

Remove corn from grill and immediately brush with melted butter.

Roll each cob in the prepared mayo mixture, ensuring full coverage.

Step 5: Add Toppings

• Crumbled cotija cheese
• Chili powder

Step 6: Garnish And Serve

Scatter fresh chopped cilantro over the corn.

Arrange lime wedges alongside the corn for an extra burst of citrus flavor.

Serve hot and enjoy the vibrant Mexican-style street corn.

Tips for the Best Mexican Corn Experience

• Rotate Evenly: Turn corn cobs every 2-3 minutes during grilling to ensure uniform charring and prevent burning.
• Check Corn Freshness: Select ears with bright green husks and plump, tightly packed kernels for the best flavor and texture.
• Control Butter Temperature: Melt butter beforehand and keep slightly warm to help it coat corn smoothly without cooling too quickly.
• Customize Spice Level: Adjust chili powder quantity based on personal heat preference, starting with a light sprinkle and adding more if desired.
• Perfect Cheese Coverage: Crumble cotija cheese finely and roll corn while cheese is still slightly damp to help it adhere better to the mayo mixture.

Storing and Reheating Mexican Corn Made Easy

• Refrigerate: Store leftover Mexican corn in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Wrap each cob individually in plastic wrap to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
• Reheat on Grill: Warm corn cobs on medium heat for 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally to prevent burning. Brush with a little butter to refresh the flavors and restore moisture.
• Microwave Option: Place corn in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat for 30-45 seconds. Sprinkle fresh cotija cheese and chili powder after reheating to revive the original zesty taste.

Mexican Corn Pairings That Just Work

• Pair with Crisp Mexican Beer: Grab a cold Corona or Modelo Especial to complement the corn's smoky, tangy flavors. The light beer cuts through the rich mayo and butter, creating a refreshing balance.
• Serve with Zesty Margarita: Mix a classic margarita with tequila, lime juice, and a salted rim to echo the corn's citrusy and spicy profile. The drink's brightness enhances the grilled corn's charred notes.
• Match with Spicy Salsa Sidekick: Prepare a fresh pico de gallo or chunky salsa to add extra zest and heat alongside the corn. The raw, vibrant salsa provides a perfect contrast to the creamy, grilled corn.
• Complement with Grilled Protein: Pair the corn with carne asada or grilled chicken to create a complete Mexican-inspired meal. The protein's savory elements will beautifully balance the corn's creamy, spicy coating.

Unique Twists on Traditional Mexican Corn

• Smoky Street Cart Style: Char the corn directly over an open flame for deeper smokiness, then top with crumbled queso fresco instead of cotija for an authentic Mexican street vendor experience.
• Spicy Chipotle Kick: Mix chipotle pepper in adobo sauce with the mayo mixture for a fiery, smoky flavor profile that adds intense heat to the classic grilled corn.
• Creamy Elote Bowl: Cut kernels off the cob after grilling, mix with the mayo sauce, cheese, and chili powder, then serve in a bowl for an easier-to-eat version that maintains all the traditional flavors.
• Vegetarian Mexican Corn Salad: Grill corn and slice kernels, then toss with the mayo mixture, cheese, chili powder, and extra fresh herbs like parsley for a light, refreshing summer side dish that can be served chilled.

Mexican Corn Recipe

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4.6 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Description

Spicy Mexican street corn celebrates vibrant flavors of chili, lime, and creamy cotija cheese. Grilled corn gets a zesty makeover with tangy mayo, crumbled cheese, and a sprinkle of chili powder that will make taste buds dance with joy.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 4 ears corn
• ½ cup grated cotija cheese
• ¼ cup melted butter

Supporting Ingredients:

• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• 2 teaspoons lime juice
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Chili powder

Garnish and Serving:

• ¼ cup chopped cilantro
• 1 lime, cut into 4 wedges

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Instructions

1. Heat the grill to a medium-high temperature, preparing for a smoky roasting session.
2. Whisk together creamy mayonnaise, zesty lime juice, and aromatic cumin in a mixing bowl, creating a vibrant coating sauce.
3. Lightly brush the grill grates with oil to prevent sticking and ensure smooth corn placement.
4. Position corn cobs directly on the hot grill, rotating periodically to achieve an even, golden-brown char across all surfaces.
5. Allow corn to roast for approximately 8 minutes, developing deep caramelized marks and intensified flavor.
6. Carefully remove grilled corn and immediately immerse each cob in melted butter, ensuring complete coverage.
7. Roll the butter-coated corn through the prepared mayo-spice mixture, creating a rich, tangy exterior.
8. Generously dust each cob with crumbly cotija cheese, allowing the white cheese to cascade along the kernels.
9. Sprinkle chili powder across the corn for a subtle heat and vibrant color contrast.
10. Finish by scattering fresh, chopped cilantro over the corn, adding a bright, herbal note.
11. Serve immediately alongside wedges of lime for an extra burst of citrusy freshness.

Notes

• Grilling corn brings out a smoky sweetness that elevates this classic Mexican street food.
• Mixing mayonnaise with lime juice and cumin creates a tangy, creamy coating that perfectly complements the corn’s natural flavor.
• Ensure even charring by rotating corn cobs every few minutes during grilling for a consistent, caramelized exterior.
• Cotija cheese adds a salty, crumbly texture that traditional Mexican street corn is known for.
• Serve immediately after preparing to enjoy the corn while it’s hot and the cheese is freshly sprinkled.
• Optional heat can be adjusted by increasing or decreasing the amount of chili powder used.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Side Dish
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 335
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 370 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg