Grilled Mexican-Style Corn for Easy Summer Dinners

Why Make This Recipe

Mexican Street Corn Delight is a delightful treat that brings the essence of summer straight to your table. This dish is perfect for easy summer meals because it is quick to prepare and full of flavor. The combination of sweet corn, creamy toppings, and zesty spices creates a refreshing dish that everyone will enjoy. Whether you’re having a barbecue, picnic, or casual dinner, this recipe adds a festive touch to any meal.

How to Make Mexican Street Corn Delight

Making Mexican Street Corn Delight is simple and fun. You can choose to grill or boil the corn based on your preference. This recipe allows you to enjoy it in two ways: traditional elote, where you keep the corn on the cob, or esquites, where you cut the kernels off for easy eating. It’s a great dish for sharing, and the vibrant colors and flavors are sure to impress.

Ingredients:

• 6 ears of fresh corn, husked
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup Mexican crema or sour cream
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon lime juice (from about 1/2 lime)
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• 1/2 cup cotija cheese, crumbled (can substitute feta or parmesan)
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 lime, cut into wedges
• Extra chili powder for sprinkling

Directions:

1. Husk the corn and remove any silk. For grilling, keep the ears whole. If you prefer boiling, cut the corn in half for easier handling.
2. Brush the corn with vegetable oil and sprinkle it with salt. Cook the corn by grilling for 10–12 minutes, boiling for 5–7 minutes, or broiling for 2–3 minutes per side until lightly charred or tender.
3. In a bowl, whisk together Mexican crema, mayonnaise, lime juice, chili powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper until smooth.
4. For traditional elote, brush the cooked corn with the sauce, then sprinkle with crumbled cotija cheese, extra chili powder, and chopped cilantro. Serve with lime wedges.
5. For esquites (off-the-cob style), cut the kernels off the cob, mix them with the sauce, stir in most of the cheese and cilantro, and garnish with the rest. Serve with lime wedges.

How to Serve Mexican Street Corn Delight

You can serve Mexican Street Corn Delight as a side dish or a main attraction. Traditionally, it’s enjoyed at summer gatherings or street vendors, making it a perfect addition to any outdoor meal. Expect your guests to come back for seconds when they taste the creamy, spicy flavors that make this dish so addictive.

How to Store Mexican Street Corn Delight

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat the corn in the microwave or enjoy it cold as a salad. The flavors may meld together, creating an even tastier dish the next day.

Tips to Make Mexican Street Corn Delight

• If using canned corn, drain it well before cooking to avoid a watery texture.
• Keep some extra lime wedges and chili powder handy for those who like a bit more kick.
• For a healthier version, use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise or crema.
• If you love seafood, try adding shrimp with a hint of feta cheese sauce for extra flavor.

Variation

You can easily customize this recipe to suit your taste. For a spicy twist, add jalapeños to the sauce. If you prefer a sweeter taste, drizzle a little honey over the top before serving. Another fun idea is to mix in some black beans for added texture and nutrition.

FAQs

Can I use frozen corn for this recipe?
Yes, frozen corn can be used. Just make sure to thaw and drain it well before cooking.

Is Mexican crema the same as sour cream?
Mexican crema is richer and thinner than sour cream. However, you can use sour cream if you can’t find crema.

What can I substitute for cotija cheese?
If cotija cheese is unavailable, crumbled feta or Parmesan cheese works well as a substitute.

Conclusion

Mexican Street Corn Delight is a must-try for summer meals, bringing joy and flavor to your table. If you’re looking for more easy recipes, check out this Easy Mexican Street Corn Recipe for further inspiration. You might also love this Copycat Panera Mexican Street Corn Chowder Recipe for an exciting twist on your corn dishes. Enjoy!

Mexican Street Corn Delight

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• Author: anna
• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A delightful treat that brings the essence of summer straight to your table with sweet corn, creamy toppings, and zesty spices.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 6 ears of fresh corn, husked
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup Mexican crema or sour cream
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon lime juice (from about 1/2 lime)
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• 1/2 cup cotija cheese, crumbled (can substitute feta or parmesan)
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 lime, cut into wedges
• Extra chili powder for sprinkling

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Instructions

1. Husk the corn and remove any silk. For grilling, keep the ears whole. If you prefer boiling, cut the corn in half for easier handling.
2. Brush the corn with vegetable oil and sprinkle it with salt. Cook the corn by grilling for 10–12 minutes, boiling for 5–7 minutes, or broiling for 2–3 minutes per side until lightly charred or tender.
3. In a bowl, whisk together Mexican crema, mayonnaise, lime juice, chili powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper until smooth.
4. For traditional elote, brush the cooked corn with the sauce, then sprinkle with crumbled cotija cheese, extra chili powder, and chopped cilantro. Serve with lime wedges.
5. For esquites (off-the-cob style), cut the kernels off the cob, mix them with the sauce, stir in most of the cheese and cilantro, and garnish with the rest. Serve with lime wedges.

Notes

If using canned corn, drain it well before cooking to avoid a watery texture. Keep some extra lime wedges and chili powder handy for those who like a bit more kick.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Grilling or Boiling
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 380mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 8g
• Cholesterol: 15mg

Written by Anna

Anna is a professional recipe developer and food writer at Al3abFun. With over 8 years of experience in recipe development and food styling, she specializes in creating approachable, tested recipes that bring families together around the dinner table. Anna holds a culinary arts certification and has been featured in various food publications. Every recipe on Al3abFun is triple-tested in her home kitchen to ensure perfect results every time.

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