Spicy Mexican Street Corn

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 15 min
🍽 Serves: 4
★★★★★
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Spicy Mexican Street Corn, or Elote, is a vibrant, flavor-packed dish that's perfect for grilling season. This recipe brings the authentic taste of Mexican street food to your home, combining smoky, spicy, and tangy flavors in a delightful way.

Ingredients for Spicy Mexican Street Corn

The star of this dish is the corn, which gets beautifully charred on the grill, adding a smoky flavor. The mayonnaise and sour cream create a creamy base for the toppings, while cotija cheese adds a salty, crumbly texture. Chili powder and smoked paprika bring the heat and smokiness, complemented by minced garlic for depth. A squeeze of lime juice brightens everything up, and fresh cilantro adds a burst of freshness. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste for seasoning.

Tips & Tricks

  • Soak the corn in water for 10 minutes before grilling to keep it moist.
  • If you can't find cotija cheese, feta cheese is a good substitute.
  • Adjust the spice level by adding more or less chili powder to taste.
  • Use a basting brush to apply the mayo mixture evenly.

Serving Suggestions

This spicy Mexican street corn pairs wonderfully with grilled meats like steak or chicken. It also complements a fresh tomato salad or a cool, creamy guacamole. Serve it as a side for a taco night to bring an authentic street food vibe to your meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen corn?
Yes, but fresh corn gives the best flavor and texture. If using frozen, thaw it completely before grilling.
What can I use instead of a grill?
A grill pan or broiler will work in a pinch, just keep an eye on the corn to prevent burning.
Is there a non-dairy option?
You can use vegan mayonnaise and skip the cheese, though the flavor will be slightly different.

Spicy Mexican Street Corn Recipe Walkthrough

Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. This is the perfect temperature to get a nice char on the corn without burning it. While the grill heats up, husk your corn, ensuring you remove any silk strands. Place the corn directly on the grill grates. You'll want to grill the corn for about 10-15 minutes, turning it occasionally to ensure all sides are nicely charred.

While the corn is grilling, prepare your spicy mayo mixture. In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, minced garlic, chili powder, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix them well until you have a smooth, creamy sauce.

Once the corn is grilled to your liking, remove it from the grill and immediately slather each ear with the spicy mayo mixture. The heat from the corn will help the sauce melt and adhere nicely. Next, sprinkle a generous amount of cotija cheese over the corn, ensuring it's evenly covered.

To finish, garnish the corn with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice. Serve right away so everyone can enjoy it while it's still warm, with extra lime wedges on the side for those who love that extra zing.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick to prepare and cook, perfect for a casual BBQ or family dinner.
  • Combines smoky grill flavors with creamy, tangy toppings for a unique taste experience.
  • Customizable heat level — make it as spicy or mild as you like.
  • Uses simple, easy-to-find ingredients.

Ingredients

4 ears of corn
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup sour cream
1/2 cup cotija cheese, crumbled
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 clove garlic, minced
1 lime, cut into wedges
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. Husk the corn, removing any silk, and place the ears directly on the grill.
3. Grill the corn for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until charred in spots.
4. In a bowl, mix together mayonnaise, sour cream, garlic, chili powder, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
5. Remove corn from the grill and immediately slather each ear with the spicy mayo mixture.
6. Sprinkle cotija cheese generously over the corn.
7. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice.
8. Serve immediately with additional lime wedges on the side.

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