What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This homemade street corn recipe is a crowd-pleaser, packed with bold flavors and easy to make. You’ll love how it brings the taste of a food cart right to your kitchen.
- Creamy and tangy: The mix of mayo, lime, and cotija cheese creates a rich, zesty coating that’s irresistible.
- Quick to prepare: Ready in under 20 minutes, perfect for a last-minute side dish or snack.
- Customizable: Spice it up with chili powder or keep it mild—it’s delicious either way.
Recipe
Street corn, also known as elote, is a popular Mexican street food featuring grilled corn slathered in a creamy, tangy sauce and topped with crumbled cheese and chili powder. This homemade version brings the vibrant flavors of the street vendor right to your kitchen.
Ingredients:
- 4 ears of corn, husks removed
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream or Mexican crema
- ½ cup crumbled cotija cheese
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Grill the corn, turning occasionally, until lightly charred, about 8–10 minutes.
- In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise and sour cream.
- Brush the grilled corn with the mayo mixture.
- Sprinkle with cotija cheese, chili powder, and cilantro.
- Serve with lime wedges and salt to taste.
Notes:
- For a smokier flavor, grill the corn in the husk and peel afterward.
- Substitute feta if cotija cheese is unavailable.
Equipment:
- Grill or grill pan
- Mixing bowl
- Brush
Time:
- Prep time: 5 minutes
- Cooking time: 10 minutes
Cuisine: Mexican
Serving: 4
Nutrition
This homemade street corn recipe is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Here’s the nutritional breakdown per serving:
Calories | Protein | Fat | Carbs | Fiber
—|—|—|—|—
300 | 6g | 18g | 30g | 3g
What To Serve With It
I always love pairing my homemade street corn with grilled meats, like chicken or steak, for a hearty meal. Fresh salads, like a simple cucumber or tomato mix, balance out the richness perfectly. It’s a combo that makes any dinner feel like a special treat!
Grilled Meats
When you’re firing up the grill for some juicy meats, you’ll want sides that complement those smoky flavors without stealing the spotlight. For me, homemade street corn is the perfect pairing—it’s creamy, tangy, and just the right amount of charred. I love serving it alongside grilled chicken thighs marinated in lime and garlic, or even smoky pork chops with a hint of paprika. Don’t forget about skirt steak with chimichurri—it’s a match made in heaven. The street corn’s bold flavors hold their own, but they’re subtle enough to let the meat shine. It’s a combo I keep coming back to!
Fresh Salads
A crisp, fresh salad can be the perfect way to balance out the rich, smoky flavors of street corn, adding brightness and crunch to your meal. I love pairing it with a simple cucumber-tomato salad, tossed with lime juice and cilantro—it’s light but full of flavor. A tangy slaw with cabbage, carrots, and a squeeze of lime also works wonders. If I’m feeling fancy, I’ll throw together a jicama salad with orange slices and chili powder for a sweet-spicy kick. These salads cut through the creaminess of the corn, making every bite feel fresh and satisfying.
