Mexican Street Corn Recipe

Corn: Fresh ears of corn are the star of this dish, providing a sweet and juicy base that grills to perfection.

Mayonnaise: This creamy condiment helps bind the flavors together and adds richness to the corn.

Sour cream: Adds a tangy creaminess that complements the other ingredients beautifully.

Cotija cheese: A crumbly Mexican cheese that brings a salty, tangy flavor to the dish.

Lime juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice adds a zesty brightness that enhances the overall flavor.

Chili powder: Provides a mild heat and smoky depth, essential for that authentic Mexican taste.

Cilantro: Freshly chopped cilantro adds a burst of color and a fresh, herbal note to the finished dish.

To achieve the perfect char on your corn, make sure to preheat the grill to medium-high heat before placing the ears on it. Turn the corn occasionally to ensure even cooking and charring. This will enhance the smoky flavor that complements the creamy mayonnaise and sour cream mixture. When mixing the mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, and chili powder, whisk them together until smooth to ensure an even coating on the corn. For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika to the mixture. Finish by generously sprinkling cotija cheese and cilantro for a fresh and tangy contrast.

• corn - Substitute with frozen corn kernels: If fresh corn is not available, frozen corn kernels can be used. They are convenient and still provide a sweet, juicy flavor.

• mayonnaise - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt offers a creamy texture similar to mayonnaise and adds a tangy flavor while being lower in fat.

• sour cream - Substitute with crema: Crema is a Mexican cream that is slightly thinner and tangier than sour cream, making it a perfect substitute.

• cotija cheese - Substitute with feta cheese: Feta cheese has a similar crumbly texture and salty flavor, making it a good alternative to cotija.

• lime juice - Substitute with lemon juice: Lemon juice can be used in place of lime juice as it provides a similar acidic and citrusy flavor.

• chili powder - Substitute with paprika and cayenne pepper: A mix of paprika and cayenne pepper can mimic the heat and smokiness of chili powder.

• cilantro - Substitute with parsley: Parsley can be used as a substitute for cilantro, offering a fresh, herbal note, though it lacks the distinctive citrusy flavor of cilantro.

• Allow the corn to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the corn soggy.

• Wrap each ear of corn individually in aluminum foil or plastic wrap to maintain its flavor and prevent it from drying out.

• Place the wrapped corn in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. This will help keep the corn fresh and prevent any unwanted odors from seeping in.

• Store the corn in the refrigerator if you plan to enjoy it within 3 to 5 days. This keeps the corn fresh and ready for a quick reheat.

• For longer storage, consider freezing the corn. Place the wrapped corn in a freezer-safe bag, ensuring to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.

• When ready to enjoy, thaw the corn in the refrigerator overnight. This slow thawing process helps maintain the texture and flavor.

• Reheat the corn by placing it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat it on a grill for a few minutes to regain that delightful charred flavor.

• If you have leftover cotija cheese or cilantro, store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. They can be used to refresh the corn once reheated.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap each ear of corn in aluminum foil to lock in moisture. Place them on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. This method helps maintain the corn's charred flavor and creamy coating.

• Use a stovetop skillet for a quick reheat. Add a small amount of olive oil or butter to the pan over medium heat. Place the corn in the skillet, turning occasionally, until heated evenly. This method adds a slight crispiness to the corn while keeping the flavors intact.

• For a microwave option, place the corn on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently to ensure it's heated through without overcooking.

• If you have an air fryer, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the corn in the basket and heat for about 5-7 minutes. This method can help revive the corn's charred texture while keeping the toppings deliciously warm.

• For a unique twist, slice the corn off the cob and toss it into a hot skillet with a touch of butter. Stir until heated through, then serve as a warm corn salad or side dish. This method allows for easy reheating and serving in a new form.

• Grill: Used to cook the corn, providing a charred and smoky flavor that is essential for authentic Mexican street corn.

• Tongs: Handy for turning the corn on the grill to ensure even cooking and charring on all sides.

• Mixing bowl: Used to combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, and chili powder into a creamy, flavorful mixture.

• Basting brush: Essential for brushing the creamy mixture onto the grilled corn, ensuring an even coating.

• Knife: Useful for chopping cilantro and cutting lime wedges for serving.

• Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for chopping cilantro and preparing lime wedges.

• Measuring cups and spoons: Necessary for accurately measuring ingredients like mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, and chili powder.

Pre-grill the corn: Grill the corn ahead of time and store it in the fridge. When ready to serve, quickly reheat on the grill or in a hot oven.

Mix the sauce in advance: Prepare the mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, and chili powder mixture a day before and keep it refrigerated.

Use pre-crumbled cheese: Save time by purchasing pre-crumbled cotija cheese instead of crumbling it yourself.

Chop cilantro early: Chop the cilantro in advance and store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh.

Serve buffet style: Set up a self-serve station with all toppings so guests can customize their Mexican street corn quickly.