How to Make Mexican Street Corn: A Step-by-Step Guide
Ingredients You’ll Need
The first step in making delicious Mexican street corn is to gather all of your ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 6 ears of fresh corn
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup crumbled cotija cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt and pepper to taste
You can find most of these ingredients at your local grocery store, and they shouldn’t be too difficult to find. Fresh corn is a must for this recipe, as it gives the dish a sweet and juicy flavor that’s hard to beat. Once you have all of your ingredients, you’re ready to start preparing your Mexican street corn!
Preparing the Corn
Before you can grill your corn, you’ll need to prepare it. Start by removing the husks and silk from each ear of corn. Then, using a sharp knife, cut off the top of each ear of corn so that the kernels are exposed. This will make it easier to spread the crema sauce and spices evenly over the corn.
Next, soak the corn in cold water for at least 10 minutes. This will help to keep the corn moist while you’re grilling it. Once you’ve soaked the corn, pat it dry with a paper towel and you’re ready to move on to the next step.
Making the Crema Sauce
The crema sauce is what gives Mexican street corn its signature flavor. To make the sauce, start by combining the mayonnaise, sour cream, crumbled cotija cheese, minced garlic, and lime juice in a bowl. Mix the ingredients together until they’re well combined.
Once the base of the sauce is mixed together, add in the chili powder and smoked paprika. These spices will add a smoky and slightly spicy flavor to the crema sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and mix everything together until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Set the crema sauce aside until you’re ready to grill the corn. It’s best to let the sauce sit for at least 30 minutes so that the flavors have time to meld together.
Grilling the Corn
Now it’s time to grill the corn! Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, and brush each ear of corn with a light coating of oil. This will help to prevent the corn from sticking to the grill.
Place the corn on the grill and cook for about 10-12 minutes, turning every few minutes to ensure that each side is evenly cooked. The corn should be slightly charred and tender when it’s done.
Once the corn is cooked, remove it from the grill and let it cool for a few minutes. Then, using a brush or a spoon, generously spread the crema sauce over each ear of corn. Make sure to coat each side evenly, and don’t be afraid to get a little messy!
Sprinkle a little extra cotija cheese and chili powder on top of the corn for an extra burst of flavor. Serve the Mexican street corn hot and enjoy!
Serving and Garnishing Your Mexican Street Corn
Mexican street corn is traditionally served on a stick, but you can also serve it on a plate or in a bowl. To make it easier to eat, you can cut the corn off the cob and serve it in a dish.
Garnish the corn with additional cotija cheese, chopped cilantro, and a sprinkle of chili powder. You can also squeeze a little extra lime juice over the top for a burst of citrus flavor.
Mexican street corn makes a great side dish for any Mexican-inspired meal, or you can serve it as a snack or appetizer. It’s best enjoyed fresh and hot off the grill, so make sure to serve it right away!