Description
A vibrant and flavorful take on classic Mexican street corn, featuring grilled ears of corn generously coated with a creamy cilantro-mayo sauce, tangy lime juice, and sprinkled with savory Parmesan and cotija cheeses. Finished with a hint of chili powder, this recipe delivers a perfect balance of smoky, creamy, and zesty flavors ideal for summer barbecues or any casual gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Corn
- 4 ears corn, husks removed but cores attached
Sauce
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup cilantro, freshly chopped
Cheese & Garnish
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- 1/4 cup cotija cheese
- 1 lime, juiced
- Chili powder, to taste
- 2 limes, cut into wedges for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Corn: Remove the husks from the ears of corn, keeping the core attached to make handling easier while grilling.
- Grill the Corn: Heat a grill or a cast iron pan to high. Place the corn on the grill and cook, turning frequently, until all sides develop a slight char and become tender, which should take about 10-15 minutes.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, and freshly chopped cilantro. Mix thoroughly to create a creamy, herbaceous mixture.
- Coat the Corn: Remove the grilled corn from the heat and use a basting brush to slather the creamy cilantro sauce evenly over each ear.
- Season and Serve: Squeeze fresh lime juice over the coated corn, then sprinkle generously with Parmesan and cotija cheeses. Finish with a dusting of chili powder to add a slight kick. Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for extra zing.
Notes
- For a spicier version, add cayenne pepper or smoked paprika along with the chili powder.
- To keep the corn warm, wrap it loosely in foil after grilling if serving later.
- Cotija cheese can be substituted with feta if unavailable, but cotija offers the classic authentic flavor.
- This recipe is best served fresh off the grill for optimal texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican
Keywords: Mexican street corn, grilled corn, elote, easy summer side, creamy corn recipe, chili powder corn, cotija cheese, grilled vegetables
