Mexican Street Corn, also known as Elote, is a beloved snack and side dish that perfectly captures the vibrant flavors of Mexico. This recipe brings the irresistible taste of charred corn, creamy sauce, and zesty spices right to your kitchen, without the cob! If you’re craving that authentic street food experience, learning How To Make Mexican Street Corn at home is easier than you might think.
Close up image of Mexican street corn topped with cotija and cilantro, showcasing the creamy texture and vibrant colors.
What is Mexican Street Corn (Elote)?
Elote is traditionally grilled corn on the cob slathered in a creamy, flavorful mixture and finished with cheese and chili powder. Street vendors throughout Mexico proudly serve this iconic snack. Our recipe focuses on the equally delicious, but often more convenient, off-the-cob version, sometimes called Esquites or Mexican Corn Salad. By removing the kernels, it becomes easier to eat and perfect as a side dish for tacos, grilled meats, or enjoyed on its own. This method ensures every kernel is coated in that signature Mexican street corn flavor.
Why This Recipe Works (Torchy’s Tacos Copycat Inspiration)
Inspired by the popular version served at restaurants like Torchy’s Tacos, this recipe aims to recreate that addictive taste in your home kitchen. Torchy’s Tacos is renowned for its creative and flavorful taco fillings and sides, and their Mexican Street Corn is a standout. This copycat recipe captures the essence of their dish, balancing the sweetness of corn with the tang of lime, the richness of mayonnaise, and a touch of spice from chili powder. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, whether you’re a Torchy’s fan or simply looking for an amazing Mexican street corn recipe.
Corn kernels being cooked in a hot cast iron skillet with melting butter, illustrating the initial cooking step of the recipe.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this flavorful side, you’ll need just a handful of simple ingredients:
- Corn: Canned corn makes this recipe quick and easy, but you can also use frozen corn or fresh corn kernels cut off the cob. For canned corn, ensure it’s drained well.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps to slightly char the corn in the skillet, enhancing its flavor.
- Mayonnaise: Provides the creamy base for the sauce. Full-fat mayonnaise is recommended for the best flavor and texture.
- Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice is key for that signature tangy zest that balances the richness of the mayonnaise and cheese.
- Chili Powder: Offers a mild heat and authentic Mexican flavor. Adjust the amount to your spice preference.
- Cotija Cheese: This hard, salty Mexican cheese is the traditional topping for Elote. If you can’t find Cotija, Parmesan or Feta can be used as substitutes, though the flavor will be slightly different.
- Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a bright, herbaceous note and beautiful visual appeal.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Mexican Street Corn
Follow these simple steps to learn how to make Mexican street corn that rivals your favorite restaurant versions:
- Cook the Corn: Heat a large skillet over high heat. Add the drained corn to the hot skillet and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This step helps to dry out the corn slightly and gives it a subtle char, mimicking the flavor of grilled corn.
- Add Butter and Salt: Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in butter and salt until the butter is melted and the corn is coated.
- Make the Sauce: In a separate bowl, combine mayonnaise, lime juice, and half of the chili powder (1 teaspoon). Mix well to create a creamy, tangy sauce.
- Combine and Season: Add the cooked corn to the bowl with the sauce. Stir to coat all the kernels evenly.
- Finish and Serve: Sprinkle the Mexican street corn generously with crumbled Cotija cheese, the remaining chili powder, and chopped fresh cilantro. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Mixing all the ingredients for Mexican street corn in a glass bowl, showing the creamy sauce coating the corn kernels.
Tips for the Best Mexican Street Corn
- Fresh vs. Frozen vs. Canned Corn: While canned corn is convenient, using fresh corn kernels cut from the cob or thawed frozen corn will elevate the flavor. If using fresh corn on the cob, grill or roast it first for an even more authentic smoky flavor before cutting off the kernels.
- Spice Level: This recipe uses chili powder for a mild spice. For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce. You can also garnish with a sprinkle of finely diced jalapeño for those who like it spicy.
- Cheese Variations: While Cotija is traditional, feel free to experiment with other cheeses. Queso fresco offers a milder, creamier alternative. Parmesan provides a salty, umami-rich flavor, and Feta adds a tangy, salty kick.
- Creamier Sauce: For an even richer and creamier sauce, add a tablespoon of Mexican crema or sour cream to the mayonnaise mixture.
Serving Suggestions
Mexican Street Corn is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of dishes. Here are a few serving ideas:
- As a Side Dish: It’s a perfect accompaniment to tacos, fajitas, enchiladas, grilled chicken, steak, or fish.
- Topping for Bowls: Add it to grain bowls, salad bowls, or even chili for a burst of flavor and texture.
- Party Appetizer: Serve it as a flavorful dip with tortilla chips or alongside other Mexican appetizers.
- Warm or Cold: While traditionally served warm, Mexican Street Corn is also delicious cold or at room temperature, making it a great option for picnics and potlucks.
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Mexican Street Corn in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can gently reheat it in a skillet or microwave. Be aware that the texture may change slightly upon reheating, and it might become a bit softer.
Mexican street corn served in a white bowl, highlighting its vibrant colors and appetizing presentation as a finished dish.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use frozen corn to make Mexican street corn?
Yes, you can definitely use frozen corn. Thaw it slightly before cooking in the skillet, and you may need to cook it for a few extra minutes to remove excess moisture.
Is Mexican street corn spicy?
This recipe as written has a mild spice level from the chili powder. You can easily adjust the spice to your liking by using more or less chili powder, or by adding other spicy elements like cayenne pepper or hot sauce.
Now that you know how to make Mexican street corn, you can easily bring the taste of authentic Mexican street food to your home. This vibrant, flavorful side dish is perfect for any occasion and is sure to become a new family favorite!
