Broiled Mexican Street Corn

Experience the flavors of a bustling Mexican market right in your own kitchen with Broiled Mexican Street Corn! This vibrant recipe takes a classic ear of corn and elevates it beyond your typical grilled side dish. Bursting with a mix of savory, tangy, and spicy delights, this corn recipe is a festival of textures and flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. Intrigued? Continue reading to delve into the art of making this ever-popular and delicious street food.

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Why you’ll love this recipe

• Authentic and Delicious: This recipe replicates the exact tang and flavor of traditional Mexican street corn, making it a true culinary delight.
• Easy to Make: With simple, easy-to-follow steps, this recipe can be made even by cooking novices.
• Versatile: This broiled Mexican Street corn can be served as a side dish, a stand-alone snack, or even as a unique addition to your BBQ.
• Nutritious: Corn is packed full of beneficial fibers, vitamins, and minerals, making this delicious snack also nutritious.

What is Street Corn?

Street corn, also known as ‘Elote’, is a popular snack widely enjoyed in Mexico and parts of the United States. It involves grilling or broiling corn on the cob until it’s lightly charred, then slathering it with a mixture of creamy ingredients like mayonnaise, sour cream, or Mexican crema, and sprinkling it with cheese such as Cotija.

The corn is finally seasoned with spices like chili powder or paprika, and a squeeze of lime for a tangy finish. This vibrant street food is well-loved for its unique blend of flavors that creates a symphony of taste with each bite.

Ingredients

Taco Seasoning:

• Chili powder
• Ground cumin
• Ground coriander
• Garlic powder
• Smoked paprika
• Fine sea salt
• Ground black pepper
• Ground white pepper
• Cayenne pepper

Ingredients:

• Large ears of corn
• Unsalted butter
• Mexican crema or sour cream
• Mayonnaise
• Fresh cilantro
• Taco seasoning (see above)
• Sea salt and black pepper
• Cotija cheese
• Ground chipotle or smoked paprika

Grab the full ingredients details and instructions in the recipe card below!

Substitutions and Additions

• Mayonnaise: If you’re looking for a healthier alternative or have dietary restrictions, Greek yogurt is an excellent substitute for mayonnaise. It offers a similar creamy texture with less fat and more protein. For a vegan option, you can use vegan mayonnaise or pureed avocado for its rich and creamy consistency.
• Taco Seasoning: If you’re looking for a different seasoning blend, consider using an Italian spice mix for a unique twist. This blend often includes herbs like oregano, basil, and rosemary, along with garlic and onion powder, which would give the corn a distinct Mediterranean flair. Another option could be a Cajun or Creole spice blend for a Southern spin, with flavors of paprika, cayenne, and thyme. These alternate seasonings can be a delightful way to experiment with international flavors right on your corn cob.
• Cotija Cheese: Cotija cheese is a crumbly Mexican cheese that adds a distinctive flavor to dishes. If you can’t find Cotija cheese, Feta is a good substitution as it also has a salty and tangy flavor. For a creamier texture, you could use queso fresco or even grated Parmesan in a pinch.

Instructions

Position the top oven rack in the second slot from the top and preheat the broiler to the “High” setting. Prepare a large baking sheet with a rim by lining it with aluminum foil. Set it aside for later use.

Remove the husk and silk from the corn. Rinse it thoroughly to ensure all remaining silk is removed, then gently pat it dry. Arrange the corn on the baking sheet and generously brush it with the melted butter, making sure to cover all sides.

Place the baking sheet in the preheated broiler for 5-6 minutes, or until the corn is slightly charred on top. Remove from the oven and carefully rotate the corn one-third of the way before returning it to the broiler. Broil for another 5-6 minutes, then rotate and broil for an additional 5-6 minutes. The total cooking time should be 15-18 minutes.

While the corn is broiling, take a moment to prepare the delightful taco seasoning. Simply combine all the ingredients in a small bowl, giving it a good stir to ensure a harmonious blend. Set it aside, ready to elevate your culinary creation.

In a medium bowl, combine the Mexican crema (or sour cream) with mayonnaise, along with two tablespoons of finely chopped cilantro. Stir in one tablespoon of taco seasoning until thoroughly blended. Set the mixture aside for later use.

Take the broiled corn from the oven and gently coat it with the well-seasoned Mexican crema mixture. Adjust the amount based on your preference, whether you desire a generous layer or a subtle touch. Serve promptly, garnishing with crumbled Cotija cheese, the remaining cilantro, and a sprinkle of ground chipotle or smoked paprika.

Recipe tips

• Preparation: Removing all the silk from the corn can be a bit tricky. To make the job easier, try using a clean toothbrush to scrub off the stray silks.
• Broiling: Ensure an even char by rotating the corn during broiling. If the corn appears to be burning rather than charring, move the rack further away from the broiler.
• Taco seasoning: Make a big batch of taco seasoning and store it in a jar. This will save you time in the future as you’ll have it at hand for other recipes.
• Cotija cheese: If you cannot find Cotija cheese, you can substitute it with Parmesan cheese or Feta, but remember that these will slightly alter the flavor profile.
• Serving: For a fun, authentic touch, insert skewers into the base of the corn cobs before serving. It makes for easier handling and eating, just like the street food version.
• Leftovers: If you have any leftovers, you can cut the corn kernels off the cob and use them in salads, tacos, or as a topping for nachos.

Storage & reheating

Store any leftover street corn in an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 3-4 days. Unfortunately, freezing is not recommended as it can alter the texture of the corn and the creamy topping.

To reheat, place the corn in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for around 10-15 minutes, or until it’s heated through. Alternatively, for a quicker method, you can microwave the corn for 1-2 minutes, but be careful to avoid overheating it as this can dry out the corn. You may want to add a bit of butter or a sprinkle of cheese on top before reheating to refresh the flavors.

Recipe FAQ

Can I use canned corn instead of fresh corn?

Yes, you can use canned corn if fresh corn isn’t available. Be sure to drain and rinse the canned corn thoroughly before use. However, the taste and texture might differ slightly from fresh corn.

How do I make this recipe dairy-free?

To make this recipe dairy-free, substitute the Mexican crema or sour cream with a dairy-free alternative. You can also use vegan mayonnaise and a dairy-free cheese substitute for the Cotija cheese.

Is this recipe spicy?

While the taco seasoning does include some spices, the overall heat level is moderate. However, you can adjust the amount of cayenne and chipotle to suit your liking.

Can I grill the corn instead of broiling?

Yes, grilling the corn can also lend a unique smoky flavor to the dish. Just ensure to rotate the corn every so often to prevent it from burning and to achieve an even char.