Description
Mexican Street Corn is a flavorful and vibrant snack featuring smoky charred corn coated with a creamy, zesty sauce made from plant-based mayonnaise and cheese, accented with spices and fresh lime juice. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect as a quick snack or a side dish, customizable to your taste and ideal for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 4 ears fresh corn on the cob, husked
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon lime juice, fresh
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise (plant-based)
- 1/3 cup creamy cheese (plant-based)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Variations and Add-ons
- Sliced jalapeños or dash of cayenne pepper for extra heat
- Fresh parsley or basil instead of cilantro
- Spicy queso fresco (plant-based) or vegan cotija cheese (plant-based) as cheese alternatives
- Drizzle of agave nectar (natural) for a sweet contrast
- Natural gelling agent (optional, if thickening sauce)
Instructions
- Prepare the Corn: Husk the corn and remove any silk strands. Rinse the cobs under cool water to clean them, then pat dry thoroughly to ensure even charring during cooking.
- Cook the Corn: Grill the corn on a preheated grill or stovetop grill pan over medium-high heat. Turn the corn every few minutes until it develops a nice golden char all around, achieving a smoky flavor and visually appealing marks.
- Mix the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the plant-based mayonnaise, lime juice, garlic powder, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and well blended to create a creamy, zesty sauce.
- Coat and Garnish: While the corn is still warm from the grill, brush it generously with the prepared sauce. Then sprinkle evenly with creamy plant-based cheese and chopped fresh cilantro. Add extra chili powder to taste for a vibrant finish.
Notes
- Choose fresh corn with bright yellow, firm kernels for the best sweetness and texture.
- Use a natural gelling agent if you need to thicken the sauce for a creamier consistency without losing freshness.
- Grill the corn carefully to avoid burning; charring adds flavor but blackened spots can taste bitter.
- Serve the corn warm to best enjoy its vibrant flavors and textures.
- Adjust chili powder gradually to control the spice level according to your preference.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ear of corn with sauce
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Mexican street corn, elote, plant-based snack, grilled corn, vegan appetizer, dairy-free, gluten-free
