Easy Street Corn Recipe: A Summertime Staple
Summer is synonymous with delicious corn on the cob, and this easy street corn recipe is a perfect way to enjoy this seasonal favorite. It's simple, flavorful, and requires minimal ingredients, making it an ideal dish for weeknight dinners or summer BBQs. This recipe is optimized for search engines, using relevant keywords and semantic variations to ensure maximum visibility.
What is Street Corn?
Street corn, also known as Elote, is a popular Mexican street food. It features grilled corn on the cob slathered in a creamy, savory sauce, typically a mayonnaise-based mixture with chili powder, cotija cheese, and lime juice. This recipe simplifies the process while maintaining the authentic flavors that make street corn so irresistible.
Ingredients You'll Need:
- 4 ears of fresh corn, shucked
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (or vegan alternative)
- 1/4 cup cotija cheese, crumbled (or substitute with feta or parmesan)
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: chopped cilantro for garnish
Instructions: A Step-by-Step Guide
This easy street corn recipe is incredibly straightforward. Here’s how to make it:
Step 1: Grill the Corn
Preheat your grill to medium heat. Grill the corn, turning occasionally, for about 10-12 minutes, or until tender and slightly charred. You can also boil or roast the corn if you don't have a grill.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, chili powder, lime juice, cumin, salt, and pepper. Adjust the seasonings to your liking. You can add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
Step 3: Coat the Corn
Once the corn is cooked, remove it from the grill and let it cool slightly. Spread the mayonnaise mixture evenly over each ear of corn.
Step 4: Add the Cheese and Garnish
Sprinkle the crumbled cotija cheese (or your chosen substitute) generously over the corn. Garnish with chopped cilantro if desired.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve immediately and enjoy the burst of flavors from this incredibly easy and satisfying street corn recipe. This is a perfect side dish for any occasion.
Tips and Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños to the sauce for extra heat.
- Get creative with cheese: Experiment with different cheeses like feta, parmesan, or even a Mexican cheese blend.
- Add some zest: A squeeze of fresh orange juice can add a bright citrusy note.
- Make it vegetarian/vegan: Use a vegan mayonnaise alternative and your preferred vegetarian cheese substitute.
This easy street corn recipe is a delicious and versatile dish perfect for summer gatherings or a quick weeknight meal. Its simplicity makes it a crowd-pleaser, and the customizable options allow you to tailor it to your preferences. So fire up the grill (or not!) and get ready to enjoy this summertime classic!
