Chili’s Street Corn Recipe – Hungarian Chef

Last Updated on October 7, 2023

Get ready to experience a delightful burst of flavors with our Chili’s Street Corn Recipe. This recipe is a culinary journey that takes you straight to the bustling streets of Mexico, where this dish is a popular street food favorite. It’s a perfect blend of sweet, savory, and spicy elements that will tantalize your taste buds.

Grilled to perfection and slathered with a creamy, tangy sauce, then sprinkled with a generous amount of cheese and spices, this corn-on-the-cob is not just a side dish, it’s a star in its own right. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and bring the zesty spirit of Mexican street food right into your kitchen!

What is Chili’s street corn?

Chili’s Street Corn, also known as elite, is a traditional Mexican street food that features grilled or boiled corn on the cob topped with a creamy sauce and various seasonings. It originated in Mexico and has become a favorite amongst both locals and tourists alike. The dish is often served on the streets of Mexico by vendors who grill the corn right in front of customers, adding to the overall sensory experience.

Moreover, street food in Mexico is not just about the delicious taste, but also about the social aspect of gathering and connecting with others while enjoying flavorful dishes. Chili’s Street Corn embodies this communal spirit, making it more than just a dish but an experience to be shared and enjoyed.

Why You’ll Love this chili’s street corn?

If you’re a fan of Mexican cuisine, then Chili’s Street Corn is a must-try. It’s not only delicious and bursting with flavors but also has a rich cultural significance. Combining sweet corn, creamy sauce, tangy lime, and spicy seasonings creates a perfect balance that will leave your taste buds craving more.

The key ingredient in this dish is the corn, which is usually cooked over an open flame or grill to give it a smoky and slightly charred flavor. The toppings and seasonings can vary but typically include a combination of mayonnaise or sour cream, cotija cheese, chili powder, lime juice, and cilantro. Some variations also include hot sauce or butter for an extra kick of heat.

Moreover, this recipe is versatile and can be easily customized to suit your preferences. You can adjust the level of spiciness, add or omit certain toppings, or even use different types of cheese to make it your own. It’s also a fun dish to make and share with friends and family, making it perfect for gatherings and parties.

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The Ingredients 

1. Chopped fresh cilantro: This herb adds a fresh, slightly citrusy flavor to the dish. It complements the spicy and creamy elements of the recipe, bringing a refreshing balance.
2. Fresh ears of corn: The star of the dish, corn provides a natural sweetness and crunch. It’s the base to which all other flavors are added.
3. Sour cream: Sour cream adds a tangy creaminess that helps to balance out the heat from the spices. It also contributes to the rich texture of the dish.
4. Mayonnaise: Mayonnaise adds a creamy, fatty element that coats the corn and carries the flavors of the spices well. It also helps the cheese and other toppings stick to the corn.
5. Lime wedges: Lime adds a tartness that cuts through the richness of the mayo and sour cream. It also enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
6. Fresh lime juice: Much like the lime wedges, the lime juice adds acidity and brightness to the dish. It’s used in the sauce that coats the corn, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
7. Smoked paprika: This spice adds a smoky, slightly sweet flavor to the dish. It complements the natural sweetness of the corn and adds depth to the sauce’s flavor.
8. Crumbled cotija cheese: Cotija cheese is a hard, crumbly Mexican cheese that adds a salty element to the dish. It pairs well with the creamy sauce and provides a nice textural contrast.
9. Garlic powder: Garlic powder contributes a warm, savory flavor that complements the other spices and the sweetness of the corn.
10. Chili powder: Chili powder brings heat to the dish, adding an exciting kick. It pairs well with the cooling elements of the mayo and sour cream, and the sweetness of the corn.

Step by Step Instructions 

Step 1: Preheat the Grill or Grill Pan

To kickstart this mouthwatering grilled corn recipe, the first step is to get your grill or stovetop grill pan ready. If you’re using a grill, preheat it to a medium-high heat setting. Alternatively, if you’re using a stovetop grill pan, make sure it’s prepped and ready for cooking.

Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Sauce

For a delectable creamy topping, take a small bowl and combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, lime juice, and garlic powder. Mix them thoroughly until you achieve a well-combined, creamy sauce. Once mixed, set this delightful sauce aside, as it’ll be the finishing touch to your grilled corn.

Step 3: Prepare the Corn

Now, let’s focus on the corn itself. Begin by removing the husks and any remaining silk from each ear of corn. This step ensures that your corn is clean and ready for grilling.

Step 4: Grill the Corn

The heart of this recipe lies in grilling the corn to perfection. Place the prepared corn directly on the hot grill. Allow it to cook for approximately 10 minutes, turning it occasionally to ensure even charring. This step imparts that enticing smoky flavor and a light char on every side of the corn.

Step 5: Transfer to the Serving Plate

Once your corn is beautifully grilled and sporting those tempting grill marks, carefully remove it from the grill. Transfer the cooked corn onto a welcoming serving plate, setting the stage for the next flavorful additions.

Step 6: Apply the Creamy Sauce

Now, it’s time to elevate your corn to another level of deliciousness. Take the creamy sauce you prepared earlier and generously brush it over each ear of corn, making sure to coat every side evenly. This creamy goodness will cling to the charred surface, creating a delightful contrast of flavors and textures.

Step 7: Add Seasonings

To introduce an irresistible depth of flavor, sprinkle smoked paprika and chili powder over the corn, which is already dressed in your creamy sauce. This step not only adds a tantalizing kick but also enhances the visual appeal of your grilled corn.

Step 8: Add Lime

For a zesty note, take a lime wedge and squeeze its fresh juice over each ear of corn. The citrusy burst of flavor will complement the creaminess and smokiness, creating a harmonious balance.

Step 9: Garnish

To complete the flavor profile and add a touch of vibrancy, sprinkle crumbled cotija cheese and fresh cilantro over the corn. These garnishes contrast salty, cheesy goodness and the bright, herbaceous notes of cilantro.

Step 10: Serve

Your culinary masterpiece is now ready to be enjoyed! Serve your grilled corn immediately while it’s still hot. Savor the delightful combination of flavors and textures as you relish each delectable bite. This step ensures you experience the full depth of the dish’s deliciousness at its peak.

Notes 

• For a vegetarian option, you can substitute the cotija cheese with a crumbled feta or queso fresco.
• If you want to add more heat, you can mix some hot sauce into the creamy sauce before brushing it onto the corn.
• To make this dish dairy-free, you can use vegan mayonnaise and sour cream alternatives.
• If you don’t have a grill or grill pan, you can also cook the corn in a pot of boiling water for 5-7 minutes before following the same instructions.
• For an added crunch, you can sprinkle some crushed tortilla chips on top of the corn before adding the cheese and cilantro.

Nutrition Information

How to store chili’s street corn?

Chili’s Street Corn is best enjoyed fresh, right off the grill. However, if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply place the corn in the microwave or on a hot grill for a few minutes until heated.

Variations 

• For a smokier flavor, you can add some chipotle powder or adobo sauce to the creamy sauce.
• To make this dish vegan, you can use a vegan mayonnaise and sour cream alternative and omit the cheese.
• For a different twist, you can try using different seasonings such as Cajun spice or Italian seasoning instead of chili powder and smoked paprika.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen or canned corn?
   The best type of corn to use for this recipe is fresh sweet corn on the cob. Sweet corn has a tender texture and a natural sweetness that pairs well with the rich, creamy, and spicy elements of the dish. However, if fresh sweet corn isn’t available, you can also use canned or frozen corn. Just make sure to thoroughly drain and dry canned or frozen corn before using it in the recipe.
2. Can I substitute another type of cheese for the cotija cheese?
   Cotija cheese is a hard, crumbly Mexican cheese that adds a unique salty flavor to the dish. If you can’t find cotija cheese, you could substitute it with another type of hard, salty cheese. Feta cheese or ricotta salata could work as substitutes. Keep in mind that the flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious.
3. I’m not a fan of spicy food. Can I leave out the chili powder?
   Absolutely! This recipe is very versatile and can be adjusted to suit your taste preferences. If you’re not a fan of spicy food, feel free to leave out the chili powder. You could also reduce the amount of smoked paprika if you find it too spicy. The dish will still be flavorful and delicious without these spices.

Wrapping Up

Chili’s Street Corn is a vibrant, flavorful dish that captures the essence of Mexican street food. It’s easy to make at home and can be customized to suit your liking. Whether you’re looking for a new side dish or an exciting appetizer, this recipe is sure to impress and become a go-to favorite in your household. So why not bring the zesty and communal spirit of Mexican street food right into your kitchen with Chili’s Street Corn?

Also, let us know in the comments below if you try this recipe and how it turns out for you. We’d love to hear your thoughts and any variations you come up with!

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