¡Hola, mis amigos y familia! Today, I’m beyond excited to share a dish that makes my heart dance Skillet Mexican Street Corn, or as we call it back home, Elote en Sartén.
Picture this: the golden sun shining, the laughter of loved ones, and the sweet aroma of roasted corn filling the air. Each bite of this dish brings together the joy of familia, the flavor of tradition, and the magic of Mexican street food all from your skillet.
Growing up in Mexico, corn (elote) was always at the center of every gathering. My abuela used to say, “Donde hay maíz, hay alegría” where there’s corn, there’s happiness. And with this recipe, you’ll bring that same happiness to your kitchen.
So, grab your favorite skillet and let’s make something that will fill your heart and your home with flavor and love.
Why This Skillet Mexican Street Corn Brings Joy to the Table
Skillet Mexican Street Corn isn’t just a side dish it’s a celebration on a plate. Every spoonful is bursting with creamy, zesty, cheesy goodness that makes everyone smile.
The sweetness of the corn, the creaminess of the mayo and sour cream, and the bold kick of chili powder come together in harmony it’s like music for your taste buds.
This dish is perfect for backyard barbecues, weeknight dinners, or anytime you want to bring a touch of fiesta to your table. Whether it’s shared among friends or served at a big family feast, one thing is for sure this recipe brings people together.
What You’ll Need
Gather these flavorful ingredients and get ready for magic in a skillet:
- 4 ears of corn, kernels removed (about 3 cups)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon lime juice (plus extra for serving)
- ¼ cup cotija cheese, crumbled
- 2 green onions, chopped
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional for garnish)
Simple ingredients, bold flavors that’s the secret of authentic Mexican cooking.
Step-by-Step: How to Cook Skillet Mexican Street Corn
1. Melt the Butter
Start by melting butter in a large skillet over medium heat. The smell alone will make your kitchen feel like abuela’s cocina.
2. Add the Corn
Add the corn kernels and cook, stirring occasionally, until they’re golden and slightly charred (about 5–7 minutes). The char gives it that irresistible street corn flavor.
3. Mix the Creamy Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, chili powder, garlic powder, lime juice, and salt. This creamy dressing is what takes this dish from simple to spectacular.
4. Combine Everything
Pour the mayo mixture over the warm corn in the skillet. Stir until every kernel is coated in creamy, spicy goodness.
5. Sprinkle with Cheese
Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the crumbled cotija cheese and green onions on top.
6. Garnish with Cilantro
(Optional, but highly recommended.) Add a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and an extra squeeze of lime for a fresh, bright finish.
7. Serve Warm
Serve immediately while it’s still warm and melty. Watch your loved ones dive in and don’t be surprised when they ask for seconds.
How to Serve Skillet Mexican Street Corn for Family & Friends
When it’s time to serve, make it fiesta-style.
Serve this beautiful dish in a rustic bowl or straight from the skillet it looks amazing and keeps things cozy. You can:
- Serve it as a side dish for grilled meats, tacos, or fajitas.
- Spoon it over nachos or rice for a complete meal.
- Use it as a dip with tortilla chips for a party appetizer.
Don’t forget a few lime wedges on the side a quick squeeze brings all those flavors to life.
Light some candles, play a little mariachi, and watch your dinner table turn into a mini fiesta.
How to Keep Skillet Mexican Street Corn Fresh for Later
If you happen to have leftovers (though that’s rare), here’s how to keep it tasting fresh:
- Cool completely before storing.
- Place in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat. Add a tiny splash of lime juice or butter to refresh the flavors.
This dish reheats beautifully, making it a great make-ahead side for busy nights.
Tía Maribel’s Flavor Secrets
Every great recipe has its little secrets, and this one is no exception.
- Balance is everything the sweetness of corn, the tang of lime, and the saltiness of cheese should all sing together.
- Love spice? Add a pinch of cayenne or diced jalapeños for extra kick.
- Garlic lover? Increase the garlic powder or use roasted minced garlic for depth.
- Smoky magic: A dash of smoked paprika adds irresistible flavor.
And remember cooking is about joy, cariño, and sharing. So taste as you go, and make it yours.
Make It Your Own – Fun Twists
Here are some delicious ways to customize your Skillet Mexican Street Corn:
- Cheesy Upgrade: Add shredded cheddar or mozzarella for a gooey twist.
- Fiery Fiesta: Mix in roasted poblano or serrano peppers.
- Avocado Love: Top with diced avocado and drizzle with hot sauce.
- Protein Boost: Stir in cooked chicken or chorizo for a hearty meal.
- Corn & Potato Blend: Add roasted baby potatoes for a fun variation.
Each twist adds its own story so experiment and find your family’s favorite version.
Discover More Latin Flavors
Step into our Recipe Trends page and uncover bold tastes, family-loved classics, and dishes that bring pure joy to the table. With fresh recipes waiting for you each week, there’s always something new to explore so tie on your apron and enjoy the fun of cooking!
Skillet Mexican Street Corn (Elote en Sartén)
Ingredients
Method
- In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the corn and cook, stirring occasionally, until slightly charred (about 5-7 minutes).
- In a mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, chili powder, garlic powder, lime juice, and salt.
- Stir the mayo mixture into the corn in the skillet until well combined.
- Sprinkle with cotija cheese and green onions.
- Optional: Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
- Serve warm as a side dish.
Nutrition
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!FAQs About Skillet Mexican Street Corn
1. Can I use frozen corn?
Absolutely. Just thaw and drain before cooking. It’s quick, easy, and still delicious.
2. What if I can’t find cotija cheese?
You can substitute feta cheese or Parmesan both bring a salty, crumbly texture.
3. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare the corn and sauce separately, then mix just before serving for the freshest flavor.
The Heart of the Recipe
Food is more than nourishment it’s connection, it’s laughter, it’s love. This Skillet Mexican Street Corn is proof that simple ingredients can create unforgettable moments.
So, next time you’re surrounded by friends and family, make this dish and fill your home with warmth, color, and joy. Because as Tío Miguel used to say “La comida es felicidad.”
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