Mexican Style Corn

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Mexican Style Corn recreates the authentic experience found on the streets of Santa Maria, California, where street vendors (like ice cream vendors with specialized equipment) serve traditional Mexican corn preparations. This street-inspired recipe demonstrates how authentic street food can be recreated at home while the California connection ensures regional authenticity. The street vendor comparison helps explain traditional preparation methods and authentic serving styles.

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On the streets of Santa Maria, California, street vendors (think an ice cream man with a ‘trash can’ full of hot corn on the cob instead of ice cream) roam the sidewalks selling corn on the cob for a dollar an ear! They slide a wooden skewer in one end for you to hold the corn. We crave it often and it’s become a regular on our Saturday grill nights! Give it a try. You’ll be surprised!

Prep Time:
15 mins
Cook Time:
20 mins
Total Time:
35 mins
Servings:
4
Yield:
4 servings
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Ingredients

1/2x
1x
2x

Original recipe (1X) yields 4 servings

  • 4 ears corn on the cob, husks and silk removed

  • ¼ cup mayonnaise (such as Hellmann’s®/Best Foods®), or to taste – divided

  • ¼ cup margarine in a squeezable container, or to taste – divided

  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese, or to taste – divided

  • 1 teaspoon chili powder, or to taste – divided

Directions

  1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and gently place ears of corn into the boiling water. Reduce heat to low and simmer until corn is very tender, 20 to 25 minutes.

  2. Remove an ear of corn with tongs and spread about 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise all over the kernels. Squeeze about 1 tablespoon of margarine over the ear of corn in a zig-zag line, turning the ear as you squeeze. Generously sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the ear and dust with chili powder. Repeat with remaining ears of corn.

Cook’s Note

For a less adventurous taste, pour the lime juice onto a plate, roll the corn in the lime juice, then sprinkle with salt and chili powder to taste. Either way is incredible and until recently, I ate it with just the lime juice, chili powder, and salt since I don’t care for mayo. Boy, was I missing out! Traditionally, they have bottles of concentrated lime juice with spray tops, and they spritz the corn instead of rolling it in the juice. I don’t use enough lime juice to buy it by the bottle, so I roll it in fresh lime juice.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

300 Calories
25g Fat
18g Carbs
5g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 4
Calories 300
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 25g32%
Saturated Fat 5g23%
Cholesterol 10mg3%
Sodium 306mg13%
Total Carbohydrate 18g7%
Dietary Fiber 3g10%
Total Sugars 3g
Protein 5g10%
Vitamin C 7mg7%
Calcium 64mg5%
Iron 1mg3%
Potassium 269mg6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.

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John Davis
John Davis

Hi, I’m John Davis!
Food has always been my favorite way to connect with people, and that’s why I started blogging about it. I love sharing quick, creative recipes that prove cooking at home can be just as exciting as eating out. Whether it’s a speedy weeknight dinner or a fun snack, I enjoy keeping things simple, flavorful, and approachable for everyone. When I’m not experimenting in the kitchen, I’m usually exploring new cuisines or hunting for fresh inspiration at local markets.

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