Skillet Mexican Street Corn: 5 Easy Steps

Name: Skillet Mexican Street Corn: 5 Easy Steps
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons salted butter; 4 cups frozen corn; ½ cup mayonnaise; ½ cup sour cream; Juice of 1 large lime; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; ½ teaspoon black pepper; ½ cup cotija cheese, crumbled; ¼ cup fresh cilantro leaves, roughly chopped; Green onions and paprika for garnish

by Jannet Lisa

30 de July de 2025

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Skillet Mexican Street Corn has a way of transporting me straight to a bustling street market in Mexico, even when I’m just in my own kitchen. I remember the first time I tasted authentic elote off the cob – the creamy sauce, the salty cheese, the bright lime – it was pure magic. This Mexican Street Corn Skillet recipe captures all those incredible flavors, bringing that vibrant taste to your table in minutes. You’ll love how the corn gets those delicious charred bits from the skillet, creating an amazing texture and smoky depth. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Skillet Mexican Street Corn

This recipe is a game-changer for weeknights and gatherings alike. Here’s why you’ll adore this Skillet Mexican Street Corn:

Incredible Flavor: It perfectly balances creamy, tangy, spicy, and cheesy notes for an unforgettable taste.
Super Quick Prep: With just 5 minutes of prep, you can whip this up in no time.
Budget-Friendly: Made with simple, affordable ingredients, it’s a delicious way to impress without breaking the bank.
Easy Skillet Elote: This method makes creating authentic elote flavors incredibly simple, right in your skillet.
Versatile Side Dish: It pairs wonderfully with tacos, grilled meats, or as a standalone appetizer.
Family Approved: Even picky eaters tend to love the creamy, cheesy goodness of this dish.
Healthy-ish Option: Packed with corn, it offers fiber and can be adjusted for dietary preferences.
Easy Skillet Elote Perfection: You get all the vibrant flavors of traditional elote without the grill, making it truly fuss-free.

Ingredients for Skillet Mexican Street Corn

Gathering the ingredients for this Skillet Mexican Street Corn is a breeze, and each one plays a crucial role in creating that signature flavor. The magic really happens with the combination of creamy elements, and this recipe features a delightful Skillet Corn with Mayo and Cheese blend. Here’s what you’ll need:

2 tablespoons salted butter – This starts the sauté and adds a rich base.
4 cups frozen corn – Using frozen corn is a fantastic shortcut for this recipe, ensuring quick cooking and great texture.
½ cup mayonnaise – The creamy foundation that makes elote so irresistible.
½ cup sour cream – Adds a tangy depth and extra creaminess to the sauce.
Juice of 1 large lime – Essential for that bright, zesty counterpoint to the rich flavors.
1 teaspoon ground cumin – Brings a warm, earthy spice note.
½ teaspoon black pepper – Just enough to add a gentle warmth.
½ cup cotija cheese, crumbled – This salty, crumbly Mexican cheese is a must-have for authentic flavor.
¼ cup fresh cilantro leaves, roughly chopped – For a burst of fresh, herbaceous flavor.
Green onions and paprika for garnish – Adds a pop of color and extra flavor.

How to Make Skillet Mexican Street Corn

Creating this vibrant Skillet Elote Recipe is surprisingly simple and delivers authentic street corn flavor right to your table. You’ll love the ease and the delicious results!

Step 1: Get your skillet ready! Preheat a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. If you don’t have cast iron, any oven-safe skillet will work, but cast iron gives you that perfect char.
Step 2: Add the 2 tablespoons salted butter to the hot skillet. Let it melt until it’s shimmering and fragrant.
Step 3: Pour in the 4 cups frozen corn. Spread it out in an even layer in the skillet. Let it cook undisturbed for about 3-4 minutes to get a nice char on one side. Then, stir and continue cooking for another 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the corn is heated through and has those lovely browned bits. You’ll notice a wonderful toasty aroma filling your kitchen.
Step 4: Reduce the heat to medium-low. This is important so the creamy sauce doesn’t curdle.
Step 5: Add the ½ cup mayonnaise, ½ cup sour cream, juice of 1 large lime, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Stir everything together gently until the corn is evenly coated in the creamy sauce.
Step 6: Stir in half of the crumbled cotija cheese and the ¼ cup fresh cilantro. Continue to cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring gently, until the cheese is just starting to melt and the sauce is creamy and heated through. This step really brings the whole Skillet Elote Recipe together.
Step 7: Remove the skillet from the heat.
Step 8: Top your delicious Skillet Mexican Street Corn with the remaining cilantro, the rest of the cotija cheese, a sprinkle of paprika for color, and some chopped green onions.
Step 9: Serve immediately while it’s warm and wonderfully creamy. This easy Skillet Elote Recipe is best enjoyed fresh!

Pro Tips for the Best Skillet Mexican Street Corn

I’ve experimented a lot to get this Skillet Mexican Street Corn just right, and these tips will help you achieve perfection every time. Using these tricks ensures you get that authentic street corn taste right in your own kitchen!

For the best char, don’t overcrowd your skillet. Cook the corn in batches if necessary to ensure each kernel gets caramelized.
Taste the cotija cheese before adding it, as it can be quite salty. Adjust seasoning accordingly.
If you don’t have cotija, feta cheese is a decent substitute, though it has a tangier flavor.
Feel free to adjust the spice level by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or some finely chopped jalapeño with the corn.

What’s the secret to perfect Skillet Mexican Street Corn?

The secret to truly perfect Authentic Mexican Street Corn Skillet lies in achieving a balance of flavors and textures. Charring the corn well in the skillet provides a smoky depth, while the creamy, tangy sauce with fresh lime and salty cotija cheese creates that iconic elote taste. Don’t skip the fresh cilantro and green onions for brightness!

Can I make Skillet Mexican Street Corn ahead of time?

While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prep components ahead. Cook the corn and let it cool completely. Store the creamy sauce separately. Combine and reheat gently just before serving for the best texture. This makes serving a Quick Skillet Mexican Corn even faster!

How do I avoid common mistakes with Skillet Mexican Street Corn?

A common pitfall is overcooking the creamy sauce, which can make it oily. Keep the heat on medium-low when adding the mayo and sour cream. Also, resist the urge to stir the corn constantly in the beginning; let it sit for a few minutes to develop a good char for optimal flavor in your Skillet Elote Recipe.

Best Ways to Serve Skillet Mexican Street Corn

This vibrant Skillet Mexican Street Corn is incredibly versatile and makes a fantastic side dish for so many meals. It’s a flavor explosion that really elevates a simple dinner.

Serve it alongside grilled chicken or steak for a complete, satisfying meal. The smoky, creamy corn complements grilled flavors beautifully.
It’s also perfect with tacos or enchiladas, adding a refreshing and zesty element to Mexican-inspired feasts. Think of it as a delicious upgrade to your usual side.
For a lighter option, enjoy this Mexican Corn in a Skillet as a flavorful appetizer or as part of a larger spread with chips and dips. It’s always a crowd-pleaser!

Skillet Mexican Street Corn: 5 Easy Steps - Skillet Mexican Street Corn - additional detail

Nutrition Facts for Skillet Mexican Street Corn

Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional information per serving for this delicious Skillet Mexican Street Corn. It’s a flavorful side that can fit into many meal plans!

Calories: 344 kcal
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Protein: 6g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 480mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used in your Skillet Elote Recipe.

How to Store and Reheat Skillet Mexican Street Corn

Even though this Skillet Mexican Street Corn is best enjoyed fresh, you might have leftovers, or you might want to prep ahead. Storing and reheating this dish properly ensures you can still enjoy its fantastic flavors later. For the quickest enjoyment, think about making this a Quick Skillet Mexican Corn meal prep component!

First, let any leftover Skillet Mexican Street Corn cool completely at room temperature. This is crucial to prevent condensation and bacterial growth in your storage containers.
Transfer the cooled corn mixture into an airtight container. You can use glass or plastic containers; just make sure they seal tightly to keep the creamy sauce from drying out.
Store the leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors might even meld a bit more, making it even tastier!
While freezing is an option for longer storage (up to 3 months), the creamy texture might change slightly upon thawing. If you do freeze it, portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers.
To reheat, the stovetop is my preferred method. Gently warm the corn in a skillet over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can add a splash of milk or water if it seems a bit dry. Alternatively, you can microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions About Skillet Mexican Street Corn

What is Skillet Mexican Street Corn?

Skillet Mexican Street Corn, also known as skillet elote, is a delicious and easy way to enjoy the vibrant flavors of traditional Mexican street corn without a grill. It features corn kernels charred in a skillet and then tossed in a creamy, tangy sauce made with mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, spices, and crumbled cotija cheese. It’s a popular side dish that’s bursting with flavor and texture!

Why make Skillet Elote?

You should definitely make Skillet Elote because it’s incredibly quick, requires minimal effort, and delivers all the authentic, craveable flavors of elote right from your stovetop. It’s perfect for weeknights when you want something special but don’t have much time, and it’s a fantastic way to impress guests with a vibrant, crowd-pleasing side dish that’s both budget-friendly and incredibly satisfying. Learn more about Mexican cuisine.

Can I use fresh corn instead of frozen for this Skillet Mexican Street Corn?

Absolutely! If you have fresh corn on the cob, you can absolutely use it. You’ll need about 4-5 ears of corn. Shuck the corn and remove the kernels. You might need to cook them a minute or two longer in the skillet to get the same char and tenderness as frozen corn, but the flavor will be fantastic for your Mexican Corn in a Skillet.

What are some other cheeses I can use if I can’t find cotija?

If cotija cheese is hard to come by, you have a few good alternatives for your Skillet Mexican Street Corn. Feta cheese is the most common substitute; it’s salty and crumbly, though a bit tangier. Queso fresco is another option, though it’s milder and softer. Both will give you a delicious cheesy element, making your Creamy Skillet Corn Recipe a success. For more cheese recipes, explore our site.

Variations of Skillet Mexican Street Corn You Can Try

Once you master this basic Skillet Mexican Street Corn, don’t be afraid to get creative! There are so many ways to customize this dish to your liking. Here are a few ideas to inspire your next batch of this delicious Creamy Skillet Corn Recipe.

Spicy Kick: For a truly Spicy Skillet Corn Recipe, add a minced jalapeño or serrano pepper to the skillet along with the corn. You can also stir in a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce with the creamy sauce ingredients.
Smoky Chipotle: Stir in a teaspoon of adobo sauce from a can of chipotle peppers into the mayonnaise mixture for a smoky, spicy depth that’s out of this world.
Vegan Option: Easily make this dish vegan by swapping the butter for olive oil, using vegan mayonnaise and sour cream, and omitting the cotija cheese or using a vegan feta alternative.
Grilled Version: If you have a grill, you can absolutely grill the corn before cutting it off the cob and proceeding with the recipe. This adds an even deeper smoky flavor, creating a fantastic Grilled Corn Skillet Recipe hybrid.