Ever taken a bite of street corn and felt like you’ve been transported to a bustling market filled with vibrant flavors and spices? Well, this masala street corn is about to level up your BBQ game with a fusion twist that’ll have your taste buds dancing!
I love the vibrant flavors of Masala Street Corn, blending charred corn with a creamy mix of mayonnaise, lime juice, and aromatic spices like cumin and garam masala. The sprinkling of cotija cheese adds a delightful texture, while fresh cilantro offers a refreshing finish.
This savory and tangy treat is a mouthwatering delight I can never resist.
Masala Street Corn Recipe Ingredients
- Corn: Naturally sweet, fiber-rich, provides carbohydrates for energy.
- Lime Juice: Adds zesty sourness and vitamin C for immune support.
- Chili Powder: Adds heat and flavor; contains antioxidants like capsaicin.
- Garam Masala: Aromatic spice blend; aids digestion and adds depth.
- Cilantro: Fresh, herbaceous flavor; rich in micronutrients and antioxidants.
- Cotija Cheese: Creamy, salty; adds protein and calcium.
Masala Street Corn Recipe Ingredient Quantities
- 4 ears of corn, husked
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
- Salt, to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup cotija cheese, crumbled
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
How to Make this Masala Street Corn Recipe
1. Preheat a grill to medium-high heat.
2. Brush the corn with vegetable oil and sprinkle with salt.
3. Grill the corn, turning occasionally, until charred in spots, about 8-10 minutes.
4. In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, lime juice, ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, garam masala, and a pinch of salt until well combined.
5. Remove the corn from the grill and generously brush or spread the spiced mayonnaise mixture over each ear.
6. Sprinkle the grilled corn with crumbled cotija cheese while the sauce is still wet.
7. Top with chopped fresh cilantro for a burst of color and fresh flavor.
8. Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for an extra squeeze of acidity if desired.
9. Enjoy the masala street corn as a delicious snack or side dish.
10. Optional: For added heat, sprinkle additional chili powder or cayenne pepper to taste before serving.
Masala Street Corn Recipe Equipment Needed
1. Grill
2. Grill brush
3. Mixing bowl
4. Measuring spoons
5. Kitchen brush or spatula
6. Knife
7. Cutting board
8. Spoon or whisk
FAQ
- Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh ears? Yes, you can substitute with frozen corn. Thaw and pat dry before grilling.
- What can I use instead of cotija cheese? Feta cheese is a good substitute if you can’t find cotija.
- Is there a non-dairy alternative to mayonnaise? You can use vegan mayonnaise or Greek yogurt for a non-dairy option.
- How can I make this less spicy? Adjust the chili powder to your taste or use a milder chili powder if preferred.
- Can I grill the corn ahead of time? Yes, grilled corn can be prepared ahead and stored in the fridge, then reheated before serving.
- What if I don’t have smoked paprika? Regular paprika can be used if smoked paprika is not available.
Masala Street Corn Recipe Substitutions and Variations
- Mayonnaise: Substitute with Greek yogurt or sour cream for a tangy twist.
- Lime Juice: Use lemon juice if lime is unavailable.
- Chili Powder: Swap with cayenne pepper for more heat, or paprika for less heat.
- Cotija Cheese: Feta or Parmesan cheese can be used for a similar salty, crumbly texture.
- Cilantro: Parsley or basil can be a good alternative if you prefer a milder flavor.
Pro Tips
1. Maximize Char To enhance the flavor, make sure to get a good char on the corn by leaving it in contact with the grill grates longer before turning. This will add a smoky depth to the dish.
2. Pre-Soak Corn Before grilling, soak the corn in water for about 10 minutes. This helps keep the corn moist and prevents burning, allowing for more even cooking.
3. Alternative Cooking If a grill is unavailable, you can achieve a similar charred effect using a broiler. Place the corn under a preheated broiler, turning frequently until it reaches the desired level of char.
4. Mayo Consistency If the mayonnaise mixture is too thick to spread easily, thin it slightly with a teaspoon of water or milk to make it easier to apply evenly over the corn.
5. Extra Herb Flavor Add a small amount of fresh mint along with the cilantro for a unique twist. It will enhance the freshness and complexity of the flavors.
Masala Street Corn Recipe
My favorite Masala Street Corn Recipe
Equipment Needed:
1. Grill
2. Grill brush
3. Mixing bowl
4. Measuring spoons
5. Kitchen brush or spatula
6. Knife
7. Cutting board
8. Spoon or whisk
Ingredients:
- 4 ears of corn, husked
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
- Salt, to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup cotija cheese, crumbled
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
Instructions:
1. Preheat a grill to medium-high heat.
2. Brush the corn with vegetable oil and sprinkle with salt.
3. Grill the corn, turning occasionally, until charred in spots, about 8-10 minutes.
4. In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, lime juice, ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, garam masala, and a pinch of salt until well combined.
5. Remove the corn from the grill and generously brush or spread the spiced mayonnaise mixture over each ear.
6. Sprinkle the grilled corn with crumbled cotija cheese while the sauce is still wet.
7. Top with chopped fresh cilantro for a burst of color and fresh flavor.
8. Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for an extra squeeze of acidity if desired.
9. Enjoy the masala street corn as a delicious snack or side dish.
10. Optional: For added heat, sprinkle additional chili powder or cayenne pepper to taste before serving.