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Hand sprinkling red chili powder onto grilled Mexican street corn with lime and seasoning bowl.

What is the Red Powder They Put on Street Corn?


  • Author: Darya
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4-6 servings 1x

Description

Discover the secret behind the iconic red powder sprinkled on Mexican street corn. Learn about its ingredients, flavors, and how to recreate it at home.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 46 fresh corn on the cob
  • 2 tablespoons softened butter
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise or crema Mexicana
  • ½ cup crumbled Cotija cheese
  • 23 teaspoons red chili powder (Tajín or homemade blend)
  • Lime wedges for serving

Instructions

  1. Husk the corn and grill it over medium heat until lightly charred, turning occasionally for even cooking.
  2. While the corn is still hot, brush it generously with softened butter and mayonnaise.
  3. Sprinkle the red chili powder evenly over the corn. Adjust the amount based on your spice preference.
  4. Top the corn with crumbled Cotija cheese for a savory, creamy finish.
  5. Serve with lime wedges on the side and squeeze fresh lime juice over the corn before eating for an extra tangy kick.

Notes

  • For a milder option, use Tajín or mix chili powder with lime zest and salt.
  • This recipe works perfectly for a barbecue or a summer snack.
  • You can boil the corn if you don’t have a grill, but grilling adds a smoky flavor that makes it special.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Snack
  • Method: Grilling

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 corn cob
  • Calories: 180g
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 270mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 18g

Keywords: Mexican street corn, elote, chili powder corn, grilled corn recipe, Tajín corn