Mexican Street Corn Soup Recipe

Zesty Mexican Street Corn Soup Recipe: Cozy Comfort in a Bowl

Savoring a creamy Mexican street corn soup that captures summer’s vibrant spirit in every spoonful.

Bold flavors dance across your palate with each delightful bite.

corn kernels blend seamlessly with rich, velvety broth, creating a symphony of traditional and modern tastes.

street vendors in mexico would nod in approval at this hearty adaptation.

Smoky spices and fresh ingredients mingle like old friends reuniting at a festive gathering.

Lime’s zesty brightness cuts through the soup luxurious texture, adding unexpected depth.

We promise this recipe will transport you straight to a bustling market in guadalajara with just one taste.

Why Mexican Street Corn Soup Is Creamy, Zesty, And Bold

  • Burst with Vibrant Mexican Flavors: This soup captures the essence of street corn with its bold, smoky spices like cumin and smoked paprika, delivering an authentic taste explosion that transports you straight to a Mexican street market.
  • Creamy Texture Meets Chunky Delight: The immersion blender technique creates a luxuriously smooth base while maintaining some corn kernel chunks, offering a satisfying mouthfeel that keeps each spoonful interesting and textually complex.
  • Quick and Easy Weeknight Winner: From start to finish, this recipe takes under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy home cooks who want a gourmet-tasting meal without spending hours in the kitchen, and requiring minimal cooking skills.
  • Customizable Comfort in a Bowl: The flexible garnish options like cotija cheese, cilantro, and chili powder allow each person to personalize their soup, making it a crowd-pleasing dish for family dinners or casual gatherings.

What You’ll Need For Mexican Street Corn Soup

Base Ingredients:
  • Corn, Butter: Sweet corn is the star, providing a rich, fresh base flavor. Fresh corn delivers the best taste, but frozen or canned work well.
  • Onion, Garlic, Jalapeno: Classic aromatic trio that builds a robust flavor foundation. Fresh ingredients are key for maximum taste.
Spices and Seasonings:
  • Cumin, Smoked Paprika, Salt, Pepper: Warm spices that add depth and complexity to the soup. Ground spices should be fresh for maximum potency.
  • Lime Juice: Bright citrus element that adds a tangy balance to the creamy soup.
Liquid and Creamy Components:
  • Chicken or Vegetable Broth: Provides the liquid base and adds additional flavor. Low-sodium options allow better seasoning control.
  • Heavy Cream or Half-and-Half, Sour Cream: Creamy ingredients that create a luxurious, smooth texture. Full-fat versions offer the best richness.
Garnish Ingredients:
  • Cotija Cheese, Cilantro, Chili Powder or Tajin, Green Onions, Lime Wedges: Traditional Mexican street corn toppings that add color, texture, and authentic flavor. Fresh herbs and garnishes elevate the final presentation.

Steps To Make Mexican Street Corn Soup At Home

Step 1: Prep Corn Kernels

Select fresh, frozen, or canned corn. If using fresh corn, carefully slice kernels off the cob using a sharp knife. For frozen or canned corn, drain and rinse thoroughly. Heat a large pot over medium flame and melt butter until it sizzles gently.

Ingredients:
  • Corn kernels
  • Butter

Add corn to the pot and sauté, stirring occasionally, until the kernels develop a light golden color and release a sweet, toasty aroma.

Step 2: Create Flavor Base

Introduce aromatic ingredients to develop depth and complexity in the soup.

Ingredients:
  • Diced onion
  • Minced garlic
  • Diced jalapeño
  • Cumin
  • Smoked paprika
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Toss onion, garlic, and jalapeño into the pot. Cook until vegetables soften and become translucent. Sprinkle spices over the mixture, stirring to distribute evenly and release their intense flavors.

Step 3: Build Soup Foundation

Pour chicken or vegetable broth into the pot, creating a rich liquid base. Allow the mixture to simmer gently, letting ingredients mingle and develop a harmonious taste profile. Let the soup bubble softly for 10-12 minutes.

Step 4: Transform Texture

Use an immersion blender to transform the soup into a creamy consistency. Alternatively, carefully transfer soup to a standard blender, working in batches. Blend until smooth while preserving some corn chunks for interesting texture.

Ingredients:
  • Heavy cream or half-and-half
  • Sour cream
  • Lime juice

Stir in cream, sour cream, and lime juice. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lime juice.

Step 5: Elevate With Toppings

Ladle soup into serving bowls. Crown each portion with a festive array of garnishes.

Toppings:
  • Crumbled cotija cheese
  • Chopped cilantro
  • Chili powder or Tajin
  • Sliced green onions
  • Lime wedges

Sprinkle toppings generously, creating a vibrant and inviting presentation. Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for an extra zesty kick.

Tips For Flavor-Packed Mexican Street Corn Soup

  • Maximize Corn Flavor: Toast corn kernels until lightly golden to enhance their natural sweetness and develop a deeper, richer taste profile.
  • Customize Heat Levels: Adjust jalapeno quantity or remove seeds to control the soup's spiciness, making it suitable for different heat tolerances.
  • Creamy Texture Trick: Use an immersion blender for smoother consistency while keeping some corn chunks for rustic texture and visual appeal.
  • Dairy-Free Adaptation: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream to create a vegan-friendly version without compromising the soup's rich flavor.
  • Elevate Presentation: Garnish with extra toppings like crispy tortilla strips, avocado slices, or a drizzle of chili oil to add layers of texture and excitement.

How To Store And Reheat Mexican Street Corn Soup Without Losing Taste

  • Refrigerate: Transfer the cooled soup to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep the garnishes separate to maintain their freshness and crunch.
  • Freeze: Carefully pour the soup (without cream and garnishes) into freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Reheat: Warm the soup gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or water to thin if needed. Avoid boiling to prevent separation of cream.
  • Refresh: Stir in fresh cream and garnish with crisp cotija cheese, cilantro, and green onions just before serving to revive the soup's vibrant flavors and textures.

Toppings And Sides For Mexican Street Corn Soup

  • Spice Up Your Sips: Pair this Mexican street corn soup with a crisp, citrusy margarita that complements the soup's creamy texture and zesty lime notes. The tequila's brightness cuts through the richness, creating a perfect flavor harmony.
  • Craft Beer Companion: Choose a Mexican lager like Modelo Especial or Pacifico, which offers a light, refreshing contrast to the soup's creamy and spicy profile. The beer's subtle maltiness balances the soup's bold flavors without overwhelming the palate.
  • Crusty Bread Sidekick: Serve with a rustic sourdough or Mexican bolillo roll to soak up the soup's creamy goodness. The bread's slightly tangy crust provides a delightful textural contrast and helps capture every last delicious drop of the soup.
  • Fresh Salad Accent: Add a crisp jicama and cucumber salad with a light lime vinaigrette on the side. This fresh, crunchy accompaniment cuts through the soup's richness and provides a cool, zingy counterpoint to the warm, creamy soup.

Tasty Twists On Mexican Street Corn Soup To Try

  • Smoky Poblano Pepper Boost: Roast poblano peppers and blend them into the soup for a deeper, smokier flavor profile that enhances the Mexican street corn essence.
  • Creamy Coconut Seafood Edition: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk and add shredded crab or small shrimp for a tropical coastal-inspired version that brings oceanic richness to the traditional recipe.
  • Vegetarian Southwest Medley: Incorporate black beans, diced bell peppers, and quinoa to transform the soup into a hearty vegetarian meal packed with protein and southwestern flair.
  • Spicy Chorizo Kick: Brown diced chorizo before adding corn and use the rendered fat to build extra depth, then blend chorizo pieces back into the soup for a bold, meaty undertone that elevates the classic street corn flavors.

FAQs About Mexican Street Corn Soup

  • What makes this Mexican Street Corn Soup special?

This soup captures the classic flavors of elote (Mexican street corn) in a creamy, delicious liquid form. It combines the smoky, spicy taste of grilled corn with rich cream and tangy lime, creating a unique and authentic Mexican-inspired dish.

  • Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth, and you’ll have a completely vegetarian version of the soup that doesn’t compromise on flavor. The corn and spices provide plenty of robust taste.

  • Is this soup spicy?

The soup has a mild to moderate heat level from the jalapeño and spices. You can easily control the spiciness by removing the jalapeño seeds or using less pepper. If you want more heat, add extra chili powder or keep the seeds in the jalapeño.

  • How can I make this soup more filling?

Add some protein like shredded chicken, black beans, or crispy tortilla strips. These additions will transform the soup from a starter to a more substantial main course without changing its fundamental Mexican street corn flavor profile.

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Honeycrisp Apple And Feta Salad Recipe

Honeycrisp Apple And Feta Salad Recipe


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4.5 from 33 reviews

  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Sweet-tart Honeycrisp apples dance with tangy feta in this refreshing salad, creating a perfect balance of crisp textures and bold flavors. Crisp greens and a zesty vinaigrette invite you to savor each delightful bite of this simple yet sophisticated Mediterranean-inspired dish.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 4 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, or a spring mix)
  • 2 Honeycrisp apples, thinly sliced
  • ½ cup (75 grams / 2.6 ounces) crumbled feta cheese

Nuts and Dried Fruit:

  • ⅓ cup (40 grams / 1.4 ounces) toasted walnuts or pecans
  • ¼ cup (40 grams / 1.4 ounces) dried cranberries or pomegranate seeds

Optional Additional Ingredient:

  • ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion

Honey Mustard Vinaigrette:

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Craft a zesty vinaigrette by whisking olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper in a small mixing vessel until smooth and well-blended. Taste and fine-tune the seasoning to your preference.
  2. Select a spacious salad bowl and create a verdant base using crisp mixed greens as the foundation.
  3. Artfully layer thinly sliced Honeycrisp apples across the greens, ensuring even distribution for visual appeal and balanced flavor.
  4. Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese generously over the apple slices, creating delightful pockets of tangy richness.
  5. Scatter toasted walnuts throughout the salad, adding a satisfying crunch and nutty undertone.
  6. Enhance the salad’s complexity by introducing dried cranberries or vibrant pomegranate seeds for bursts of sweet-tart intensity.
  7. Optional: Incorporate thinly sliced red onion for a subtle sharp accent that complements the other ingredients.
  8. Moments before serving, drizzle the prepared vinaigrette over the salad, using a gentle tossing motion to ensure each ingredient is lightly coated.
  9. Serve immediately to preserve the salad’s crisp texture and vibrant flavors, presenting as an elegant side dish or light, refreshing meal.

Notes

  • Select crisp, firm Honeycrisp apples at peak ripeness for the best crunch and sweet-tart flavor profile.
  • Toast walnuts carefully to enhance their nutty flavor and prevent burning by using low, even heat in a dry skillet.
  • Slice red onions paper-thin to prevent overpowering the delicate balance of apple and feta, ensuring a subtle bite.
  • Prepare vinaigrette ahead of time and store in the refrigerator to let flavors meld and develop more complexity.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Mixing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 275
  • Sugar: 18 g
  • Sodium: 200 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 10 mg
James Mitchell

James Mitchell

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Recipe Creation and Testing​, Fusion Cuisine​, Food Styling and Photography​, Culinary Education​

Education

Kendall College, Chicago, IL

  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classic and modern cooking techniques, with a specialization in international cuisines.​

The Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park, NY

  • Program: Advanced Certificate in Gastronomy
  • Focus: In-depth studies of global food cultures, flavor profiling, and innovative recipe development.​

James Mitchell is the founder and fearless flavor explorer at Cooking Crusade. With a degree in Culinary Arts from Kendall College and advanced training in global gastronomy from The Culinary Institute of America, James has spent over a decade perfecting the art of recipe creation. 

His background includes fine dining, private cheffing, and food styling, but his true joy comes from turning big ideas into doable recipes for home cooks. Every dish he shares is a mix of creativity, culture, and a little kitchen magic, built to bring excitement back to everyday meals.

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