Grilled Mexican Corn with Chipotle Adobo Sauce Recipe
Introduction
Grilled Mexican Corn with Chipotle Adobo Sauce is a flavorful twist on classic street corn, packed with smoky, tangy, and creamy elements. This copycat recipe from Mexicano Restaurant combines charred corn, a zesty chipotle mayo, and savory parmesan for an irresistible side dish perfect for any summer gathering.

Ingredients
- 1 1/2 tbsp chipotle in adobo sauce (1 chipotle + sauce totaling 1 1/2 tbsp)
- 1/4 cup whole egg mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano flakes
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Black pepper, to taste
- 4 to 6 corn on the cob
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1/4 tsp ancho chili powder (or chipotle powder or smoky paprika)
- Lime wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Step 1: Place the chipotle in adobo, mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, oregano, salt, and black pepper in a small food processor. Blend until smooth to make the chipotle adobo mayo.
- Step 2: For grilling, heat your grill on high and cook the corn for about 8 minutes, turning occasionally until charred and cooked through.
- Step 3: For stovetop cooking, boil a large pot of water. Add the corn and boil for 10 minutes. Drain and let it steam dry for a few minutes. Heat a skillet with 1 tbsp olive oil over high heat and cook the corn until nicely charred on all sides.
- Step 4: Let the corn cool slightly before handling.
- Step 5: Pour the grated parmesan into a shallow dish.
- Step 6: Use a pastry brush to generously spread the chipotle adobo mayo over each ear of corn.
- Step 7: Roll the coated corn in the parmesan cheese until well covered.
- Step 8: Sprinkle each ear with a pinch of ancho chili powder and serve with lime wedges on the side.
Tips & Variations
- Use freshly grilled or charred corn for the best smoky flavor.
- Substitute parmesan with cotija cheese for a more authentic Mexican street corn experience.
- Adjust the amount of chipotle in adobo for your preferred spice level.
- Add a sprinkle of chopped cilantro for a fresh herbal note.
Storage
Store any leftover corn in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on a skillet or in the oven to maintain crispness. The cheese and sauce are best enjoyed fresh, so avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen corn for this recipe?
Fresh corn works best for grilling or charring, but you can use thawed frozen corn on the cob if fresh is not available. The texture may be less crisp, but the flavors will still be delicious.
How spicy is the chipotle adobo sauce?
The chipotle in adobo adds a smoky, medium heat to the sauce. You can reduce the amount or remove the seeds of the chipotle pepper to make it milder, or add more for extra kick.
PrintGrilled Mexican Corn with Chipotle Adobo Sauce Recipe
This Grilled Mexican Corn with Chipotle Adobo Sauce is a smoky, tangy, and cheesy twist on classic Mexican street corn. Featuring charred corn on the cob slathered in a creamy chipotle adobo mayo, rolled in parmesan cheese, and dusted with ancho chili powder, it’s a perfect side for BBQs or any casual gathering.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 6 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
Chipotle Adobo Mayo
- 1 1/2 tbsp chipotle in adobo sauce (1 chipotle + sauce totaling 1 1/2 tbsp)
- 1/4 cup whole egg mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano flakes
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Black pepper, to taste
Corn and Toppings
- 4 to 6 corn on the cob
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1/4 tsp ancho chili powder (or chipotle powder or smoky paprika)
- Lime wedges, for serving
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for stovetop cooking)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chipotle Adobo Mayo: Place the chipotle in adobo sauce, mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper in a small food processor and blend until smooth and creamy.
- Cook the Corn on the Grill: Heat the grill to high heat. Place the corn directly on the grill grates and cook for approximately 8 minutes, turning occasionally until the corn is evenly charred on all sides and cooked through.
- Alternative Stovetop Method: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the corn and boil for 10 minutes until tender. Drain and let the corn steam dry in a colander for a few minutes. Heat a skillet with 1 tablespoon olive oil over high heat. Add the boiled corn and cook, turning occasionally, until nicely charred on all sides.
- Cool Slightly: Remove corn from heat and allow to cool just enough to handle.
- Prepare Parmesan Coating: Pour the grated parmesan cheese into a shallow dish for easy rolling.
- Slather Corn with Sauce: Using a pastry brush, generously coat each ear of corn with the prepared Chipotle Adobo Mayo, ensuring full coverage.
- Roll in Parmesan: Roll the sauced corn in the shallow dish of parmesan cheese, pressing gently so the cheese adheres evenly around the corn.
- Season and Serve: Sprinkle each ear with a pinch of ancho chili powder for an extra smoky kick. Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the top.
Notes
- You can adjust the heat level by varying the amount of chipotle in adobo sauce or using smoky paprika as a milder alternative.
- Freshly grated parmesan works best for adhering to the corn and giving authentic flavor.
- The Chipotle Adobo Mayo can be prepared ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Using a grill imparts authentic smoky flavor, but the stovetop method works well if a grill is unavailable.
- Use a pastry brush to ensure an even coat of sauce on the corn for better flavor and cheese adherence.
Keywords: Mexican corn, elote, grilled corn, chipotle adobo, BBQ side dish, Mexican street food, smoky corn

