Mexican Street Corn Soup

Mexican Street Corn Soup is a creamy, flavorful dish inspired by the popular Mexican street food “elote,” which features grilled corn slathered with mayonnaise, chili powder, lime, and cheese. This comforting soup version captures all the essence of elote in a warm, spoonable form, blending sweet corn with smoky spices and tangy toppings. A celebration of bold flavors and rich textures, it has become a favorite in households and restaurants alike, especially during cooler months or when fresh corn is in season.

The History of Mexican Street Corn Soup
Mexican Street Corn, or elote, dates back centuries to indigenous Mexican agriculture, where corn was a staple crop and foundational food. The word elote itself comes from the Nahuatl word “elotl,” meaning tender cob. Traditionally served on the cob and coated with mayonnaise, cheese, lime, and chili powder, this beloved street food has evolved into many creative interpretations. One such modern twist is the soup version, which first gained popularity in food trucks and fusion kitchens across the United States in the early 2000s. Drawing inspiration from both traditional Mexican flavors and contemporary culinary innovation, the soup version offers a more accessible, all-season format. Today, Mexican Street Corn Soup is celebrated not only for its vibrant taste but also for its cultural significance, representing the fusion of indigenous traditions with contemporary comfort food trends.

Ingredients Breakdown

• Corn: Fresh, frozen, or canned corn can be used, but grilled or roasted corn offers the best smoky flavor. This is the star ingredient, providing sweetness and body to the soup.
• Onion and Garlic: These aromatics form the flavor base, adding depth and savory richness.
• Butter or Oil: Used for sautéing and enriching the soup’s texture.
• Chicken or Vegetable Broth: Forms the liquid base. Chicken broth provides a richer flavor, while vegetable broth keeps it vegetarian.
• Heavy Cream or Milk: Adds creaminess and softens the spice levels.
• Mayonnaise: Mimics the creamy coating of traditional elote and enhances flavor.
• Lime Juice: Provides a necessary acidic contrast to the richness.
• Chili Powder, Cumin, Smoked Paprika: These spices add warmth, smokiness, and depth.
• Cotija or Queso Fresco Cheese: Traditional toppings that bring saltiness and a crumbly texture. Feta can be used as a substitute.
• Cilantro: Fresh and herbaceous, it brightens the entire dish.
• Jalapeños or Hot Sauce (optional): Adds heat, customizable depending on spice tolerance.

Step-by-Step Recipe

1. Prepare the Corn: If using fresh corn, grill or roast it until charred. For canned or frozen, heat it in a dry skillet until some kernels develop color.
2. Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, melt butter or heat oil. Add chopped onions and cook until translucent. Stir in minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add Corn and Spices: Stir in the corn, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture cook for a few minutes to let the spices bloom.
4. Deglaze and Simmer: Pour in the broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Bring the soup to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes.
5. Blend (Optional): For a smoother soup, use an immersion blender or transfer part of the soup to a blender and purée, then return to the pot. You can blend all of it for a velvety texture or leave some corn whole for a rustic feel.
6. Add Creaminess: Stir in the heavy cream or milk, followed by mayonnaise. Adjust seasoning to taste. Simmer for 5 more minutes.
7. Finish with Lime: Stir in freshly squeezed lime juice just before serving.
8. Garnish: Ladle into bowls and top with crumbled Cotija cheese, chopped cilantro, and optional jalapeño slices or hot sauce.

Tips for the Perfect Soup
Use fire-roasted corn whenever possible for extra flavor. Always sauté the spices to enhance their aroma and complexity. Blending half the soup allows for a perfect balance between creaminess and texture. Don’t skip the lime—it lifts and balances the rich, creamy base. Taste as you go to control salt and spice levels. If reheating leftovers, add a splash of broth or milk to refresh the consistency. Serve immediately after garnishing to preserve the texture of toppings.

Variations and Customizations
To make it vegan, replace dairy with plant-based alternatives like coconut milk and vegan mayo, and skip the cheese or use a dairy-free version. For extra protein, add shredded chicken or black beans. You can make a spicy version by incorporating chipotle peppers in adobo sauce or using spicier chilis. A low-fat version can be achieved using Greek yogurt instead of cream and skipping the butter. Add roasted red peppers for a twist or include diced potatoes for a heartier meal. If serving at a gathering, offer a “soup bar” with toppings like lime wedges, chopped avocado, hot sauces, and tortilla strips.

Health Considerations and Nutritional Value
Mexican Street Corn Soup is rich in dietary fiber, especially when made with whole corn kernels, which aid in digestion and provide essential nutrients like folate, vitamin B6, and potassium. The use of dairy provides calcium and protein, though the fat content can be high depending on cream and mayonnaise amounts. Lower-fat alternatives can significantly reduce calorie count while maintaining flavor. Lime juice adds vitamin C and enhances iron absorption. By using broth and blending part of the soup, you can enjoy a creamy texture without excessive dairy. Corn is naturally gluten-free, making this soup suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals. Overall, it’s a nutrient-rich, comforting meal that can be customized to suit various dietary needs.

FAQ
Can I freeze Mexican Street Corn Soup? Yes, but leave out cheese and fresh garnishes until reheating to maintain texture.
Is this soup spicy? It can be, depending on the amount and type of chili used. Adjust to your preference.
Can I use canned corn? Absolutely. Roasting it briefly in a dry skillet helps bring out flavor.
How long does it keep in the fridge? It lasts 3-4 days refrigerated in an airtight container.
What can I serve with this soup? It pairs well with warm tortillas, quesadillas, or a simple avocado salad.

Mexican Street Corn Soup

Mexican Street Corn Soup transforms the bold, creamy, and tangy flavors of elote into a comforting, spoonable dish perfect for any season. Rich in flavor and customizable for any diet, it's a hearty and satisfying celebration of traditional Mexican street food.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 33 minutes mins

Total Time 48 minutes mins

Servings 6

Ingredients

  

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small red onion finely chopped
• 1 medium jalapeño seeded and diced
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 2 chicken breasts 12 oz. total, skinless and boneless
• 1 12 oz. package fire-roasted frozen corn (or substitute with fresh or regular frozen corn)
• 1 4 oz. can diced green chiles
• 1 tablespoon Tajín seasoning
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon table salt
• 1/4 teaspoon finely ground black pepper
• 4 cups 32 oz. chicken stock or low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 cups full-fat sour cream or full-fat Greek yogurt
• 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• Juice of one lime
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1/2 cup crumbled queso fresco
• Lime wedges and additional chopped cilantro for garnish

Instructions

 

• Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chopped red onion and diced jalapeño, cooking for about 3 to 4 minutes until the onion becomes tender. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
• (1 tbsp. olive oil, 1 small red onion, 1 medium jalapeño, 3 cloves garlic, minced)
• Add the chicken breasts, fire-roasted corn, and diced green chiles to the pot. Sprinkle in the Tajín seasoning, ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper, stirring well to coat all the ingredients evenly.
• (2 [12 oz.] skinless, boneless chicken breasts, 1 [12 oz.] package fire-roasted frozen corn, 1 [4 oz.] can diced green chiles, 1 tbsp. Tajín seasoning, 2 tsps. ground cumin, 2 tsps. chili powder, 1/2 tsp table salt, 1/4 tsp finely ground black pepper)
• Pour in the chicken stock and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently for 25 minutes to fully cook the chicken and meld the flavors.
• (4 cups [32 oz.] chicken stock or low-sodium chicken broth)
• After 25 minutes, remove the chicken from the pot and shred it into bite-sized pieces using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the soup.
• Add the sour cream, shredded Monterey Jack cheese, fresh lime juice, and chopped cilantro to the pot. Stir to combine and let the soup continue to simmer on low for another 3 minutes until everything is heated through and creamy.
• (2 cups full-fat sour cream or Greek yogurt, 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese, juice of one lime, 1/4 cup chopped cilantro)
• Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with crumbled queso fresco, a squeeze of lime, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for a bright, flavorful finish.
• (1/2 cup crumbled queso fresco, lime wedges and chopped cilantro for garnish)

Notes

Fire-Roasted Corn: Packaged fire-roasted corn—such as the kind sold by brands like Birds Eye—is typically charred and lightly seasoned with salt, onion powder, and garlic powder. To make a homemade version, you can grill fresh corn on the cob until nicely charred, season it, and then slice the kernels off. You’ll need around five medium ears of corn. Another option is to cut the kernels off first and char them in a hot cast iron skillet. While it’s possible to attempt charring frozen or canned corn, the excess moisture in those options can make it difficult to achieve that signature fire-roasted flavor and crisp char.

For best results when preparing this Mexican Street Corn Soup, it’s highly recommended to consult the full recipe post. The post often contains detailed guidance, expert tips, and commonly asked questions that go beyond what’s included in the recipe card—such as suggestions for making the soup dairy-free, gluten-free, or vegan, along with ideas for healthy swaps or ingredient variations.

Please note that the nutritional information provided is only an estimate, and actual values may vary depending on the brands and specific ingredients you choose.