Spicy Mexican Street Corn Soup Recipe

Sizzling Mexican Street Corn Soup Recipe for Tangy Thrills

Corn sizzles with vibrant spicy Mexican street corn soup magic on lazy summer afternoons.

Authentic street flavors dance through every creamy spoonful of this hearty recipe.

Each ingredient tells a delicious story connecting traditional Mexican culinary techniques.

Chili peppers and charred corn kernels bring bold, smoky undertones that awaken your taste buds.

Fresh herbs and lime juice brighten the rich, velvety base with zesty complexity.

Sweet corn and robust seasonings create a harmonious blend that transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary dish.

Summer meals never tasted this exciting – grab a bowl and let the fiesta begin!

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 284 kcal

Servings: 7

Mexican Street Corn Soup: Ingredients You’ll Love

For Base Ingredients:
  • Corn: Sweet kernels that create the soup's signature flavor, choose fresh or frozen for best taste and texture.
  • Butter: Adds richness and helps sauté ingredients, select unsalted for better flavor control.
  • Onion: Provides depth and aromatic foundation, look for firm and smooth bulbs.
  • Garlic: Delivers intense, spicy undertone, select fresh cloves without sprouts.
  • Jalapeño: Brings mild heat and authentic Mexican zest, choose green and firm peppers.
For Seasoning Ingredients:
  • Cumin: Earthy spice that enhances Mexican profile, buy whole seeds and grind for maximum flavor.
  • Smoked Paprika: Adds smoky complexity, select high-quality Spanish varieties.
  • Salt: Balances and elevates overall taste, use kosher or sea salt for better distribution.
  • Black Pepper: Provides subtle warmth, freshly ground offers superior flavor.
For Finishing Ingredients:
  • Chicken or Vegetable Broth: Creates liquid base, select low-sodium versions for controlled seasoning.
  • Heavy Cream or Half-and-Half: Delivers creamy smoothness, organic options provide richer taste.
  • Sour Cream: Adds tangy richness, full-fat versions create better texture.
  • Lime Juice: Introduces bright, citrusy notes, fresh limes offer superior flavor.
  • Cotija Cheese: Traditional Mexican topping, crumbly and salty.
  • Cilantro: Offers fresh herbal accent, choose bright green leaves.
  • Chili Powder or Tajin: Provides final spicy kick, select according to heat preference.
  • Green Onions

Tools That Simplify Corn Soup Prep

  • Large Pot: Essential for cooking and simmering the soup, providing ample space for all ingredients.
  • Immersion Blender: Perfect for smoothly blending the soup directly in the pot, creating a creamy texture without transferring to another container.
  • Cutting Board: Needed for chopping onions, jalapeños, and preparing garnishes with ease.
  • Chef's Knife: Sharp tool for precise cutting of vegetables and herbs.
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring and sautéing ingredients without scratching the pot.
  • Measuring Spoons: Helps accurately add spices and seasonings for balanced flavor.
  • Ladle: Ideal for serving the soup into bowls neatly and evenly.

How to Make Street Corn Soup Like a Chef

  • Sizzle Corn Kernels

Heat butter in a large pot and toss corn kernels, cooking until they turn golden and release a sweet, toasty aroma.

  • Awaken Flavor Foundations

Introduce diced onions, minced garlic, and jalapeños to the pot, letting them dance and soften while releasing their vibrant essence. Sprinkle in cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to create a bold, aromatic base.

  • Liquid

Pour broth into the pot, allowing ingredients to mingle and develop a rich, complex flavor profile. Let the mixture simmer gently.

  • Creamy Transformation

Blend the soup until silky smooth, keeping some corn kernels for delightful texture. Swirl in heavy cream, sour cream, and a splash of zesty lime juice, balancing the flavors with a final seasoning adjustment.

  • Festive Finish

Pour the soup into bowls and crown with crumbled cotija cheese, fresh cilantro, a dusting of chili powder, and sliced green onions. Serve with lime wedges for an extra burst of brightness.

Add-On Ideas for More Flavorful Corn Soup

  • Choose super-fresh corn for maximum sweetness, or use high-quality frozen corn as a perfectly acceptable alternative when fresh isn't available.
  • Adjust jalapeño quantity to match your heat preference – remove seeds for milder flavor or include them for extra kick.
  • Blend partially for rustic texture or completely smooth based on personal preference, using immersion blender for easiest preparation.
  • Replace heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream to create a delicious vegan version that maintains rich, creamy consistency.
  • Top with extra cotija cheese, sprinkle of chili powder, and fresh lime juice to capture classic elote street food flavor profile.

Tips for Serving Street Corn Soup with Flair

  • Festive Fiesta Bowl: Top the soup with a colorful array of garnishes like crumbled cotija cheese, fresh cilantro, and a sprinkle of chili powder to create a vibrant Mexican street food-inspired presentation.
  • Crispy Crunch Companion: Serve alongside crisp tortilla chips, toasted corn tortilla strips, or homemade cornbread to add a delightful crunch and complementary corn flavor to the creamy soup.
  • Protein Power-Up: Transform the soup into a heartier meal by adding shredded rotisserie chicken, grilled shrimp, or black beans for extra protein and substance that elevates the dish's nutritional value.
  • Cool and Creamy Contrast: Offer a small dollop of additional sour cream or Mexican crema on top, with a fresh lime wedge for squeezing, creating a tangy and cooling contrast to the soup's rich, warm flavors.

Storing Your Corn Soup for Later Enjoyment

  • Prepare double the recipe and freeze extra portions in airtight containers for quick weeknight meals. Soups like this maintain delicious flavor profiles for up to 3 months when properly sealed.
  • Store leftover soup in sealed containers for 3-4 days. Top with fresh garnishes just before serving to maintain crisp textures and vibrant flavors.
  • Chop extra cilantro, green onions, and cotija cheese ahead of time. Keep ingredients separately in small containers to quickly assemble soup throughout the week without additional chopping.
  • Warm soup slowly on stovetop, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Add a splash of broth or water if soup seems too thick. Stir in fresh cream or garnishes after reheating to maintain original zesty taste and creamy consistency.

FAQs

  • Is Mexican Street Corn Soup spicy?

The heat level depends on the jalapeño you use. Remove seeds for milder soup or include them for more kick. You can also control spiciness by adjusting jalapeño quantity.

  • Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth. The recipe works perfectly with vegetable alternatives without compromising flavor.

  • What type of corn works best?

Fresh corn delivers the most authentic flavor, but frozen corn is an excellent substitute. Canned corn can work too, just ensure you drain and rinse thoroughly before cooking.

  • How do I achieve a creamy texture without blending?

If you prefer a chunkier soup, you can skip blending and use a potato masher instead. This method will give a rustic texture while still breaking down some corn kernels for added creaminess.

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Vibrant Spring Vegetable Stir-Fry Recipe

Vibrant Spring Vegetable Stir-Fry Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 8 reviews

  • Total Time: 18 minutes
  • Yield: 3 1x

Description

Savory spring vegetable stir-fry showcases China’s culinary brilliance with crisp seasonal produce. Fresh ingredients dance together in a quick, nutritious celebration of flavor and texture that delights your palate.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 1 cup sugar snap peas or snow peas
  • 1 cup baby spinach or arugula
  • ½ red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 small carrot, peeled and thinly sliced
  • 2 green onions, sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated (optional)
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil or sesame oil
  • 2 tbsps soy sauce (low-sodium if preferred)
  • 1 tsp rice vinegar or lemon juice
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • ½ tsp honey or maple syrup (optional)
  • 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water (for thickening, optional)
  • Toasted sesame seeds
  • Crushed peanuts or cashews
  • Chili flakes or a drizzle of chili oil

Instructions

  1. Sauce Preparation: Whisk soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, and sweetener in a small bowl. Create a cornstarch slurry if desired for enhanced thickness. Let the sauce rest to develop depth of flavor.
  2. Aromatic Initiation: Heat a large pan over medium-high, adding oil. Sauté minced garlic and ginger until their fragrant oils release, creating an enticing base for the stir-fry.
  3. Vegetable Symphony: Introduce bell peppers, carrots, and asparagus to the pan. Stir-fry for 4-5 minutes, allowing vegetables to caramelize while maintaining their crisp texture and vibrant colors.
  4. Green Integration: Add snap peas, spinach, and green onions. Continue cooking for an additional 2 minutes, gently wilting the greens and creating a harmonious vegetable medley.
  5. Sauce Fusion: Pour prepared sauce over the vegetable mixture, thoroughly coating each ingredient. Simmer for a minute, allowing the sauce to slightly thicken and bind the flavors together.
  6. Finishing Touch: Remove from heat and garnish with toasted sesame seeds or chopped nuts. Serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles, presenting a colorful and aromatic stir-fry that tantalizes the senses.

Notes

  • Prep Smartly: Chop all vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the stir-fry.
  • Manage Heat Precisely: Keep wok or pan at medium-high temperature to quickly sear vegetables without overcooking, maintaining their crisp texture and vibrant colors.
  • Control Sauce Consistency: Adjust cornstarch quantity to achieve desired sauce thickness; start with small amounts and incrementally thicken to prevent overwhelming the delicate vegetable flavors.
  • Enhance Dietary Adaptability: Easily transform recipe by substituting soy sauce with tamari for gluten-free version, or swap vegetables based on seasonal availability or personal preferences.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 3
  • Calories: 130
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 300mg
  • Fat: 5g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Fiber: 6g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg
John Nicholson

John Nicholson

Lead Writer & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Recipe Testing and Development, Kitchen Hacks and Time-Saving Tips, Flavor Pairing and Ingredient Selection, Engaging Food Writing and Storytelling

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Program: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: A hands-on curriculum emphasizing farm-to-table cooking, local ingredient sourcing, and creative menu development. Students gained real-world restaurant experience, learning both classic techniques and modern approaches to sustainable cooking.

John Nicholson honed his skills at Johnson & Wales University, learning how to use fresh, local ingredients and down-to-earth techniques to make cooking simple and satisfying.

His recipes blend Southern comfort flavors with a modern touch, inviting everyone to cook with ease and confidence.

Living in Charleston, John takes cues from the city’s lively food scene, local markets, and seasonal produce. He’s all about making meals stress-free through easy tips, flavor pairings, and fun experiments in the kitchen

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