To make street corn (Mexican street corn or "elotes"), here is a simple and authentic method:

Ingredients

• 4 ears of fresh corn (or canned/frozen corn as a substitute)
• 1/4 cup Mexican crema or sour cream
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup Cotija cheese, crumbled (or feta/parmesan as alternatives)
• 2 cloves garlic, crushed or minced
• 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
• Juice and zest of 1 lime
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon chipotle chili powder or chili powder

Instructions

1. Grill the corn : Heat a grill to about 400°F. You can grill corn with husks on or off.

   • If husks are on, soak the corn in water for 10 minutes before grilling.
   • If husks are off, lightly spray the corn with cooking spray.
     Grill the corn for about 12 minutes, turning every 3 minutes until it is lightly charred all around.

2. Make the topping sauce : In a bowl, mix together the Mexican crema (or sour cream), mayonnaise, crumbled Cotija cheese, garlic, lime zest and juice, chopped cilantro, salt, and chipotle chili powder.

3. Assemble : Spread the sauce generously over the grilled corn. Top with extra Cotija cheese, a sprinkle of chili powder, and more cilantro if desired.

4. Serve : Enjoy the elotes warm. They will be a bit messy but delicious!

Alternatively, you can sauté corn kernels on a stovetop skillet with oil and then mix with the sauce for a street corn salad version. This recipe makes a perfect side dish or snack with its creamy, tangy, spicy, and cheesy flavors.