A steaming bowl of Mexican Street Corn Soup is like a warm hug that’s both comforting and vibrant. Think of the smoky aroma wafting through your kitchen as you prepare this dish, a delightful mix of sweet corn, spices, and creamy goodness. Packed with nutrients and big on flavor, it’s a weeknight dinner hero that your family will request again and again.
Mexican Street Corn Soup
A comforting and vibrant soup made with sweet corn, spices, and creamy goodness, perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 4 ears of corn, husked
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup milk or cream
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1/2 cup cotija cheese, crumbled
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Cut the kernels off the corn cobs and add them to the pot, cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes.
- Stir in the milk or cream, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Blend to desired consistency using an immersion blender.
- Fold in lime juice, adjusting seasoning as needed.
- Serve hot, garnishing with crumbled cotija cheese and fresh cilantro.
Notes
For added flavor, use fresh corn when in season or toss in roasted red pepper or jalapeños for a kick.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Mastering the Mexican Street Corn Soup
Why This Mexican Street Corn Soup Never Fails: This recipe stands out thanks to its simple steps and bold flavors. It’s truly hard to mess this up, making it ideal for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs. Let’s dive into the how-to without overcomplicating things.
Your Ingredient Lineup
- 4 ears of corn, husked
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup milk or cream
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1/2 cup cotija cheese, crumbled
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Prepare your ingredients ahead of time, and you’ve already set yourself up for success.
Cooking Method Made Simple
- Begin by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until the onion is translucent—about 3-4 minutes.
- Cut the kernels off the corn cobs and add them to the pot, cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes. This will intensify their sweetness and flavor.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. That’s just enough time to let the flavors marry.
- Stir in the milk or cream, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. For a creamier texture, use an immersion blender to blend to your desired consistency. If you prefer a chunkier soup, blend only half of it.
- Fold in lime juice, adjusting seasoning as needed. A hint of lime elevates the flavor significantly.
- Serve hot, garnishing with crumbled cotija cheese and fresh cilantro.
Remember, timing and heat management are crucial here. Don’t rush the sautéing phase; that’s where a lot of your flavor comes from.
Nutrition Breakdown
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Protein: 7g
- Carbs: 38g
- Fat: 9g
- Fiber: 4g
Balanced and filling without feeling heavy, this soup checks all the boxes for nutrition while delivering on taste.
Serving & Pairing Ideas
Serve this soup with a side of crispy tortilla chips for a satisfying crunch, or pair it with a fresh Mexican salad for a lighter option. It’s perfect for cozy family dinners or even as a starter for a festive gathering. Add some grilled shrimp or chicken on top for a heartier meal—your call!
Storage & Reheat Tips
This soup stores beautifully. Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to a month. Just let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat over low heat on the stove, adding a little extra broth if needed.
Smart Tips
- Use fresh corn when it’s in season for the best sweet flavor; frozen corn will work in a pinch.
- For a smoky twist, add some chipotle peppers in adobo sauce to the soup while it simmers.
- If you’re short on time, using canned corn is a practical shortcut, but drain it well before using.
Creative Flavor Twists
- Seasonal Variation: Try adding diced butternut squash or sweet potatoes for a fall twist that’s both nutritious and filling.
- Flavor-Forward: Toss in some roasted red pepper or jalapeños for a bit of a kick.
- Unexpected Idea: Drizzle some balsamic reduction on top when serving for a surprising tang that complements the soup perfectly.
Quick Questions, Straight Answers
What’s the best way to cut corn off the cob?
To cut corn kernels off the cob easily, stand the cob vertically in a bowl or slice it on a cutting board to catch any flying kernels.Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! This soup tastes even better the next day. Just store it in the fridge and reheat when you’re ready to enjoy.Is it okay to use dairy alternatives?
Yes, feel free to use almond milk or coconut cream if you’re looking for dairy-free options.How spicy is this soup?
The spice level is easily adjustable. The chili powder is relatively mild, but you can add more or include chopped jalapeños for heat.
Dive into this Mexican Street Corn Soup and whip it up for your next family dinner. The process is quick, and the result is pure delight that satisfies your taste buds while letting you bask in your culinary expertise. Enjoy!

