Mexican Street Corn Quinoa
Updated on November 21, 2024 by Rodney • This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. • 1 Comment • Jump to Recipe
This Mexican Street Corn inspired Quinoa recipe is not only super healthy but it’s also very easy to make. Ready in under 1 hour!
This Mexican Street Corn Quinoa recipe is simply one of those super healthy dishes you can easily make on a busy weeknight.
To char the frozen corn, simply add it to a skillet and cook until the corn kernels are charred. No need to defrost first but you can if you prefer. Just make sure you don’t overcook the corn. Think Popcorn!
The reason this quinoa recipe is called Mexican Street Corn (aka Elote) is that Elote is corn on the cob coated in a mayonnaise-sour cream mixture and sprinkled with cheese and herbs.
Benefits of Quinoa
- Quinoa has fewer calories and carbs than rice.
- It has more protein than rice.
- Quinoa they say, keeps you full for longer than rice.
- It can help with weight loss.
Cooking Quinoa
While not necessary, you might want to rinse the quinoa before cooking it. Most of the quinoa available in stores is “pre-rinsed” but it can’t hurt by running it under a little more water “just in case”.
My preferred method for making fluffy quinoa is to use 1 3/4 cups of liquid for every 1 Cup of Quinoa. Combine the quinoa and liquid in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, cover, and reduce the heat. Simmer for 15 minutes. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it sit, covered, for 10 more minutes. Remove the lid and fluff with a fork and serve.
Recipe Variation
I had some leftover Queso Fresco from when I made my Black Bean Burritos but you can easily substitute for some Cotija Cheese which can easily be crumbled like Queso Fresco.
Equipment Needed
Using the right equipment can make a big difference. Here are my some of the Kitchen tools used in this recipe. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission on qualifying purchases to keep these recipes free. Simply click on an image below to see the most recent price on Amazon!
Gather your Ingredients
You will need the following ingredients to make this Mexican Street Corn Quinoa: Quinoa, Frozen Corn, Fresh Cilantro, Red Bell Pepper, Green Onions, Queso Fresco, Sour Cream, Mayonnaise, Lime Juice, Chili Powder, Kosher Salt, Garlic Cloves, Cayenne Pepper and Ground Black Pepper.
How to Make Mexican Street Corn Quinoa
- Cook the quinoa according to the directions on the package (or see note on the recipe card).
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, charred corn, cilantro, red pepper, green onions and crumbled cheese.
- In a separate bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, lime juice, and seasonings. Mix well
- Pour the sour cream mixture over the quinoa mixture and stir to combine.
- Optionally garnish the quinoa with additional crumbled cheese and cilantro.
Printable Recipe Card
Mexican Street Corn Quinoa
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Ingredients
- 1 Cup Quinoa, uncooked
- 12 oz Frozen Corn, charred
- 1 Cup Fresh Cilantro, minced
- ½ Cup Red Bell Pepper, diced
- 6 Green Onions, chopped
- 5 oz Queso Fresco, crumbled
Dressing
- ¼ Cup Sour Cream
- ¼ Cup Mayonnaise
- 3 Tbsp Fresh Lime Juice
- 1 Tsp Chili Powder
- 1 Tsp Kosher Salt
- 1 Garlic Clove, minced
- ½ Tsp Cayenne Pepper
- ½ Tsp Ground Black Pepper
Instructions
- Cook the quinoa according to directions on the package (or see note below).
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, charred corn, cilantro, red pepper, green onions and crumbled cheese.
- In a separate bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, lime juice, and seasonings. Mix well
- Pour the sour cream mixture over quinoa mixture and stir to combine.
- Optionally garnish the quinoa with additional crumbled cheese and cilantro.
Notes
Equipment Needed
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Nutrition
Nutritional information provided for this recipe is based on 1 serving. This information is an estimate and may vary based on several factors. If nutritional information is important to you and your diet, please verify this recipe with a Registered Dietitian.
One of my favorite recipes. It is very tasty and easy to make.