Name: Amazing Instant Pot Mexican Street Corn in 3 Minutes!
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-489805H36M4S
Total time: PT-489805H36M4S
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 4 ears fresh or frozen corn on the cob; 1 cup water; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1/4 cup sour cream or Mexican crema; 1/4 cup crumbled cotija cheese, plus more for garnish; 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice; 1/2 teaspoon chili powder, plus more for garnish; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder; Salt to taste; Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish (optional); Lime wedges, for serving

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Oh, my goodness, if you’re anything like me, you love those vibrant flavors of street food. But who has the time to chase food trucks every time a craving hits? That’s why I’m so excited to share my go-to recipe for Instant Pot Mexican street corn. It’s a total game-changer!

I remember trying elote for the first time at a little festival. The smoky corn, the creamy sauce, that tangy lime—it was pure magic. I knew I had to bring that magic home. After some kitchen experiments, I nailed it with the Instant Pot. This recipe lets you enjoy that authentic taste right in your own kitchen. You’ll love how easy it is to make!

Here’s why this Instant Pot Mexican street corn recipe will become your new favorite:

It’s incredibly fast.
The Instant Pot does most of the work.
You get amazing flavor, just like the real deal.
It’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Cleanup is a breeze.

Trust me, once you try making Mexican street corn in your Instant Pot, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without this recipe.

What is Instant Pot Mexican Street Corn?

Instant Pot Mexican street corn is my quick and easy take on elote. That’s the super popular grilled corn on the cob from Mexico. Traditionally, street vendors grill the corn until it’s perfectly charred. Then they slather it with a creamy, tangy sauce. This sauce is usually made from mayonnaise, sour cream, and lime. They then sprinkle it with cotija cheese and chili powder. It’s a flavor explosion!

Now, bringing this deliciousness to the Instant Pot changes the game. Instead of grilling, we pressure cook the corn. This makes it tender and sweet in minutes. My Instant Pot Mexican street corn recipe keeps all those classic flavors. It just simplifies the cooking method. You get that authentic taste without firing up a grill. It’s truly delicious. It’s perfect for a quick side dish. Or just as a tasty snack.

Essential Ingredients for Instant Pot Mexican Street Corn

Gathering your ingredients is the first step. For this Instant Pot Mexican street corn, you’ll need four ears of fresh or frozen corn on the cob. Have one cup of water ready for the pot. For the creamy coating, grab half a cup of mayonnaise. You’ll also need a quarter cup of sour cream. Or you can use Mexican crema. Don’t forget a quarter cup of crumbled cotija cheese. Keep more cheese ready for garnish. Two tablespoons of fresh lime juice add brightness. A half teaspoon of chili powder and a quarter teaspoon of garlic powder bring the spice. Salt to taste is essential. Fresh chopped cilantro is optional for garnish. And lime wedges are a must for serving.

Instant Pot Mexican Street Corn: Ingredient Notes and Smart Substitutions

When I make my Instant Pot Mexican street corn, I often use fresh corn. But frozen works perfectly too. It just needs a little extra cook time. If you can’t find cotija cheese, don’t worry! Crumbled feta cheese is a great stand-in. It gives a similar salty, tangy flavor. For a smoky kick, a pinch of smoked paprika can boost your chili powder. Feel free to play with the spices. Make it your own!

How to Make Instant Pot Mexican Street Corn: Step-by-Step Instructions

Making this Instant Pot Mexican street corn is so simple. First, place a trivet inside your Instant Pot. Pour one cup of water over it. Next, carefully arrange your corn cobs on the trivet. They can stand up or lay down. Just make sure they fit. Now, secure the lid. Set the valve to the sealing position. For fresh corn, cook on high pressure for three minutes. If using frozen corn, set it for five minutes. Once cooking finishes, do a quick release. This means turning the valve to venting. Be careful of the steam! When the pin drops, open the lid. Carefully take out the hot corn. In a medium bowl, mix mayonnaise and sour cream. Add cotija cheese, lime juice, chili powder, garlic powder, and salt. Stir until everything is well combined. Spread this creamy mix evenly over each warm corn cob. Garnish with more cotija cheese. A sprinkle of chili powder and fresh cilantro is nice too. Serve immediately with lime wedges. It’s ready to enjoy!

Tips for Perfect Instant Pot Mexican Street Corn

For an extra layer of flavor, try this trick. After pressure cooking, quickly grill the corn. This adds a lovely smoky char. It really elevates your Instant Pot Mexican street corn. Adjust the chili powder to your liking. I love a little kick! If you prefer a milder taste, use less. Always taste the sauce as you go. You can always add more salt or lime. Don’t be afraid to make it your own. Enjoy experimenting!

Serving Your Delicious Instant Pot Mexican Street Corn

Once your Instant Pot Mexican street corn is ready, it’s time to enjoy! I love serving it alongside grilled chicken or tacos. It also makes a fantastic side for any summer barbecue. Don’t forget those fresh lime wedges. A squeeze of lime brightens every bite. Get creative with your presentation. A little extra cilantro always looks lovely!

Storing and Reheating Instant Pot Mexican Street Corn

If you have any Instant Pot Mexican street corn left, store it properly. Wrap individual cobs tightly in plastic wrap. Or place them in an airtight container. Keep them in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, I suggest a quick warm-up. You can microwave them briefly. Or gently warm them in an oven. This helps keep the corn tender and delicious.

Frequently Asked Questions About Instant Pot Mexican Street Corn

I get a lot of questions about this Instant Pot Mexican street corn. Here are some common ones! Can I use frozen corn? Absolutely! Just increase the cook time by two minutes. What if I don’t have cotija cheese? Feta cheese makes a good substitute. It offers a similar salty tang. Can I make this ahead of time? You can prepare the sauce beforehand. Store it in the fridge. Assemble the corn just before serving. This keeps everything fresh. How spicy is it? That depends on your chili powder. You can adjust it to your taste. This recipe is very flexible!

Instant Pot Mexican Street Corn: Is it Healthy?

Many folks ask about the health aspects of Instant Pot Mexican street corn. While it’s a delicious treat, it does contain fats. This comes from the mayonnaise and cheese. You can lighten it up. Use low-fat mayo or Greek yogurt. Remember, nutritional values can vary. It depends on your specific ingredients. Enjoy it as part of a balanced meal!

Share Your Instant Pot Mexican Street Corn Experience!

I absolutely love hearing from you! Have you tried making this Instant Pot Mexican street corn? Please share your experience in the comments below. Did you add your own twist? How did your family like it? Your feedback helps our whole community. Don’t forget to rate the recipe too!