The feeling of summer is palpable, from the sunshine to the chirping of birds, and the best part is undoubtedly the street food trucks that make their appearance. Among the diverse options, my all-time favorite is Mexican street corn. The deliciousness begins with the fresh corn on the cob, which is already a feast for the senses. Once grilled, it is then coated with tangy Mexican crema, which is akin to sour cream but with a thinner and even more sour texture. The final touches of hot spices and salty Cotija cheese make it an irresistible treat.

The flavor of this dish was so enchanting that I couldn’t resist creating a dip and later a pasta salad with it. However, I never attempted to prepare the original dish, assuming it wouldn’t measure up to the street vendor’s version. Nonetheless, I’m here to tell you that with a little effort, you can recreate that deliciousness and bring the street flavor to your own home.

Well, that was silly. I just tried it, and believe me, backyard charcoal grilled fresh corn on the cob is every bit as delicious as the ones you buy from a street cart. Painted with the hot sauce and dusted with Cotija and fresh cilantro, they’re like the full Mexican street corn experience, minus the street.