Masala Street Corn: Spicy, Tangy, and Irresistibly Flavorful
Street food has a way of capturing the essence of a culture, and Masala Street Corn is no exception. Bursting with bold flavors, this popular Indian snack elevates simple roasted or boiled corn into a tangy, spicy, and utterly addictive treat. Each bite is a perfect balance of smoky char, creamy richness, zesty lime, and aromatic spices that awaken the taste buds. Easy to prepare at home, Masala Street Corn brings the vibrant taste of Indian streets right to your kitchen. Whether enjoyed as a quick snack, appetizer, or party treat, it’s the kind of dish that invites sharing, conversation, and a little messy indulgence.
Ingredients Needed
| Ingredient | Quantity | Calories (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Corn on the cob | 4 medium | 440 |
| Mayonnaise | ¼ cup | 360 |
| Yogurt (plain) | 2 tbsp | 20 |
| Lemon or lime juice | 1 tbsp | 4 |
| Chili powder | 1 tsp | 6 |
| Chaat masala | 1 tsp | 2 |
| Garam masala | ½ tsp | 4 |
| Turmeric powder | ¼ tsp | 2 |
| Salt | To taste | 0 |
| Fresh cilantro (chopped) | 2 tbsp | 1 |
| Grated Parmesan or crumbled paneer (optional) | 2 tbsp | 44 |
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Prepare the Corn: Remove husks and silk from the corn. Boil in salted water for 8–10 minutes or grill over medium heat until lightly charred.
- Prepare the Masala Mixture: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, yogurt, lemon juice, chili powder, chaat masala, garam masala, turmeric, and salt. Mix well into a smooth paste.
- Coat the Corn: Using a brush or spoon, generously coat each corn cob with the prepared masala mixture.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle chopped cilantro and, if desired, grated Parmesan or crumbled paneer over the corn.
- Serve Hot: Serve immediately while the corn is warm and flavorful. Optionally, squeeze extra lime juice on top for a fresh tangy kick.
Tips for Customizing the Recipe
- Adjust Spice Levels: Increase chili powder or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Vegan Version: Replace mayonnaise with vegan mayo and yogurt with plant-based yogurt.
- Cheese Options: Swap Parmesan with crumbled feta, cotija, or paneer for different textures and flavors.
- Smoky Flavor: Grill corn directly on the flame for a smoky char that enhances the masala.
- Extra Crunch: Sprinkle crushed roasted peanuts or sev (Indian gram flour noodles) for texture.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approx.)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180–200 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 27 g |
| Protein | 5 g |
| Fat | 7 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 3 g |
Serving Suggestions
Masala Street Corn is perfect as a street-style snack, appetizer, or party finger food. Pair it with fresh lime wedges, chilled beverages, or alongside other Indian snacks like pakoras or samosas. It also works wonderfully as a side dish with grilled meats, tandoori chicken, or even a light salad.
Masala Street Corn: Spicy, Tangy, and Irresistibly Flavorful
4
servings10
minutes10
minutes180–200
kcalIngredients
IngredienttQuantity
Corn on the cobt4 medium
Mayonnaiset¼ cup
Yogurt (plain)t2 tbsp
Lemon or lime juicet1 tbsp
Chili powdert1 tsp
Chaat masalat1 tsp
Garam masalat½ tsp
Turmeric powdert¼ tsp
SalttTo taste
Fresh cilantro (chopped)t2 tbsp
Optional: grated Parmesan or crumbled paneert2 tbsp
Directions
- Remove husks and silk from the corn. Boil for 8–10 minutes or grill until lightly charred.
- In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, yogurt, lemon juice, chili powder, chaat masala, garam masala, turmeric, and salt to form a smooth paste.
- Coat each corn cob with the masala mixture generously.
- Sprinkle chopped cilantro and optional Parmesan or paneer on top.
- Serve immediately while warm. Optionally, squeeze extra lime juice for a tangy finish.
Recipe Video
Notes
- Best served fresh for maximum flavor.
Masala mixture can be prepared ahead; coat corn just before serving.
Leftover uncoated corn can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days.
FAQs
1. Can I make Masala Street Corn ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the masala mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Coat the corn just before serving to keep it fresh and flavorful.
2. Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh corn?
Absolutely. Boil or grill frozen corn according to package instructions, then coat with the masala mixture. Fresh corn is ideal, but frozen works well too.
3. How spicy is Masala Street Corn?
The spice level can be adjusted to your preference. Reduce or increase chili powder and garam masala to make it milder or spicier.
4. Can I make it vegan?
Yes. Replace mayonnaise with vegan mayo and yogurt with plant-based yogurt to make the dish fully vegan while keeping it creamy and delicious.
5. What toppings can I add?
Fresh cilantro, crumbled paneer, Parmesan, feta, sev, or roasted peanuts are all great options for added flavor and texture.
6. Can I grill the corn instead of boiling it?
Yes. Grilling over medium heat or directly on the flame gives a smoky flavor that enhances the masala and makes the corn even more delicious.
Conclusion
Masala Street Corn transforms simple corn into a bold, flavorful snack that captures the essence of Indian street food. With its combination of creamy coating, tangy lime, and aromatic spices, it’s both satisfying and easy to prepare at home. Versatile, customizable, and incredibly tasty, this dish is perfect for sharing with family and friends or enjoying as a quick snack any time of the day. Bringing the vibrant, festive flavors of the streets to your kitchen, Masala Street Corn is a recipe you’ll want to make again and again.
