Vegan Street Corn Recipe Easy and Delicious Ideas

There’s something undeniably magical about street corn — the smoky, sweet kernels charred to perfection and slathered in a rich, creamy sauce with a burst of tangy, spicy, and fresh flavors. Now, imagine all that deliciousness in a vegan street corn recipe that’s just as satisfying and easy to make at home.

Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, craving a flavorful snack, or looking for a plant-based twist on a classic Mexican street food, this recipe will deliver every time.

This vegan version skips traditional dairy ingredients but still captures the creamy zestiness through clever plant-based substitutes. With a blend of smoky spices, fresh lime, and a touch of heat, this recipe brings the flavors of the street right into your kitchen.

Plus, it’s quick to prepare and perfect for any season!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe takes the iconic Mexican street corn and reinvents it for a vegan lifestyle without compromising on flavor or texture. Perfectly charred corn kernels are coated with a luscious, creamy sauce made from cashews and vegan mayo, seasoned with garlic, lime juice, and chili powder for a bright, smoky kick.

It’s incredibly versatile — serve it on the cob or off for salads and bowls. It’s gluten-free, dairy-free, and packed with fiber and antioxidants from fresh corn and herbs.

This recipe is a crowd-pleaser that can easily be adapted for spicier or milder palates.

Plus, it pairs beautifully with other vegan dishes and is a great introduction to vegan Mexican cuisine. If you enjoy dishes like those found in our Peruvian Vegetable Recipes for Flavorful Healthy Meals, this street corn will fit right in with your meal rotation.

Ingredients

• 4 ears of fresh corn, husked
• 1/2 cup raw cashews, soaked for 2 hours
• 1/4 cup vegan mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
• Salt, to taste
• Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
• Vegan parmesan or nutritional yeast, for topping (optional)
• Lime wedges, for serving

Equipment

• Grill pan or outdoor grill
• Blender or food processor
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Basting brush
• Knife and cutting board

Instructions

1. Prepare the cashew cream sauce: Drain the soaked cashews and place them in a blender or food processor. Add the vegan mayonnaise, lime juice, garlic powder, smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, and a pinch of salt. Blend until completely smooth and creamy. If the mixture is too thick, add 1-2 tablespoons of water to reach a spreadable consistency.
2. Preheat your grill or grill pan: Heat to medium-high heat so the corn gets nice char marks without burning.
3. Grill the corn: Place the corn directly on the grill or grill pan. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, turning every 2-3 minutes, until the kernels are tender and slightly charred on all sides.
4. Coat the corn with sauce: Using a basting brush or spoon, generously coat each ear of corn with the cashew cream sauce while still warm. The warmth helps the sauce adhere beautifully.
5. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro and vegan parmesan or nutritional yeast over the coated corn. Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for an extra zing.

Tips & Variations

“For a smoky depth, add a pinch of chipotle powder to the sauce or use smoked sea salt instead of regular salt.”

If fresh corn is out of season, frozen corn kernels work perfectly — simply grill them in a pan with a bit of oil until charred, then toss with the sauce.

Want to make this recipe nut-free? Substitute the cashew cream with blended silken tofu or vegan sour cream alternatives.

For an extra spicy version, add chopped jalapeños to the sauce or sprinkle cayenne pepper on top. You can also mix in some finely diced red onion or fresh radish for crunch.

Try serving the sauce as a dip for tortilla chips or roasted veggies — it’s ultra versatile!

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This vegan street corn is a fantastic side dish for any Mexican-inspired meal. Pair it with Vegetarian Tex Mex Recipes for Easy Weeknight Dinners like vegan tacos or burrito bowls.

It also works wonderfully as a snack at parties or as a topping for vegan salads and grain bowls. For a full summer feast, serve alongside grilled vegetables and a fresh guacamole dip.

Looking for more creamy plant-based sauces? Check out our Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes for inspiration.

Conclusion

This vegan street corn recipe perfectly captures the vibrant, smoky, and tangy essence of Mexican street food, all while being 100% plant-based and wholesome. The creamy cashew-based sauce offers richness without dairy, and the grilled corn adds natural sweetness and charred depth that makes every bite irresistible.

Whether you’re a longtime vegan or simply looking to add more plant-powered meals to your diet, this recipe is a must-try. It’s simple enough for beginners yet flavorful enough to impress even the most dedicated foodies.

Plus, it opens the door to exploring more vegan Mexican dishes and creative cooking techniques.

For more delicious plant-based recipes that bring global flavors to your table, don’t miss our Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious and Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves.

Happy cooking!

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Vegan Street Corn”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A delicious and creamy vegan take on classic Mexican street corn. Perfectly charred corn coated in a tangy, spicy sauce.”, “prepTime”: “PT10M”, “cookTime”: “PT15M”, “totalTime”: “PT25M”, “recipeYield”: “4 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“4 ears of corn, husked”, “1/4 cup vegan mayonnaise”, “2 tablespoons lime juice”, “1 teaspoon chili powder”, “1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika”, “1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped”, “1/4 cup nutritional yeast”, “1/2 teaspoon garlic powder”, “Salt to taste”, “Lime wedges for serving”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Grill corn for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally until charred.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “In a bowl, mix vegan mayonnaise, lime juice, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and salt.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Brush the sauce evenly over the grilled corn.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Sprinkle nutritional yeast and chopped cilantro on top.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Serve immediately with lime wedges.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “180”, “proteinContent”: “5g”, “fatContent”: “10g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “20g”}}