Mexican Corn Rice Bowls Recipe

User Reviews

5

15 reviews
Excellent
  • Prep Time

    10 mins

  • Cook Time

    20 mins

  • Total Time

    30 mins

  • Servings

    6 -8 side servings (4 main dish)

  • Calories

    237 kcal

  • Cuisine

    Mexican

Mexican Corn Rice Bowls Recipe

Mexican Corn Rice Bowls blend fluffy long-grain rice with roasted corn, fresh herbs, and a creamy, tangy elote-style sauce. The roasted corn adds subtle charred sweetness alongside garlic, while cotija cheese and lime juice contribute savory and bright finishes. This dish combines tender rice with a flavorful smoky and creamy topping, perfect for a versatile main or side.

Description

The Mexican Corn Rice Bowls Recipe begins by cooking long-grain rice with broth and salt until tender and fluffy. Separately, corn kernels are toasted in oil until lightly browned, and garlic is added near the end to provide aromatic depth. The classic Mexican elote cream sauce is made by mixing Mexican crema, mayonnaise, salt, chipotle powder, and Tajin seasoning.

Roasted corn is combined with the creamy sauce, then mixed gently with the cooked rice, sliced green onions, fresh cilantro, and lime juice for brightening flavors. Cotija cheese adds a salty, crumbly texture. The resulting bowl balances creaminess, smoky spice, and fresh herbaceous notes with the comforting texture of steamed rice and slightly crispy corn.

This dish can be enjoyed on its own or paired with grilled proteins like chicken or steak for a complete meal. The recipe is adjustable with toppings and spices to suit preference or dietary needs.

Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container for up to five days and can be frozen for longer storage. When reheating, adding a splash of liquid helps maintain moisture and texture. Variations include adding proteins, extra spice, or swapping ingredients to create dairy-free or alternative cheeses.

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Ingredients

Servings
  • 1 1/2 cups long-grain rice such as basmati or jasmine, white or brown rice may be used
  • 2 ¾ cups broth veggie or chicken, or use water if preferred
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt divided
  • 2 cups corn fresh cut off the cobb, frozen (do not thaw) or canned, drained
  • 1-2 cloves garlic minced or pressed
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil I love Avocado oil
  • 3-4 green onions sliced thin, whites and greens
  • 1/3 cup cilantro chopped
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 3 tablespoons Mexican crema or Sour Cream or Greek yogurt
  • 1 teaspoon tajin seasoning or replace with chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon chipotle powder sub with pinch or ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper, ground
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 1/3 cup cotija cheese crumbled, see notes to repace

Instructions

Cook Rice

  1. Rinse rice, then bring broth or water to a boil in a saucepan, add half the salt, add rice, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 20-25 minutes until rice has absorbed the liquid. Set aside for 10 minutes while still covered, then fluff with a fork. If using brown rice, cook according to package instructions.

Make Elotes Cream

  1. Combine, Mexican crema, mayo, ½ tsp kosher salt, chipotle powder, and Tajin in a small bowl. Set aside.

Roast Corn

  1. While the rice is cooking, prepare the roasted corn. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat; once shimmering carefully add corn. Toast in skillet for 5-8 minutes until corn is browned and roasted slightly; stir occasionally. Add garlic last minute of cooking. Careful the corn may pop while you are roasting it. Set aside.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine roasted corn with elote sauce. Add cooked rice, green onions, cilantro, and lime juice. Gently fold to combine. Stir in Cotija cheese and season with salt and pepper, if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Cotija cheese can be substituted with queso fresco, feta, parmesan, or shredded Monterey Jack, noting the flavor difference.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days or freeze up to three months.
  • Reheat with a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
  • Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or steak to turn the bowl into a complete meal.
  • Customize spiciness with cayenne, hot sauce, or jalapeos as desired.
  • For dairy-free version, replace Mexican crema with dairy-free sour cream and use plant-based cheese.
  • Additional toppings like pico de gallo, beans, or fresh salsa can enhance the bowl's flavor and texture.

Nutrition Information

Show Details
Serving 1serving Calories 237kcal (12%) Carbohydrates 38g (13%) Protein 5g (10%) Fat 7g (11%) Saturated Fat 2g (10%) Polyunsaturated Fat 3g (18%) Monounsaturated Fat 1g (5%) Trans Fat 0.02g (1%) Cholesterol 10mg (3%) Sodium 740mg (31%) Potassium 158mg (3%) Fiber 2g (8%) Sugar 3g (6%) Vitamin A 530IU (11%) Vitamin C 4mg (4%) Calcium 57mg (6%) Iron 1mg (6%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 6-8 side servings (4 main dish)

Amount Per Serving

Calories 237 kcal

% Daily Value*

Serving 1serving
Calories 237kcal 12%
Carbohydrates 38g 13%
Protein 5g 10%
Fat 7g 11%
Saturated Fat 2g 10%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3g 18%
Monounsaturated Fat 1g 5%
Trans Fat 0.02g 1%
Cholesterol 10mg 3%
Sodium 740mg 31%
Potassium 158mg 3%
Fiber 2g 8%
Sugar 3g 6%
Vitamin A 530IU 11%
Vitamin C 4mg 4%
Calcium 57mg 6%
Iron 1mg 6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

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5

15 reviews
Excellent

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