Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked white or brown rice (day-old rice works beautifully)
- 1 lb (450g) flank or skirt steak, trimmed
- 2 ears fresh corn, husked
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, plus extra for grilling
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to your taste)
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta or cotija cheese (for that classic street corn tang)
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise (substitute with Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
- 1 lime, juiced, plus wedges for serving
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh coriander (cilantro), chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: sliced avocado and pickled jalapeños for topping
When I first tried this recipe, I didn’t have cotija cheese on hand, so I used a crumbly feta from a local Devon market — it worked just as well and reminded me of the rustic cheeses my mum would bring home from weekend trips. Don’t be afraid to tailor the toppings to your own pantry and palate.
Instructions
- Start by preheating your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Brush the corn with a little olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Grill the corn, turning occasionally, until it’s charred in spots and cooked through — about 10-12 minutes. Remove from heat, let cool slightly, then cut the kernels off the cob. This step always reminds me of summer evenings around a firepit back home, where corn on the cob was a staple.
- In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, lime juice, minced garlic, smoked paprika, ground cumin, and chili powder to create a creamy, tangy sauce. Set aside.
- Rub the steak with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Grill the steak for 4-5 minutes on each side for medium rare, or longer if you prefer it well done. Rest the steak for 5-7 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain.
- In a large bowl, combine the grilled corn kernels with the creamy sauce, crumbled cheese, and chopped coriander. Toss gently to coat.
- To assemble your bowls, start with a base of warm rice. Top with slices of steak, then generously spoon over the dressed street corn mixture. Finish with extra lime wedges and optional avocado or pickled jalapeños for a bit of heat and creaminess.
One little trick I’ve learned from years of cooking in my mum’s kitchen is to always let the steak rest — it’s the difference between dry meat and juicy, tender slices that melt in your mouth. It’s a simple patience that pays off every time.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
