Dinner · Main Course · Vegetarian · Mexican-inspired

Charred Corn and Poblano Street Tacos

Perfect for July grilling, these Charred Corn and Poblano Street Tacos feature smoky roasted peppers, sweet summer corn, and a zesty chipotle crema.

4.7(211 reviews)
·By Ethan Brooks·
Charred Corn and Poblano Street Tacos — Mexican-inspired Dinner served and photographed from above
Prep
15 min
Cook
15 min
Difficulty
Easy
Serves
4

Preparation

Get these tasks done before you start cooking.

Vegetable Prep

  1. 1

    Clean the Corn

    Remove all silk and husks from the corn. Pat dry to ensure a better sear.

    Tip: Dry vegetables char faster than damp ones.

  2. 2

    Dice the Aromatics

    Finely dice the red onion and chop the cilantro. Keep them separate for garnishing.

    Tip: Soak onions in cold water for 5 minutes to remove the raw bite.

Crema Base

  1. 1

    Whisk the Sauce

    In a small bowl, combine crema, chipotle, and half the lime juice. Whisk until smooth.

    Tip: Add a teaspoon of water if the sauce is too thick to drizzle.

How to Make Charred Corn and Poblano Street Tacos

Total time: 30 min · Yields 4 servings

  1. 1

    Char the Poblanos

    Place poblanos directly over a gas flame or on a hot grill. Turn every 2 to 3 minutes until the skin is completely blackened and blistered. Place in a bowl and cover with plastic wrap for 10 minutes to steam.

  2. 2

    Grill the Corn

    Brush corn with avocado oil. Grill over medium-high heat for 8 to 10 minutes, turning occasionally, until kernels are tender and showing dark charred spots. Remove and let cool slightly.

  3. 3

    Process the Peppers

    Rub the charred skin off the poblanos using a paper towel. Remove stems and seeds, then slice the peppers into thin strips or 1/2 inch dice.

  4. 4

    Cut the Corn

    Stand each ear of corn upright in a large bowl. Carefully slice downward to remove the kernels, keeping them in large clusters where possible for better texture.

  5. 5

    Warm the Tortillas

    Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Toast corn tortillas for 30 seconds per side until pliable and slightly browned. Keep warm in a clean kitchen towel.

  6. 6

    Assemble the Tacos

    Fill each tortilla with a generous spoonful of charred corn and poblano strips. Top with red onion, cilantro, and radish slices.

Chef's Tips

  • Use high heat for the corn. You want a dark char before the kernels become too soft.
  • Do not rinse the poblano peppers after steaming. Rinsing removes the smoky oils that provide the best flavor.
  • For a vegan version, swap the crema for a cashew-based lime cream and omit the cheese.

What to Serve with Charred Corn and Poblano Street Tacos

The garlic butter sauce is the star — pick sides that soak it up or balance the richness.

  • Serve in pairs of three per plate with a side of lime wedges.
  • Present on a large wooden board for family-style dining.

Recipe Variations

Once you've mastered the base recipe, try these popular twists.

Variation

Add black beans for extra protein and fiber.

Variation

Substitute poblanos for Anaheim chilies if you prefer a milder heat profile.

Variation

Include grilled pineapple chunks for a sweet and spicy tropical twist.

Storage & Reheating

Store the corn and poblano mixture in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a dry skillet to maintain the char. Store crema separately. Do not freeze.

Further reading

Frequently asked questions

Are poblano peppers spicy?

Poblanos are generally mild. They sit between a bell pepper and a jalapeño on the heat scale. Roasting them further mellows their bite.

Can I use frozen corn?

Yes. Thaw and pat the corn very dry. Char it in a cast-iron skillet with a small amount of oil until dark spots appear.

How do I stop corn tortillas from breaking?

Heat is the key. Tortillas become pliable when warmed. Keep them wrapped in a towel to trap steam until the moment you serve.

Can I make the filling ahead of time?

Absolutely. The corn and poblano mix can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance. Reheat quickly in a hot pan before serving.

What is Mexican Crema?

It is a thickened cream similar to sour cream but thinner and slightly sweeter. It drizzles easily over tacos unlike standard sour cream.

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