Wingstop Mexican Street Spice is a masterpiece inspired by the vibrant, smoky, and zesty flavors of Mexican street corn—or as we know it, elote. The combination of bold spices, a touch of citrusy zest, and just the right amount of cheesy goodness makes this seasoning unforgettable and almost irresistible.
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How to make Wingstop Mexican Street Spice
Wingstop Mexican Street Spice is a limited-time dry-rub seasoning inspired by elote (Mexican street corn). It blends chili, paprika, chipotle, roasted garlic, lime, and parmesan cheese to create a smoky, tangy, and savory flavor that’s more zesty than spicy.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon chili powder: Provides a base of heat and deep red color.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Adds a smoky, earthy depth.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Elevates the savory profile.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Complements the garlic for an enhanced umami effect.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground chipotle chili: For that extra smoky kick and mild heat.
- 1 teaspoon dried cilantro: Adds a hint of herbal freshness.
- 1/2 teaspoon lime zest: Introduces a bright citrusy note.
- 1 teaspoon sea salt: Enhances flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: For a subtle heat and balance.
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese: Recreates the cheesy element characteristic of elote.
Instructions
- Prepare Your Spice Mix: In a small bowl, combine the chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, ground chipotle chili, dried cilantro, lime zest, sea salt, and black pepper. Stir well until all the ingredients are evenly mixed.
- Incorporate Cheese: Gently fold in the grated Parmesan cheese to ensure it’s distributed evenly throughout the rub. Make sure the cheese is finely grated to help it blend well with the spices.
- Store in an Airtight Container: Transfer your Mexican Street Spice mix to an airtight container or spice jar. This blend can be kept fresh for up to a month in a cool, dry place.
- Apply to Wings: Before baking or frying your chicken wings, thoroughly pat them dry with paper towels. Generously coat each wing with the spice mixture, ensuring an even layer on all sides. You can also use this blend on roasted corn, grilled vegetables, or popcorn.
Tips
- Adjusting the Heat: If you prefer a milder spice, reduce the amount of chipotle chili or opt for sweet paprika instead of smoked. For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Cheese Variation: Substitute Parmesan with Cotija cheese for a more authentic street corn flavor.
- Freshness Matters: For the best results, use fresh spices and freshly grated cheese to maximize flavor impact.
- Experiment and Explore: Feel free to adjust the quantities and try adding a dash of cumin or a sprinkle of cayenne to take your seasoning in a new direction.
What to serve with
Wingstop Mexican Street Spice wings are an explosion of bold, smoky, tangy, and cheesy flavors. To complement this seasoning and create a memorable meal, you want to choose sides and pairings that balance the richness of the wings while enhancing their Mexican street food inspiration.
1. Elote (Mexican Street Corn)
It only makes sense to pair Wingstop Mexican Street Spice with the dish they’re inspired by—elote! This iconic Mexican street food features roasted or grilled corn coated with creamy mayo, tangy lime juice, spicy chili powder, and salty Cotija cheese. The creamy and juicy corn balances the smoky spice of the wings perfectly.
Quick Tip: Serve the elote on sticks or slice the kernels off to make elote in a cup (esquites) for easier enjoyment alongside the wings.
2. Cilantro Lime Rice
Cilantro lime rice is a fresh, zesty side that tones down the intensity of the wings with its mild and herby flavor. With its simplicity and brightness, it acts as the perfect base for a bold-flavored main.
Quick Recipe Idea: Cook rice with chicken or vegetable broth for extra flavor, and finish it with fresh-squeezed lime juice and chopped cilantro.
3. Guacamole and Chips
A creamy, cooling guacamole paired with crunchy tortilla chips is a classic appetizer or side dish that helps cut through the spice and smokiness of the wings. The creaminess of avocado and the acidity of lime juice bring balance to the bold flavors of the Wingstop Mexican Street Spice.
Serving Tip: Garnish the guacamole with a bit of Cotija cheese, diced onions, and cilantro for a cohesive flavor profile. You could also serve it with some salsa or queso dip on the side.
Ingredients Substitutes
Sometimes, you may not have every ingredient on hand, or perhaps you want to tweak the recipe to suit your taste preferences or dietary requirements.
1. Chili Powder
Original Ingredient: Chili powder serves as the foundation for the spice blend, adding heat and depth.
Substitute:
- Paprika + Cayenne Pepper Combination: Use sweet paprika for the base and add cayenne pepper for heat. Adjust the cayenne amount to your spice tolerance.
- Ancho Chili Powder: If you have Ancho chili powder, it provides a slightly sweeter and milder flavor.
2. Smoked Paprika
Original Ingredient: Smoked paprika delivers an earthy, smoky flavor to the mix.
Substitute:
- Regular Paprika + Liquid Smoke: If you only have regular paprika, add a drop or two of liquid smoke to mimic the smokiness.
- Chipotle Powder: It’s a good alternative if you want both smokiness and a little extra heat.
3. Garlic Powder
Original Ingredient: Garlic powder gives the seasoning its savory, aromatic profile.
Substitute:
- Fresh Garlic (Minced or Finely Grated): Use fresh garlic if you’re applying the spice blend to wings immediately. However, note that fresh garlic cannot be stored like a dry mix.
- Granulated Garlic: Almost identical in flavor, granulated garlic works the same way as garlic powder.
4. Onion Powder
Original Ingredient: Onion powder adds a layer of sweetness and umami to the spice mix.
Substitute:
- Finely Minced Onion or Shallots: For fresh substitution, mince onion or shallots. Like fresh garlic, this works best if used immediately.
- Dried Minced Onion: Gives a similar flavor and works well for dry rub mixtures.
5. Ground Chipotle Chili
Original Ingredient: Chipotle chili adds smoky heat to the blend.
Substitute:
- Ground Cayenne Pepper: Provides heat but lacks smokiness. Use sparingly for similar spiciness.
- Ground Guajillo Chili: Delivers mild heat and subtle fruitiness.
- Smoked Sea Salt: If heat isn’t essential, smoked sea salt can increase the smokiness without spice.
6. Dried Cilantro
Original Ingredient: Dried cilantro introduces a herbal element to the mix, enhancing the Mexican-inspired notes.
Substitute:
- Fresh Cilantro: Finely chop fresh cilantro for immediate use, though it won’t blend seamlessly in a dry seasoning.
- Parsley or Dried Oregano: Both offer herbal alternatives. Dried oregano, in particular, provides a similar earthy taste that complements Mexican flavors well.
7. Lime Zest
Original Ingredient: Lime zest provides a bright citrus tang that cuts through the smoky spices.
Substitute:
- Lemon Zest: Lemon zest is a close substitute with a slightly sharper citrus profile.
- Lime Juice: If zest isn’t available, a splash of lime juice can add a similar flavor—although it’s better for wet marinades rather than dry rubs.
- Citric Acid Powder: A pinch can mimic the acidic tang of lime zest, especially for dry seasoning.
8. Sea Salt
Original Ingredient: Salt enhances the overall flavor and ties all the spices together.
Substitute:
- Kosher Salt: Use an equal amount of kosher salt for similar flavor enhancement.
- Himalayan Pink Salt: Provides a slightly different mineral profile but works well.
9. Black Pepper
Original Ingredient: Black pepper adds mild heat and balances the seasoning.
Substitute:
- White Pepper: Offers a slightly milder, earthy flavor.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: If you want a coarser alternative with a bit of extra spice, crushed red pepper flakes will do the trick.
10. Parmesan Cheese
Original Ingredient: Parmesan cheese delivers the cheesy, salty richness, mimicking the Cotija found on Mexican street corn.
Substitute:
- Cotija Cheese: A closer match to the elote-inspired theme. Cotija cheese is crumbly and tangy, making it perfect for recreating authentic flavors.
- Pecorino Romano: Slightly sharper than Parmesan but works well as a substitute.
- Nutritional Yeast: For a dairy-free option, nutritional yeast offers a cheesy flavor without the cheese!
Final Thoughts
Pairing the right sides with Wingstop Mexican Street Spice wings creates a well-rounded meal that highlights the Mexican-inspired flavors of the seasoning.
More Seasoning Recipes:
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground chipotle chili
- 1 teaspoon dried cilantro
- 1/2 teaspoon lime zest
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare Your Spice Mix: In a small bowl, combine the chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, ground chipotle chili, dried cilantro, lime zest, sea salt, and black pepper. Stir well until all the ingredients are evenly mixed.
- Incorporate Cheese: Gently fold in the grated Parmesan cheese to ensure it’s distributed evenly throughout the rub. Make sure the cheese is finely grated to help it blend well with the spices.
- Store in an Airtight Container: Transfer your Mexican Street Spice mix to an airtight container or spice jar. This blend can be kept fresh for up to a month in a cool, dry place.
- Apply to Wings: Before baking or frying your chicken wings, thoroughly pat them dry with paper towels. Generously coat each wing with the spice mixture, ensuring an even layer on all sides. You can also use this blend on roasted corn, grilled vegetables, or popcorn.
