Mexican Street Corn: Recipe, Tips, and Delicious Variations

Mexican Street Corn, also known as Elote, is a culinary experience that will transport you straight to the vibrant streets of Mexico with every single bite. Imagine sinking your teeth into sweet, juicy corn on the cob, slathered in a creamy, tangy sauce, and dusted with salty cheese and a kick of chili powder. Are you drooling yet? I know I am just thinking about it!

This isn’t just corn; it’s a celebration of flavor and texture. Elote has deep roots in Mexican culture, dating back centuries. It’s a staple at festivals, markets, and family gatherings, representing community and shared joy. The beauty of Mexican Street Corn lies in its simplicity and the perfect balance of contrasting flavors. The sweetness of the corn is beautifully complemented by the savory cotija cheese, the creamy mayonnaise, and the zesty lime.

People adore this dish for its incredible taste, satisfying texture, and the sheer fun of eating it! It’s a little messy, undeniably delicious, and incredibly easy to customize to your liking. Whether you prefer a mild spice or a fiery kick, Elote can be tailored to your personal preferences. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to elevate ordinary corn on the cob into something truly extraordinary. Get ready to experience a flavor explosion that will leave you craving more!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 6 ears of corn, husks and silk removed
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup Mexican crema (or sour cream)
• 1/2 cup finely crumbled Cotija cheese (or feta cheese)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1-2 tablespoons chili powder (adjust to your spice preference)
• 1 lime, cut into wedges
• Optional: 1 clove garlic, minced
• Optional: 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (for extra heat)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Preparing the Corn:

Before we get started with the creamy, cheesy goodness, we need to prep our corn. There are a few ways you can cook the corn, and I’ll walk you through my favorites. Choose the method that works best for you!

Grilling the Corn:

Grilling is my preferred method because it gives the corn a beautiful char and smoky flavor. Here’s how I do it:

1. Preheat your grill: Get your grill nice and hot, aiming for medium-high heat (around 375-450°F or 190-230°C). Make sure the grates are clean.
2. Prepare the corn: If you haven’t already, remove the husks and silk from the corn. You can leave a little bit of the stem on for easier handling, if you like.
3. Grill the corn: Place the corn directly on the grill grates. Grill for about 15-20 minutes, turning every few minutes to ensure even cooking and charring on all sides. You’ll know it’s done when the kernels are tender and slightly browned.
4. Remove from grill: Carefully remove the corn from the grill using tongs and let it cool slightly before handling.

Boiling the Corn:

Boiling is a quick and easy method, especially if you’re short on time. Here’s how to boil your corn:

1. Bring water to a boil: Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil. Add a pinch of salt to the water.
2. Cook the corn: Gently place the corn into the boiling water. Make sure the corn is fully submerged.
3. Boil the corn: Cook the corn for about 5-7 minutes, or until the kernels are tender and bright yellow.
4. Remove from water: Carefully remove the corn from the boiling water using tongs and let it cool slightly before handling.

Roasting the Corn:

Roasting brings out the natural sweetness of the corn. Here’s how to roast your corn in the oven:

1. Preheat your oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Prepare the corn: Remove the husks and silk from the corn.
3. Roast the corn: Place the corn on a baking sheet. You can lightly brush the corn with olive oil or butter for extra flavor, but it’s not necessary.
4. Roast the corn: Roast for about 20-25 minutes, or until the kernels are tender and slightly browned. Turn the corn halfway through for even cooking.
5. Remove from oven: Carefully remove the corn from the oven and let it cool slightly before handling.

Preparing the Creamy Sauce:

This is where the magic happens! The creamy sauce is what makes Mexican street corn so irresistible. Here’s how to make it:

1. Combine the ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Mexican crema (or sour cream), minced garlic (if using), chili powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper.
2. Mix well: Stir all the ingredients together until they are well combined and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
3. Taste and adjust: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings to your liking. You might want to add more chili powder for extra spice, or a pinch of salt if needed.

Assembling the Mexican Street Corn:

Now for the fun part – putting it all together! This is where you get to customize your corn to your liking.

1. Spread the sauce: Once the corn is cool enough to handle, spread a generous layer of the creamy sauce all over each ear of corn. Make sure to get into all the nooks and crannies!
2. Sprinkle with cheese: Sprinkle the corn liberally with crumbled Cotija cheese (or feta cheese). Don’t be shy – the more cheese, the better!
3. Add cilantro: Sprinkle the chopped fresh cilantro over the corn. This adds a pop of freshness and color.
4. Serve with lime wedges: Serve the Mexican street corn immediately with lime wedges. Squeeze the lime juice over the corn just before eating for a burst of citrusy flavor.

Tips and Variations:

Mexican street corn is a versatile dish, and there are many ways to customize it to your liking. Here are a few tips and variations to try:

• Spice it up: If you like your corn extra spicy, add more chili powder or cayenne pepper to the sauce. You can also sprinkle a little bit of Tajin seasoning over the corn for an extra kick.
• Add some heat with hot sauce: A dash of your favorite hot sauce can add another layer of flavor and heat.
• Use different cheeses: If you can’t find Cotija cheese, feta cheese is a good substitute. You can also try using queso fresco or even a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
• Grill the corn in the husks: For a slightly different flavor, you can grill the corn in the husks. Soak the corn in water for about 30 minutes before grilling to prevent the husks from burning. Peel back the husks and remove the silk before grilling.
• Make it a salad: Cut the kernels off the cob and mix them with the creamy sauce, cheese, cilantro, and lime juice to make a delicious Mexican street corn salad. This is a great option for parties or potlucks.
• Add other toppings: Get creative with your toppings! You can add diced red onion, pickled jalapeños, or even crumbled bacon for extra flavor and texture.
• Make it vegan: Use vegan mayonnaise and sour cream substitutes. Nutritional yeast can be used to mimic the cheesy flavor.

Serving Suggestions:

Mexican street corn is a perfect side dish for any summer barbecue or Mexican-themed meal. Here are a few serving suggestions:

• Serve it alongside grilled chicken, steak, or fish.
• Pair it with tacos, enchiladas, or quesadillas.
• Serve it as an appetizer at your next party.
• Enjoy it as a snack on a hot summer day.

Storing Leftovers:

If you have any leftover Mexican street corn, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can microwave it for a few seconds or grill it for a few minutes. The corn may lose some of its crispness, but it will still be delicious.

I hope you enjoy this recipe for Mexican street corn! It’s one of my favorite summer treats, and I know you’ll love it too. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations and toppings to create your own unique version. Happy cooking!

Conclusion:

This isn’t just another corn recipe; it’s a vibrant explosion of flavor that will transport you straight to a bustling Mexican street corner. The combination of sweet corn, creamy sauce, tangy lime, and spicy chili powder is simply irresistible. Trust me, once you try this Mexican street corn, you’ll be hooked! It’s the perfect side dish for your next barbecue, a delightful addition to taco night, or even a satisfying snack on its own.

But why is this recipe a must-try? It’s all about the balance. The sweetness of the corn is perfectly complemented by the savory cotija cheese and the zesty lime juice. The chili powder adds a delightful kick that will awaken your taste buds, while the mayonnaise and sour cream create a creamy, luxurious texture that coats every kernel. It’s a symphony of flavors and textures that will leave you wanting more. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make! You don’t need any fancy equipment or culinary expertise to whip up a batch of this deliciousness.

Looking for serving suggestions? The possibilities are endless! Serve it as a side dish alongside grilled chicken, steak, or fish. It’s also fantastic as a topping for tacos, nachos, or even salads. For a fun twist, try grilling the corn on the cob before adding the toppings. The smoky char will add another layer of flavor that will take this dish to the next level.

And speaking of variations, feel free to get creative! If you’re not a fan of mayonnaise, you can substitute it with Greek yogurt for a healthier option. Want to add more heat? Use a spicier chili powder or add a pinch of cayenne pepper. You can also experiment with different types of cheese. Queso fresco or crumbled feta would be delicious alternatives to cotija. For a vegan version, use vegan mayonnaise and nutritional yeast instead of cotija cheese. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own!

I truly believe that this recipe is a game-changer. It’s a simple, yet incredibly flavorful dish that will impress your friends and family. It’s the perfect way to add a touch of Mexican flair to your next meal. So, what are you waiting for? Grab some corn, gather your ingredients, and get cooking!

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe and experience the magic of Mexican street corn for yourself. Once you do, I’d love to hear about your experience! Did you make any variations? What did you serve it with? Share your photos and comments below. Let’s create a community of corn lovers and inspire each other with our culinary creations. I can’t wait to see what you come up with! Happy cooking! This recipe is guaranteed to become a new family favorite, bringing joy and deliciousness to your table for years to come. Don’t just take my word for it, though – try it and see for yourself! You won’t be disappointed.