Discovering Mexican Street Corn, or Elote, can transform your culinary repertoire with its vibrant flavors and simple preparation. This iconic Mexican street food dish brings together the sweetness of corn, the smoky warmth of chili powder, and the tangy zest of lime. Perfect for barbecues, parties, or just a casual dinner, here's how to make this mouth-watering treat at home:
Ingredients
- 4 ears of corn, husked
- 1⁄4 cup mayonnaise
- 1⁄4 cup sour cream or Mexican crema
- 1⁄2 cup crumbled cotija cheese (you can substitute with feta if cotija is unavailable)
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1⁄2 tsp smoked paprika (optional for more depth of flavor)
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
- Chopped cilantro for garnish
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Corn: Grill the corn over medium-high heat on a grill or griddle until it has nice char marks, turning occasionally. This should take about 8 to 10 minutes.
- Create the Coating: While the corn is grilling, mix together the mayonnaise and sour cream in a small bowl. This will serve as the base for your Mexican street corn.
- Finish Grilling: Remove the corn from the grill and let it cool slightly so you can handle it.
- Coat the Corn: Using a brush or spoon, generously slather the mayonnaise-sour cream mixture over each ear of corn.
- Add Toppings:
- Roll or sprinkle the coated corn in crumbled cotija cheese.
- Sprinkle with chili powder and smoked paprika for an extra kick.
- Add a pinch of salt if needed.
- Garnish: Squeeze fresh lime juice over each ear and garnish with chopped cilantro for a burst of freshness.
- Serve Immediately: Serve the Elote while still warm for the best flavor experience.
💡 Note: You can use a fork to make eating easier by inserting it into the end of the corn cob.
Variations to Try
Here are some variations to make your Mexican Street Corn unique:
- Elote in a Cup: Cut the corn off the cob after grilling, mix with toppings, and serve in cups for easy eating.
- Spicy Version: Add cayenne pepper or fresh chopped jalapeños for those who like it hot.
- Vegan: Substitute the mayonnaise with a vegan mayo and use nutritional yeast instead of cheese for a vegan-friendly dish.
Nutritional Information
| Ingredient | Calories (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Corn | 90 per ear |
| Mayonnaise | 200 per 1⁄4 cup |
| Sour Cream | 150 per 1⁄4 cup |
| Cotija Cheese | 120 per 1⁄2 cup |
| Lime | 20 per lime |
| Total | 580 per serving |
In crafting this dish, you embrace the essence of Mexican cuisine with its focus on fresh ingredients, vibrant flavors, and the joy of communal eating. Mexican Street Corn, with its playful blend of sweet, smoky, and spicy elements, is not just a side dish but an invitation to explore further into the vast world of Mexican gastronomy.
Can I make this recipe without a grill?
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Yes, you can achieve similar results by boiling the corn first and then charring it in a very hot skillet or under a broiler for a few minutes.
What can I substitute for Cotija cheese?
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If Cotija is not available, feta cheese is a good substitute due to its similar crumbly texture and salty flavor.
How can I make this dish healthier?
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To make it healthier, you can use low-fat or Greek yogurt in place of mayonnaise and sour cream, and reduce the amount of cheese used.
