Have you ever strolled through a bustling Mexican market, the air filled with the irresistible aroma of grilled corn? That’s the fabled Elote, or Mexican street corn, for you and me. We’re delivering this delicious delight straight to your kitchen today, straight from the colorful streets of Mexico. Prepare to have your taste senses enticed by this simple recipe for real Mexican street corn.
What Makes Mexican Street Corn Special?
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s talk about what makes Elote so unique. This isn’t your average corn on the cob. The flavors and textures of the sweet corn, creamy sauce, acidic lime, salty cheese, and hints of spice are all well balanced. Perfected over centuries on Mexican streets, it’s a portable blast of taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 4 ears of fresh corn, husked
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup Mexican crema (or sour cream)
- 1/2 cup cotija cheese, finely crumbled
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
- Salt to taste
- Optional: Hot sauce or cayenne pepper for extra kick
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you don’t have a grill, you can use a stovetop grill pan.
- Grill the Corn: Put the corn cobs straight onto the grill. Simmer the corn for ten to twelve minutes, stirring now and then, or until it’s soft and charred all over.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: While the corn is grilling, mix the mayonnaise and Mexican crema in a bowl. If you can’t find Mexican crema, sour cream works just fine.
- Prepare the Cheese: Crumble the cotija cheese finely. If cotija is unavailable, finely grated Parmesan can be a good substitute.
- Assemble Your Elote: Once the corn is grilled to perfection, it’s time to transform it into elote:
- Brush each ear of corn generously with the mayo-crema mixture.
- Sprinkle the cotija cheese all over, making sure it sticks to the creamy layer.
- Dust with chili powder for that authentic Mexican flavor.
- Squeeze fresh lime juice over the corn.
- Add a pinch of salt to taste.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve your elote immediately while it’s still warm. Provide extra lime wedges on the side for those who like an extra citrus kick.
Tips for the Perfect Mexican Street Corn
- Choose Fresh Corn: The fresher the corn, the sweeter and more delicious your elote will be.
- Don’t Overcook Grill just until the kernels are tender and lightly charred. Overcooked corn can become tough and lose its sweetness.
- Customize the Heat: Adjust the amount of chili powder or add hot sauce to suit your spice preference.
- Make it Ahead: You can grill the corn ahead of time and assemble just before serving.
Variations to Try
- Elote in a Cup (Esquites): Cut the grilled corn off the cob and serve it in a cup with all the toppings mixed in.
- Grilled Elote Salad: Grill and cut the corn, then toss with the toppings to make a delicious salad.
- Vegan Version: Use vegan mayo and nutritional yeast instead of cheese for a plant-based alternative.
Conclusion
There you have it β the secret to making authentic Mexican street corn in your own home. This elote recipe brings the vibrant flavors of Mexico to your dinner table, perfect for summer barbecues, Cinco de Mayo celebrations, or any time you’re craving a taste of Mexican street food. So fire up that grill, gather your ingredients, and get ready to impress your family and friends with this irresistible treat. Β‘Buen provecho!
