Mexican Street Corn: A Deliciously Flavorful Recipe

Mexican street corn, also known as “Elote,” is a popular and flavorful dish that has become a favorite in many households and street markets. This delightful snack or side dish combines the sweetness of fresh corn with creamy, tangy, and spicy toppings, resulting in an irresistible treat. In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps to prepare this delicious Mexican street corn, ensuring that you can enjoy this classic dish at home.

Equipment

Before we begin, gather the following equipment:

• Basting Brush
• Cutting Knife
• Cutting Board
• Grill or Grill Pan
• Baking Sheet

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make Mexican street corn:

• Corn on the cob
• 4 tablespoons melted butter
• 1/4 cup mayo
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1 package Cotija cheese
• Tajin or chili powder
• 1/4 cup cilantro
• 2 limes
• All-Purpose Seasoning
• 1 teaspoon garlic
• 1 teaspoon white sugar

Instructions

Step 1: Select and Prepare the Corn

The first step is to find good quality corn. Look for sweet corn that appears robust, with clean, plump kernels from end to end. Once you have your corn, remove it from its husk and clean off all the silk. Place the cleaned corn on a plate or baking sheet and coat it with some oil or melted butter. This helps to keep the corn moist and adds extra flavor.

Step 2: Season and Grill the Corn

Season the corn with your all-purpose seasoning, garlic, and a bit of white sugar to enhance its natural sweetness. If you don’t have a grill, you can use a grill pan or even bake the corn in the oven. Heat your grill to about 375 degrees Fahrenheit and place the corn on the grill. Cook the corn, turning frequently to ensure even cooking and to achieve a nice light char. The total cooking time should be around 15 minutes, or until the corn is tender.

Step 3: Prepare the Toppings

While the corn is grilling, it’s time to prepare the toppings. In a bowl, mix together 1/4 cup of mayo and 1/4 cup of sour cream or Mexican crema. For a pop of freshness, add a bit of lime zest to the mixture and season to taste with all-purpose seasoning or salt and pepper. This creamy mixture will serve as the base coating for your Mexican street corn.

Step 4: Assemble the Mexican Street Corn

Once the corn is cooked and slightly charred, remove it from the grill and bring it inside to assemble. Using a basting brush, generously coat each ear of corn with the mayo and sour cream mixture. Make sure to cover the entire surface of the corn.

Next, sprinkle a generous amount of Cotija cheese over the coated corn. Cotija cheese is a crumbly Mexican cheese that adds a delicious salty flavor to the dish. If you can’t find Cotija, you can substitute it with Parmesan or feta cheese.

For an extra kick, sprinkle Tajin or chili powder over the corn. Tajin is a popular Mexican seasoning made from chili peppers, lime, and salt, and it adds a delightful tangy and spicy flavor. If you can’t find Tajin, chili powder will also work well.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

To finish off your Mexican street corn, sprinkle some freshly chopped cilantro over the top and squeeze lime juice over each ear of corn. The cilantro adds a burst of freshness, while the lime juice enhances all the flavors and adds a tangy zest.

Additional Notes

• Tajin: While Tajin is optional, it is highly recommended for its unique flavor. It’s also great to have on hand for cocktails or other dishes.
• Serving Suggestions: Mexican street corn is a versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer, side dish, or snack. It’s perfect for barbecues, picnics, or any casual gathering.

Variations and Tips

Oven Method

If you don’t have access to a grill, you can still enjoy this delicious dish by cooking the corn in the oven. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit, place the seasoned corn on a baking sheet, and bake for about 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through the cooking time. This method will still give you tender, flavorful corn, though it won’t have the same charred flavor that grilling provides.

Additional Flavor Enhancements

• Spices and Herbs: Feel free to experiment with other spices and herbs to enhance the flavor of your Mexican street corn. Smoked paprika, cumin, or even a bit of cayenne pepper can add interesting layers of flavor.
• Cheese Variations: If you can’t find Cotija cheese, other crumbly cheeses like feta or Parmesan can be used as a substitute. Each cheese will bring its own unique flavor profile to the dish.

Serving Ideas

Mexican street corn can be served in a variety of ways:

• Traditional Style: Serve the corn on the cob with all the toppings as described in the recipe. This is the classic way to enjoy elote.
• Off the Cob: For a less messy option, you can cut the kernels off the cob after grilling and mix them with the mayo and sour cream mixture, cheese, and seasonings. This method, known as esquites, is easier to eat and just as delicious.
• Salad: Turn your Mexican street corn into a salad by mixing the grilled corn kernels with diced avocado, cherry tomatoes, and a bit of red onion. Toss with the creamy mayo mixture and garnish with cheese, cilantro, and lime juice.

Conclusion

Mexican street corn is a delightful and flavorful dish that brings the vibrant tastes of Mexico to your table. With its combination of sweet corn, creamy sauce, tangy cheese, and spicy seasoning, it’s a treat that’s sure to please. Whether you’re serving it as a snack, side dish, or appetizer, this recipe is easy to follow and delivers delicious results every time. So fire up your grill, gather your ingredients, and enjoy the irresistible flavors of Mexican street corn!