Mexican street corn, or elote, is a vibrant and flavorful explosion of taste that's easy to recreate at home. This guide will walk you through making delicious, authentic Mexican street corn, ensuring your version is as good as (or better than!) the street vendors'.
What You'll Need:
Ingredients:
- 4 ears of corn, shucked
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (preferably Duke's or another creamy brand)
- 1/4 cup cotija cheese, crumbled (this is key for authentic flavor!)
- 1/4 cup chili powder
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: lime wedges for serving
Equipment:
- Grill or grill pan (for the best flavor!)
- Large bowl
- Small bowl
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Corn:
- If grilling, preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Grill the corn, turning occasionally, until kernels are tender and slightly charred (about 8-10 minutes). Alternatively, you can boil the corn for 5-7 minutes until tender.
2. Make the Elote Sauce:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, chili powder, lime juice, cumin, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. You want a balance of creamy, spicy, and tangy flavors.
3. Coat the Corn:
- Once the corn is cooked, let it cool slightly. Then, spread the mayonnaise mixture evenly over each ear of corn, ensuring all the kernels are coated.
4. Add the Cheese and Cilantro:
- Generously sprinkle the crumbled cotija cheese over the corn.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve immediately. The best way to eat elote is straight from the cob! Offer lime wedges on the side for an extra squeeze of fresh citrus.
Tips for the Best Mexican Street Corn:
- Charring the corn: Grilling the corn adds a smoky char that enhances the flavor profile. If you don’t have a grill, you can achieve a similar effect by broiling the corn under your oven's broiler for a few minutes.
- Cotija cheese is essential: Don't substitute another cheese! Cotija's salty, crumbly texture is what makes elote truly special.
- Adjust the spice level: Start with less cayenne pepper and add more to your liking. Remember you can always add more spice, but you can't take it away!
- Fresh ingredients are key: Use fresh cilantro and lime juice for the brightest flavors.
- Make it your own: Experiment with additions like crumbled queso fresco, a squeeze of your favorite hot sauce, or even a sprinkle of Tajin seasoning.
Beyond the Basics: Variations on Mexican Street Corn
While the classic recipe is fantastic, feel free to get creative! Try these delicious variations:
- Spicy Elote: Increase the cayenne pepper or add a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
- Elote with Roasted Chili Peppers: Roast some poblano or jalapeño peppers, chop them, and add them to the mayonnaise mixture.
- Elote Dip: Cut the corn kernels off the cob and mix them with the mayonnaise mixture, cotija cheese, and cilantro for a delicious dip. Serve with tortilla chips.
Now that you have all the secrets, go forth and make the most delicious Mexican street corn (Elote) this side of the border! Enjoy!
