Mexican Street Corn Recipe: A Flavorful Guide to Making

Mexican Street Corn Recipe: How to Make This Flavorful Favorite

If you’ve ever strolled through a bustling Mexican street market, chances are you’ve encountered the tempting aroma of Mexican street corn, also known as Elote. This dish is more than just a snack; it’s a beloved staple of Mexican cuisine, combining the smokiness of grilled corn with the rich, tangy flavors of a creamy sauce, cheese, and spices. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or simply want to enjoy a taste of Mexico at home, this Mexican street corn recipe is a sure crowd-pleaser. Let’s dive into how you can bring this delicious street food to your own table.

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Introduction to Mexican Street Corn
Ingredients
Serving Size and Nutrition Information
Preparation Time, Cooking Time, Total Time
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Mexican Street Corn
Tips for Grilling Perfect Corn
Variations and Substitutions
How to Serve and Enjoy
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Health Benefits of Mexican Street Corn
Conclusion
FAQs

1. Introduction to Mexican Street Corn

Mexican street corn, or Elote, is a popular street food that’s commonly sold by street vendors throughout Mexico. Imagine biting into a cob of corn that’s been charred to perfection, then slathered in a creamy, spicy sauce, sprinkled with cheese, and topped with a burst of lime juice. It’s no wonder this dish has become a favorite for many, transcending borders to become a beloved treat in the United States and beyond. This recipe will show you how to recreate that iconic street food experience at home.

2. Ingredients for Mexican Street Corn

To make authentic Mexican street corn, you’ll need the following ingredients:

4 ears of fresh corn on the cob (husks removed)
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup Mexican crema (or sour cream)
1/2 cup cotija cheese (crumbled)
1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for added smokiness)
1 lime (cut into wedges)
Fresh cilantro (chopped, for garnish)
Salt and pepper (to taste)

These ingredients are easily found at most grocery stores. Cotija cheese, a traditional Mexican cheese, has a crumbly texture similar to feta and adds a savory touch to the dish. If you can’t find cotija, feta or Parmesan cheese can be good substitutes.

3. Serving Size and Nutrition Information

This recipe makes enough to serve 4 people, with each person enjoying one ear of corn. Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content per serving:

Calories per serving: Approximately 220-250 calories
Fat: 15g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 5g

These values may vary depending on the exact ingredients and portion sizes used, but it’s generally a tasty and satisfying snack that fits well within a balanced diet.

4. Preparation Time

Preparing Mexican street corn is quick and simple, requiring minimal time. Here’s what you need to know:

Prep Time: 10 minutes

During this time, you’ll prepare the sauce, remove the husks from the corn, and get all your ingredients ready for grilling.

5. Cooking Time

The key to perfect Mexican street corn is grilling it to just the right level of char. Here’s the cooking time you should aim for:

Cook Time: 15-20 minutes

The corn should be grilled over medium-high heat, turning occasionally to ensure it cooks evenly. The goal is to achieve a tender texture with a few charred spots that add to the flavor.

6. Total Time

From start to finish, this recipe takes approximately:

Total Time: 25-30 minutes

This makes it a quick and delicious addition to any meal or a tasty snack all on its own.

7. Step-by-Step Guide to Making Mexican Street Corn

Now that you’ve got everything ready, it’s time to start cooking. Follow these simple steps to make delicious Mexican street corn:

Step 1: Preheat the Grill

Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. If you don’t have a grill, a stovetop grill pan or oven broiler will work as well.

Step 2: Prepare the Corn

Remove the husks and silk from the corn. Brush each ear lightly with a bit of oil to prevent sticking, then season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 3: Grill the Corn

Place the corn on the preheated grill. Turn the corn occasionally, grilling for about 15-20 minutes, until the kernels are tender and lightly charred. The char marks add a smoky flavor that’s essential to the dish.

Step 4: Mix the Sauce

While the corn is grilling, mix together the mayonnaise, Mexican crema (or sour cream), chili powder, and smoked paprika in a small bowl. This sauce will give the corn its signature creamy, tangy flavor.

Step 5: Coat the Corn

Once the corn is done grilling, remove it from the heat. Using a brush or spoon, generously coat each ear of corn with the sauce mixture. Make sure each ear is well-covered for the best flavor.

Step 6: Add the Toppings

Sprinkle the crumbled cotija cheese over the sauce-coated corn. Garnish with chopped cilantro and a squeeze of fresh lime juice. The lime juice adds a bright, citrusy contrast to the creamy sauce.

try the 10 Different Delicious Sweet Corn Recipes to Try Today

8. Tips for Grilling Perfect Corn

Use Fresh Corn: Fresh corn on the cob will give you the best flavor and texture. If fresh isn’t available, frozen corn on the cob can work in a pinch.
Turn Regularly: Turning the corn frequently ensures even cooking and prevents it from burning.
Don’t Overcook: Overcooking can make the corn dry and tough. Aim for a tender, slightly crisp texture.

9. Variations and Substitutions

While traditional Mexican street corn is delicious as is, you can customize it to suit your tastes:

Spicy Variation: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the sauce for an extra kick.
Cheese Substitutes: If cotija isn’t available, use feta or Parmesan cheese for a similar flavor and texture.
Herb Options: Not a fan of cilantro? Try using parsley or green onions for a different flavor profile.

10. How to Serve and Enjoy

Mexican street corn is best served hot off the grill. It’s a fantastic side dish for grilled meats, tacos, or other Mexican-inspired dishes. It also makes a great snack on its own, perfect for outdoor gatherings, picnics, or summer parties.

11. Storing and Reheating Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftover Mexican street corn (which is rare because it’s so delicious), here’s how to store and reheat it:

Storing: Place the leftover corn in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: To reheat, wrap the corn in aluminum foil and warm it in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until heated through.

12. Health Benefits of Mexican Street Corn

While Mexican street corn is undoubtedly a tasty treat, it also has some nutritional benefits:

Rich in Fiber: Corn is a good source of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion.
Contains Essential Vitamins: Corn provides vitamins such as B vitamins (thiamine, niacin) and vitamin C, which support overall health.
Antioxidant Properties: The chili powder and lime juice add antioxidants, which can help protect your cells from damage.

13. Conclusion

Mexican street corn is a delightful and easy-to-make dish that brings the vibrant flavors of Mexican street food into your home. With its smoky, charred corn and creamy, tangy toppings, it’s no wonder this dish has become a favorite among many. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just want a quick snack, this recipe is sure to impress. So next time you’re in the mood for something flavorful and fun, give this Mexican street corn recipe a try!

14. FAQs

1. Can I make Mexican street corn without a grill?

Yes, if you don’t have a grill, you can use a stovetop grill pan or even an oven broiler to achieve similar results. Just be sure to turn the corn frequently to get an even char.

2. What can I use instead of cotija cheese?

If you can’t find cotija cheese, feta or grated Parmesan are good substitutes. They have a similar crumbly texture and tangy flavor.

3. Can I use frozen corn for this recipe?

Yes, if fresh corn on the cob is not available, you can use frozen corn on the cob. Just thaw the corn before grilling.

4. How can I make the corn spicier?

To make the corn spicier, add extra chili powder or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce. You can also drizzle some hot sauce over the finished corn.