Elote (Mexican Street Corn) Recipe: A Flavorful Treat

Elote (Mexican Street Corn) Recipe: A Flavorful Treat

Elote, or Mexican street corn, is a beloved dish that brings the vibrant flavors of Mexico to your plate. Grilled corn on the cob is slathered in creamy mayo, topped with crumbly cheese, and finished off with a sprinkle of chili powder and fresh lime juice. Whether you’re enjoying it at a summer barbecue or making it at home, elote is sure to impress!

Ingredients

To make this delicious elote, gather the following ingredients:

  • 4 ears of fresh corn on the cob (husks removed)
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 cup crumbled Cotija cheese (or feta cheese as a substitute)
  • 1-2 teaspoons chili powder (adjust to taste)
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • Chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish, optional)
  • Salt to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Grill the Corn

  1. Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat. If you prefer, you can also use a grill pan on the stove.

  2. Grill the Corn: Place the corn on the grill and cook for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally. You want the corn to be tender and have charred, slightly crispy kernels.

Step 2: Prepare the Toppings

  1. Mix the Mayo and Lime: In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise and the juice of half a lime. Mix well to create a tangy spread.

  2. Prepare the Cheese and Spices: In another bowl, have your crumbled Cotija cheese ready, along with the chili powder and salt.

Step 3: Assemble the Elote

  1. Coat the Corn: Once the corn is grilled to perfection, remove it from the grill. While it’s still hot, generously slather the mayo-lime mixture all over each ear of corn.

  2. Add Cheese and Spices: Sprinkle the crumbled Cotija cheese over the mayo-coated corn, ensuring it sticks well. Then, dust with chili powder to add a little kick.

  3. Garnish: For an extra touch, squeeze the remaining lime juice over the corn and sprinkle with fresh cilantro if desired.

Step 4: Serve

Serve the elote immediately while it’s warm. It’s perfect as a side dish, snack, or even as a light meal on its own!

Tips for the Best Elote

  1. Choose Fresh Corn: The best elote starts with sweet, fresh corn on the cob. Look for corn with bright green husks and plump kernels.

  2. Adjust the Spice Level: Feel free to modify the amount of chili powder based on your heat preference. You can also use cayenne pepper for more heat.

  3. Experiment with Cheese: While Cotija is traditional, you can experiment with different cheeses like queso fresco or even grated Parmesan for a unique twist.

  4. Try It Off the Cob: For a fun variation, cut the grilled corn kernels off the cob and mix them with the toppings in a bowl for a tasty elote salad.

Conclusion

Elote is a delightful way to enjoy corn on the cob, infused with flavors that will transport you straight to the streets of Mexico. This simple yet delicious recipe is perfect for summer cookouts, parties, or any time you want to treat yourself. Grab some corn and get ready to enjoy this mouthwatering Mexican street food classic