Mexican street corn, or elote, is a vibrant and delicious snack that's easy to make at home. This guide will walk you through creating the perfect version, bursting with flavor and texture. Get ready to impress your friends and family!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe focuses on fresh, high-quality ingredients to achieve the best taste.
- Corn: 4 ears of fresh corn, shucked
- Mayonnaise: ½ cup (real mayonnaise, not a light version)
- Cotija Cheese: ½ cup, crumbled (this is crucial for authentic flavor!)
- Chili Powder: 2 tablespoons (adjust to your spice preference)
- Lime Juice: Juice of 2 limes
- Cilantro: ½ cup, chopped fresh
- Mexican Crema or Sour Cream: ¼ cup (optional, but adds richness)
- Chile Powder: 1 teaspoon (for extra heat, optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Follow these simple steps for perfectly grilled or boiled elote:
Grilling the Corn:
- Preheat your grill: Medium-high heat is ideal.
- Grill the corn: Place the corn directly on the grill grates, turning occasionally, until the kernels are tender and slightly charred (about 10-12 minutes).
- Cool slightly: Let the corn cool enough to handle before proceeding.
Boiling the Corn:
- Boil water: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the corn: Add the corn and boil for 8-10 minutes, or until tender.
- Drain and cool: Drain the corn and let it cool slightly.
Assembling Your Elote:
Whether you grilled or boiled your corn, follow these steps for the delicious topping:
- Spread the mayonnaise: Generously spread mayonnaise over each ear of corn.
- Add the chili powder: Sprinkle chili powder evenly over the mayonnaise.
- Squeeze lime juice: Generously squeeze lime juice over the corn.
- Sprinkle with cotija cheese: Don't be shy with the cotija!
- Garnish with cilantro: Add chopped cilantro for freshness.
- Add crema (optional): Drizzle with Mexican crema or sour cream for extra richness and creaminess.
- Optional chile powder: If you like extra heat, add a pinch of chile powder.
Tips for the Best Elote:
- Use fresh corn: This makes a huge difference in flavor.
- Don't be afraid of the mayonnaise: It's a key component of the elote flavor.
- Adjust the spices: Tailor the amount of chili powder to your preference.
- Get creative with toppings: Experiment with other toppings like Tajin seasoning or different types of cheese.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve your delicious homemade Mexican street corn immediately for the best flavor and texture. It's perfect as a side dish, appetizer, or even a fun and flavorful meal on its own! Enjoy!
