Oh, let me tell you about the joy of biting into a perfectly grilled ear of Mexican street corn, or as we call it, elote! The sweet, juicy corn slathered in a creamy, zesty sauce and topped with crumbly cotija cheese is nothing short of heavenly. It’s like a fiesta for your taste buds! The best part? You can whip this up right at home with just a few simple ingredients. Seriously, it’s so easy and quick to make, you’ll want to serve it at every gathering or just enjoy it as a casual snack while lounging on a sunny afternoon. Trust me, once you try this vibrant and flavorful dish, you’ll be dreaming about it long after the last bite. So, let’s get started on bringing that street food magic to your kitchen!
Ingredients List
Gathering your ingredients for this Mexican street corn recipe is half the fun! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 4 ears of fresh corn, husked and cleaned
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise—this adds that creamy richness!
- 1/2 cup sour cream—trust me, it balances the flavors perfectly
- 1 cup crumbled cotija cheese—this salty cheese is a must for authentic flavor
- 1 teaspoon chili powder—adjust to your spice level, if you dare!
- 1 lime, juiced—fresh juice is key for that zesty kick
- Salt to taste—don’t forget to season!
Make sure you have everything on hand before you start cooking! Fresh ingredients make all the difference in flavor, so I recommend picking up the corn just before grilling. Now that you’ve got your ingredients ready, let’s get to the fun part!
How to Prepare Mexican Street Corn
Now, let’s dive into the steps for making this mouthwatering Mexican street corn! It’s super straightforward, and I promise you’ll be amazed at how quickly you can bring this dish to life.
Step 1: Preheat the Grill
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This is crucial for getting that beautiful char on the corn. Let it preheat for about 10 minutes—don’t skip this step! Trust me, even cooking makes a big difference in flavor.
Step 2: Prepare the Corn
Next, we need to get our corn ready. Husk the corn by removing the outer green layers, and make sure to pull off all the silky strands for a smooth bite. Here’s a pro tip: soak the corn in water for about 30 minutes before grilling. This helps keep the corn moist and juicy while it cooks—no one likes dry corn, right?
Step 3: Grill the Corn
Now it’s time to grill! Place the soaked corn directly on the grill and let it cook for about 10 minutes. Keep an eye on it and turn the corn occasionally to ensure even cooking. You’ll know it’s done when it’s beautifully charred with those nice grill marks—you want that smoky flavor to really shine through!
Step 4: Mix the Sauce
While the corn is grilling, let’s whip up that creamy sauce! In a bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, fresh lime juice, chili powder, and a pinch of salt. Make sure to use fresh lime juice; it brightens up the whole dish and adds that delicious zing!
Step 5: Apply the Sauce
Once your corn is grilled to perfection, it’s time to get saucy! Brush the creamy mixture generously over each ear of corn. Don’t be shy—this is where all the flavor comes in!
Step 6: Add Cheese and Serve
Finally, sprinkle that crumbled cotija cheese all over the sauced corn. It adds a lovely salty kick that balances the creaminess perfectly. Serve with extra lime wedges on the side for a burst of freshness. Your Mexican street corn is ready to wow your taste buds and impress your friends!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Mexican street corn recipe is a game changer for any gathering or casual meal! Here’s why you’ll absolutely adore making and sharing this dish:
- Quick Preparation: It only takes about 20 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for last-minute gatherings or a quick snack.
- Vibrant Flavors: The combo of creamy sauce, tangy lime, and salty cotija cheese creates a burst of flavor that’s simply irresistible.
- Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh corn and lime juice elevates this dish, ensuring every bite is as delicious as it is colorful.
- Versatile Side Dish: Whether you’re serving it alongside tacos, grilled meats, or just enjoying it on its own, it complements a variety of meals.
- Customizable: Feel free to adjust the spice level or add your own twist—like extra toppings or different cheese—to make it your own!
- Perfect for Sharing: This dish is not only a crowd-pleaser but also a fun way to bring people together over food!
Once you try it, you’ll be hooked on the deliciousness of homemade Mexican street corn!
Tips for Success
Now that you’re ready to make your Mexican street corn, here are some pro tips to ensure it turns out perfectly every time!
- Adjusting Spice Levels: If you’re not a fan of too much heat, start with half a teaspoon of chili powder and taste the sauce before adding more. You can always sprinkle extra chili powder on top for those who like it spicy!
- Fresh Ingredients Matter: Always opt for fresh corn and limes. The flavor difference is huge! If you can, get your corn from a local farmer’s market for the sweetest taste.
- Don’t Skip Soaking: Soaking the corn in water before grilling helps lock in moisture, keeping it juicy and delicious. Trust me, you’ll notice the difference!
- Experiment with Toppings: Feel free to get creative! Try adding chopped cilantro, a sprinkle of crumbled bacon, or even a drizzle of hot sauce for an extra flavor boost.
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be ready to impress everyone with your delicious Mexican street corn!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional data for this delicious Mexican street corn, or elote! Keep in mind that these values can vary a bit depending on the specific ingredients you use, but this should give you a good idea:
- Serving Size: 1 ear of corn
- Calories: 220
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
- Sodium: 300mg
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 5g
This tasty treat not only satisfies your cravings but also provides a nice balance of nutrients, making it a great addition to your meal! Enjoy every flavorful bite, knowing you’re treating yourself to something delicious and satisfying.
FAQ Section
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! You can easily make this Mexican street corn vegan by swapping out the mayonnaise and sour cream for plant-based alternatives. There are some great vegan mayo options available that work wonderfully, and for the sour cream, you can use cashew cream or a vegan yogurt. As for the cotija cheese, look for a vegan cheese that crumbles well, or you can even make your own using blended cashews with a bit of nutritional yeast for that cheesy flavor. It’ll be just as delicious and satisfying!
What can I serve with Mexican street corn?
This Mexican street corn is a fantastic side dish that pairs well with a variety of meals! It goes perfectly with grilled chicken, tacos, or even burgers for that extra burst of flavor. You can also serve it alongside a refreshing salad or some spicy black beans to round out your meal. And of course, it’s great on its own as a snack! Don’t hesitate to get creative and mix it into your favorite dishes.
How can I store leftovers?
If you happen to have any leftover Mexican street corn (which is rare, but hey, it happens!), you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just make sure to keep the sauce and cheese separate if you can, as they may become a bit soggy. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, you can either eat it cold or reheat it on the grill for a few minutes to bring back that delicious char. Just be careful not to overcook it again! Enjoy your tasty leftovers!
Equipment List
Before you get started, let’s make sure you have all the essential tools for making this delicious Mexican street corn! Here’s what you’ll need:
- Grill: A medium-high heat grill is perfect for that smoky char. You can use a gas or charcoal grill, whatever you prefer!
- Grilling Tongs: These are a must for turning the corn while it’s grilling. You want to make sure it cooks evenly without getting burned!
- Mixing Bowl: You’ll need a bowl to whip up that creamy sauce. Any medium-sized bowl will do just fine!
- Basting Brush: This is great for applying the sauce onto the grilled corn. If you don’t have one, you can use a spoon!
- Cutting Board: A handy surface for prepping your ingredients, especially if you’re cutting the lime.
- Knife: You’ll need this for cutting the lime and any other toppings you want to add.
- Serving Platter: Once your delicious corn is ready, you’ll want to present it nicely for everyone to enjoy!
Having these tools ready will make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable. Now, let’s get grilling!
For more delicious recipes, check out our Mexican recipes that are simple and flavorful!
Additionally, if you’re interested in learning more about the nutritional benefits of corn, you can visit this Healthline article for detailed information.
Print
Mexican Street Corn: 6 Simple Steps to Deliciousness!
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple recipe for Mexican street corn, also known as elote, that’s perfect for beginners.
Ingredients
- 4 ears of fresh corn
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup crumbled cotija cheese
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 lime, juiced
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Husk the corn and remove all silk.
- Grill the corn for about 10 minutes, turning occasionally, until it is charred.
- In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, and salt.
- Once the corn is grilled, brush the mixture over each ear of corn.
- Sprinkle cotija cheese on top of the corn.
- Serve with extra lime wedges if desired.
Notes
- Make sure to soak the corn in water for 30 minutes before grilling for extra moisture.
- Use fresh lime juice for the best flavor.
- Adjust chili powder according to your spice preference.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ear of corn
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: Mexican street corn, elote, grilled corn, side dish
