Fiesta on a Cob: Grilled Mexican Street Corn (Elote)

Whip up a taste of Mexico with my easy mexican street corn recipe (Elote)! Grilled to perfection & slathered in creamy, tangy deliciousness. A perfect side!

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy a bit of sunshine on a plate? This mexican street corn recipe is like a holiday for your taste buds. Honestly, it's the best way to enjoy grilled sweet corn .

Brief Overview

Elote, or mexican corn , has a rich history in mexican street food culture. it's super easy and takes about 30 minutes.

This recipe makes four glorious servings – perfect for sharing (or not!).

Main Benefits

This homemade street corn is packed with flavour and a sneaky bit of goodness from the corn itself. it's ideal as sides for fajitas dinners or any summer bbq.

What makes it so special? the combination of sweet, salty, spicy, and creamy is just unbelievably good!

What's the Story Behind Elote?

Growing up, the best summer memories always included corn on the cob. but once i tasted real mexico street corn on a trip to california, my world changed! i just had to figure out how to make my own version.

The Secret Ingredient: Cotija (Or Not!)

Okay, so technically, cotija cheese is the real deal for mexico street corn . but honestly, i've used feta in a pinch, and it's still banging.

So don't let a missing ingredient stop you from creating your perfect homemade mexican corn !

Get Ready to Grill

Ready for a party in your mouth? this mexican street corn recipe isn't just food; it's an experience. keep reading, and let's make some magic happen! after this, your usual corn-on-the-cob is going to feel so boring, trust me! you can even try mexican fried corn recipe .

The Magic Sauce

For the sauce, you'll need mayonnaise, mexican crema (or sour cream), cotija cheese, lime juice, chili powder, garlic powder, cayenne pepper (optional), and cilantro.

This sauce makes your mexican corn can very special.

Alright, mate! let’s get cracking on this mexican street corn recipe . i'll outline this beauty like i'm planning a proper saturday night feast.

Think "great british bake off" meets a fiesta! ever seen that mexican street corn aesthetic ? gorgeous, innit?

Ingredients & Equipment for Fiesta on a Cob

Time to gather the troops! This homemade street corn is dead easy. Grab your bits and bobs and let's get started.

Main Ingredients for the Best Elote

• Corn on the cob: 4 ears. Fresh is best, you know? Look for plump kernels.
• Olive oil: 2 tablespoons (30 ml) . Any old olive oil will do, nothing fancy.
• Mayonnaise: ½ cup (120 ml) . Full fat is the way to go, honestly.
• Mexican crema or sour cream: ¼ cup (60 ml) . Crema is authentic, but sour cream works a treat.
• Cotija cheese: ¼ cup finely grated (30 g) , plus more for garnish. Salty and crumbly, that's what you want. Can't find it? Feta works okay, you know.
• Lime juice: 1 tablespoon (15 ml) , plus wedges. Freshly squeezed, yeah?
• Chili powder: ½ teaspoon , plus more for garnish. Adjust to your spice liking.
• Garlic powder: ¼ teaspoon .
• Cayenne pepper: A pinch (optional). For a bit of kick.
• Cilantro: 2 tablespoons finely chopped . Adds freshness.

Thinking about Mexican chicken side dishes ? This elote is it .

Seasoning Notes – Flavor Bombs!

Forget boring. this recipe for mexican corn relies on layers. that chilli powder and garlic powder combo? bangin'. a little cayenne? next level.

Lime juice is essential. don't skip the cilantro. it's the final touch of awesome. if you fancy a mexican street corn variations , add a dash of smoked paprika.

It's lush!

If you're looking for sides for fajitas dinners , or even mexican dinner side dishes , look no further! this is the side.

Makes for a great mexican corn can dish too, or as part of the mexicorn corn dip .

Equipment Needed – Keep It Simple, Stupid!

• Grill: Gas, charcoal, even a grill pan. Grilled sweet corn is the key, you know?
• Mixing bowl: For the sauce.
• Pastry brush: To slap on that olive oil (optional).
• Tongs: Flip that corn like a pro.
• Measuring cups and spoons: For accuracy.

Seriously, it’s that easy. Get your grill hot and let’s make some Mexico street corn magic! There's even a Mexican Fried Corn Recipe you can adapt this to! Or maybe a Mexican Street Corn Salad (esquites) Recipe Serious Eats ? Endless possibilities!

Alright, let's dive into the world of mexican street corn recipe ! honestly, who can resist that smoky, creamy, spicy goodness? i'm gonna break down how to make this mexican corn at home.

It's easier than finding a decent cuppa in a starbucks, i promise.

Prep Like a Pro: Mise en Place Magic

First things first, essential mise en place . it's all about getting your ducks in a row. got the corn? good.

Grab 4 ears of corn , shuck 'em naked (husks and silk gone!). mix your sauce ingredients: 1/2 cup mayonnaise , 1/4 cup mexican crema , 1/4 cup cotija cheese , 1 tbsp lime juice , 1/2 tsp chili powder (more if you're brave!).

Chop some cilantro. sorted.

Now, organization. This is where you save precious minutes. I like to pre-mix the sauce, and have everything measured. I have mexican fried corn recipe in the past and wasted lots of time measuring everything

A quick safety reminder: hot grill, folks! Use tongs, and don't be a hero. Grilling is fun, burns are not.

From Grill to Plate: The Step-by-Step Fiesta

Right, here's the lowdown:

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high. I'm talking medium-high heat . About 375° F ( 190° C) .
2. Brush the corn with about 2 tablespoons of olive oil . Season with salt and pepper.
3. Grill the corn, turning it, until it's slightly charred. That's about 15- 20 minutes .
4. Slather that gorgeous grilled corn with your creamy sauce. Generously!
5. Sprinkle it with Cotija cheese and more chili powder . Lime wedges on the side. Job done!

You're looking for a slight char on the corn. Trust your gut. Visual cues for doneness are key.

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Elote

Want to take your homemade street corn to the next level?

First, char it right, good flavour and appeal. Second, use fresh lime juice. Third, soaking the corn in water for 30 minutes before grilling helps to keep it moist.

Common mistakes? Overcooking the corn! It should be tender, not mushy.

Want to prep ahead? Mix the sauce! It'll keep in the fridge for a day or two. I have made Mexican Street Corn Variations using this.

Honestly, this mexican street corn recipe is a winner. Great as sides for fajitas dinners or just a quick snack. You should try this with a Corona on a beautiful summer day!.

Alright, chums, let's dive into some essential recipe notes for this killer mexican street corn recipe ! I mean, we're aiming for a fiesta in your mouth, not a food fumble, innit? So pay attention!

Recipe Notes

Serving Suggestions – Plating it Up Proper

Honestly, presentation matters! don't just chuck it on a plate. for the true mexican street corn aesthetic , think vibrant colours.

A bit of extra chili powder dusted on top? classy. serve your homemade street corn on a rustic wooden board for that proper "street food" vibe.

Sides for fajitas dinners ? absolutely! this goes amazing with anything grilled. you could even chop it off the cob for a mexican street corn salad (esquites) recipe serious eats style.

Storage Tips – Keeping it Fresh

Right, so you've got leftover mexican corn . no worries! pop it in the fridge, well-covered, and it'll be good for a couple of days.

Freezing? not ideal, tbh. the mayo gets a bit weird. reheating? a quick zap in the microwave or a flash on a hot grill will do the trick.

Just don't overdo it!

Variations – Spice it Up!

Fancy a bit of a twist? this mexican street corn recipe is versatile. for a vegan version, use vegan mayo and nutritional yeast instead of cheese.

Seasonal ingredient swap? sweetcorn is banging in summer, but butternut squash works surprisingly well in autumn. you know what i mean? the possibilities are endless.

Ever thought of adding feta? try mexican street corn with feta cheese , and tell me what you think!

Nutrition Basics – Goodness on a Cob

Okay, let’s not pretend this is health food, but it's got some goodness in it! corn is a source of fibre and the lime juice provides a bit of vitamin c.

Just, you know, don't eat five cobs in one sitting. everything in moderation, my friends! thinking about adding it to some mexican chicken side dishes ? go for it!

So, there you have it! all the insider tips to make this mexican street corn recipe an absolute winner. now go on, get grilling! you've got this! it's a perfect side for a mexican dinner side dishes .

You can get creative with mexican street corn variations too, i have faith in you! you can even try a mexican fried corn recipe if you want!

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best way to grill the corn for this Mexican street corn recipe? I always seem to burn it!

Ah, burning the corn! A classic BBQ blunder! The key is medium-high heat and frequent turning. Think of it like a rotisserie – you want even char on all sides. Grill for about 15-20 minutes, turning every few minutes, until the kernels are slightly charred and tender. If it's charring too fast, just move it to a cooler part of the grill or lower the heat a tad.

Can I make Mexican street corn without a grill? What are my options?

Absolutely! If you don't have a grill, don't fret! You can roast the corn in a 400°F (200°C) oven for about 20-25 minutes, turning occasionally, until tender. Alternatively, a grill pan on your stovetop works wonders. You can even boil the corn first, then quickly char it in a hot pan with a little oil for that authentic look and flavour. No one will be any the wiser!

What kind of cheese should I use for this Mexican street corn recipe if I can't find Cotija?

Cotija cheese is the traditional choice, but if you're having a hard time finding it (it can be a bit elusive!), feta cheese makes a perfectly acceptable substitute. Feta has a similar salty and crumbly texture, though the flavour is a bit different, it will still give you that lovely savoury contrast to the sweet corn and creamy sauce. You could also try a parmesan for a more intense umami flavour!

My Mexican street corn sauce always seems too runny. How can I make it thicker?

A runny sauce is no good, is it? The thickness comes from the combination of mayonnaise and crema (or sour cream). If it's too thin, try adding a bit more Cotija cheese, a spoonful at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. You could also chill the sauce for a bit before serving; that often helps it thicken up. A dash of plain yogurt can also add body without changing the flavour drastically.

How long does leftover Mexican street corn last, and what's the best way to store it?

Leftover elote is best enjoyed within 2-3 days. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Be aware that the corn might become a little soggy as it sits in the sauce, but it will still taste delicious! You can also remove the kernels from the cob and store them separately from the sauce to help maintain texture. Reheat gently in a pan or microwave before serving.

Is this Mexican street corn recipe healthy? What are the nutritional considerations?

While incredibly delicious, Mexican street corn isn't exactly a health food, let's be honest! The mayonnaise and cheese add fat and calories. To make it a bit lighter, you could use light mayonnaise or Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. Also, go easy on the cheese or even try a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor with fewer calories. Remember, everything in moderation, even a fiesta on a cob!

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