Elote: The Best Mexican Street Corn Recipe
Elote, also known as Mexican street corn, is a popular and beloved street food in Mexico and beyond. It's simple yet incredibly flavorful, featuring grilled corn on the cob slathered with a creamy mayo spread, topped with cotija cheese, chili powder, and fresh cilantro. This combination of textures and flavors is truly addictive, making elote a must-try for any food enthusiast.
Ingredients You'll Need:
- 4 ears of corn, shucked
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions:
- Prepare the Corn: Preheat your grill to medium heat. If you don't have a grill, you can also roast the corn in the oven at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally.
- Grill the Corn: Place the corn on the grill and cook for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the kernels are lightly charred and tender.
- Make the Mayo Spread: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Assemble the Elote: Remove the corn from the grill and let it cool slightly. Spread the mayo mixture evenly over each ear of corn. Sprinkle with cotija cheese and chopped cilantro.
- Serve Immediately: Elote is best enjoyed fresh. Serve it warm or at room temperature.
Tips and Variations:
- Spice it Up: For a spicier elote, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the mayo spread.
- Add Some Sweetness: For a sweeter elote, drizzle a little honey or agave nectar over the corn before adding the mayo spread.
- Get Creative with Toppings: Feel free to experiment with different toppings, such as crumbled queso fresco, chopped red onion, or a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
Enjoy Your Delicious Elote!
Elote is a simple yet incredibly flavorful street food that's perfect for any occasion. It's a great appetizer, side dish, or even a light meal. So next time you're looking for a delicious and satisfying snack, give elote a try. You won't be disappointed!