Elote, or simple Mexican street corn, is a common and delectable snack that is offered on the streets of Mexico. It is created using corn on the cob that has been grilled or roasted, covered in a creamy sauce, and topped with cheese and seasonings. The traditional ingredients for the creamy sauce are mayonnaise, sour cream, and lime juice. Garlic, cumin, and chili powder are used as flavorings. After the corn has been covered in the sauce, it is garnished with chopped fresh cilantro and cotija cheese. The outcome is a tasty and filling snack that is ideal for summer cookouts or as a side dish for dinners with a Mexican flair. You can make simple Mexican street corn on the grill or in the oven, and you can add your preferred seasonings and garnishes. It is an easy yet tasty way to savor fresh corn and give your food a little of Mexican flavor.
Ingredients:
- 4 ears of corn, shucked
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup crumbled cotija cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions:
- Preheat grill or oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Grill or roast the corn until it is lightly charred on all sides, about 10-12 minutes.
- While the corn is cooking, prepare the sauce by whisking together the mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, garlic, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
- Once the corn is cooked, use a pastry brush or spoon to generously coat each ear of corn with the sauce.
- Sprinkle the cotija cheese and chopped cilantro over the corn, and serve immediately.
Enjoy your delicious and easy Mexican Street Corn!
Here are some tips to help you make the best Easy Mexican Street Corn:
- Choose fresh corn: Look for ears of corn that have bright green husks and feel heavy for their size. This will ensure that your corn is sweet and tender.
- Char the corn for maximum flavor: Grilling or roasting the corn until it is lightly charred will give it a smoky and slightly sweet flavor that pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce.
- Make the sauce ahead of time: You can make the sauce up to a day in advance and keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to use it.
- Customize the seasoning: If you like your corn with a little extra heat, you can add more chili powder or even a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
- Use cotija cheese: Cotija cheese is a crumbly Mexican cheese that is perfect for topping Mexican street corn. It has a salty, tangy flavor that complements the sweet corn and creamy sauce.
- Don’t forget the lime juice: Lime juice adds a bright and zesty flavor to the sauce that balances out the richness of the mayo and sour cream.
- Serve immediately: The best way to enjoy Mexican street corn is when it’s still warm and the cheese is melty. Serve it as soon as it’s ready to enjoy it at its best.