Kickin' Mexican Street Corn (Elote)

Authentic mexican street corn recipe (Elote) just like you'd find in Mexico! Grilled corn slathered in creamy, tangy sauce – so easy and SO good! Get the recipe!

Alright, let's get this fiesta started. i don't know about you, but i'm always craving some good old comfort food.

Are you? that's why i'm sharing my kickin' mexican street corn recipe : it’s the authentic and easy way to get that real street food flavor at home!

What Is Mexican Street Corn Recipe Anyway?

Elote, or mexican corn , is a classic from the streets of mexico. you know those vendors with the amazing smells coming from their carts? this is that corn.

It's grilled corn covered in a creamy, cheesy, spicy sauce. trust me, it's worth every single messy bite. this homemade street corn is easier than you think.

This recipe makes about 4 servings and takes around 1 hour, including chilling time. It's perfect for a quick weeknight side or to impress at a BBQ.

Why You'll Love This Recipe for Mexican Corn

Honestly, besides the taste, the best part is how simple it is. mexican street corn recipe is a crowd-pleaser. corn on the cob is already amazing, but this takes it to the next level.

Plus, did you know corn is a good source of fiber? so, you're kinda being healthy. this mexican dinner side dishes is perfect paired with your favourite mexican chicken side dishes.

This recipe is special because it's all about fresh ingredients and getting that perfect char on the corn. that smoky flavour is what really makes it mexican fried corn recipe .

Don't skimp on the lime juice either. that tanginess balances everything out.

Now, let's talk about ingredients. you'll need corn (duh!), mayonnaise, sour cream, cotija cheese, cilantro, lime juice, chili powder, garlic powder, cayenne (if you like it hot), salt, and pepper.

Keep reading. we have some mexican street corn variations you can use!

Alright, amigos! let’s talk about what you need to whip up some seriously addictive mexican street corn recipe ! this isn't just corn; it's a full-blown flavour fiesta! honestly, i had my first taste of real elote from a street vendor in mexico.

Oh my gosh , it changed my life! let's bring that magic home, shall we?

Ingredients for a Real Kickin' Elote!

First, the basics. We're not talking some weak, flavourless corn here. This is the real deal.

Main Ingredients Breakdown

• Corn: 4 ears of fresh corn, husks and silk removed. (About 500g total). Look for plump kernels. The silk should be light golden and fresh. If it's brown and dry, run!
• Mayonnaise: 1/2 cup (120ml). Don't skimp! Use a good quality full-fat mayo for that rich, creamy base.
• Sour Cream: 1/4 cup (60ml) Or, if you can get your hands on it, Mexican crema . That stuff is heavenly .
• Cotija Cheese: 1/4 cup (30g), finely crumbled. This is the salty, crumbly cheese of champions. Feta works in a pinch but isn't quite the same.
• Fresh Cilantro: 2 tablespoons (10g), finely chopped. If you’re one of those people who think it tastes like soap, parsley will do in a pinch.

Seasoning Notes That Sing!

Want to take your homemade street corn to the next level? Here's the lowdown on flavor.

• Essential Spice Combo: Chili powder (½ tsp), garlic powder (¼ tsp), salt, and pepper. This is the base note, baby! It creates the Mexican corn flavour we are going for.
• Flavor Enhancers: A tablespoon of fresh lime juice is non-negotiable. It cuts through the richness. A pinch of cayenne pepper (to taste) adds a sneaky bit of heat. It's the difference between good and oh my gosh, that's amazing! .
• Quick Subs: No Cotija? Feta is your friend. No sour cream? Greek yogurt adds a lovely tang. Honestly, a squeeze of lime will hide a multitude of sins! Looking to switch the ingredients up? then explore Mexican street corn variations.

Equipment: Keep It Simple, Stupid!

You don't need a fancy kitchen to nail this mexican street corn recipe . Just the basics.

• Essential Tools: A grill (gas or charcoal) OR your oven's broiler. A mixing bowl. A pastry brush is optional, for brushing the corn with oil.
• Household Alternatives: No grill? Your broiler works just fine. Just keep a close eye on the corn to avoid burning it. No pastry brush? Use your fingers! It's all about getting that flavor onto the corn. The grilled sweet corn is what we are all looking for!

Honestly, mexican chicken side dishes pair beautifully with this Elote, making it a true Mexican dinner side dishes .

So there you have it! Simple ingredients and simple equipment to bring the taste of Mexico street corn right to your own table. Let's get cooking!

Kickin' Mexican Street Corn (Elote): The Authentic & Easy Way

Okay, so listen up! i saw a stat the other day. apparently, 9 out of 10 people prefer their food with a bit of a kick.

And what's kickier than mexican street corn , or elote as they say south of the border? forget those soggy, bland imitations you get at some places.

This mexican street corn recipe is the real deal, inspired by the carts lining the streets of mexico. charred, smoky corn slathered in a creamy, tangy sauce.

We're talking flavor explosion here! and it’s surprisingly easy.

Prep Like a Pro: Get Your Ducks in a Row

Right, first things first. get your mise en place sorted. basically, chop all your bits before you start. chop your cilantro (not too chunky, mind!), crumble your cheese.

Squeeze that lime! this helps you be more organized. it also makes you feel like a proper chef, even if you're just in your pyjamas.

Plus, chilling the sauce for at least 30 minutes really lets those flavours get to know each other. trust me on this one.

Honestly, that little wait makes a big difference.

Let's Get Cooking: Step-by-Step Brilliance

Right, here we go. It's so easy, you'll laugh! This homemade street corn is so fast!

1. Prep the Corn: Shuck those ears of corn! Get rid of the husks and silky bits. Then, lightly brush them with vegetable oil.
2. Grill Time!: Get your grill nice and hot! Medium heat is perfect. Grill the corn, turning it every few minutes, until the kernels are lightly charred. Should take about 10- 15 minutes depending on your grill. You want a bit of colour.
3. Sauce It Up: While the corn is grilling, whip up your sauce. In a bowl, mix together 1/2 cup of mayonnaise, 1/4 cup of sour cream, 1/4 cup of crumbled Cotija (or feta), 2 tablespoons of chopped cilantro, 1 tablespoon of fresh lime juice, 1/2 teaspoon of chili powder, 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder, and a pinch of cayenne pepper (if you're feeling brave!). Season with salt and pepper. Taste it! Adjust the seasoning!
4. Get Saucy!: Once the corn is grilled, slather it generously with that delicious sauce. Don’t be shy.
5. Garnish & Devour: Sprinkle with more Cotija and cilantro, and give it another squeeze of lime. Then, get stuck in! Serve that Mexican corn immediately.

Pro Tips for Elote Perfection

Oh my gosh, i've got some amazing pro tips for you! first, don't be afraid to char the corn! it adds such a great smoky flavour.

Second, fresh lime juice is key! that bottled stuff just doesn't cut it. third, and this is a big one, mexican street corn variations are endless! add a dash of hot sauce, some diced jalapeños.

Get creative!. if you’re looking for some cracking sides for fajitas dinners , this is it! or even try using mexican chicken side dishes like this.

My friend tried this recipe for mexican corn , she replaced the mayonnaise with greek yogurt. turns out, it tastes amazing and much healthier.

Honestly, this homemade mexican corn is a winner. perfect for a bbq, a mexican dinner side dishes , or just a cheeky snack.

You can even try a mexican fried corn recipe if you're feeling adventurous!. i'm always surprised when i see the mexican street corn aesthetic online.

Who knew corn could be so photogenic? remember, this street corn recipe is so simple. give this mexican corn a go! you won't regret it.

Alright, let's talk mexican street corn recipe , proper elote-style! this is more than just a side; it's basically a party in your mouth.

I'm going to share a few notes to make your life easier.

Recipe Notes

Serving Suggestions: Level Up Your Elote

Forget boring plating! For the best Mexican Street Corn Aesthetic , think vibrant. Slather that creamy sauce all over the grilled sweet corn and go wild with toppings. Presentation matters!

Honestly, sides for fajitas dinners don't get much better than this. it also pairs beautifully with mexican chicken side dishes .

Try serving it with a side of chilled mexicorn corn dip for an extra corn fiesta. or, you can even turn it into a mexican street corn salad (esquites) recipe serious eats style by cutting the kernels off the cob.

Fancy a drink? A classic margarita is always a winner. A crisp Mexican beer is another excellent shout.

Storage Tips: Keep the Fiesta Going

Got leftovers? (Highly unlikely, tbh). If so, scrape the sauce off the corn cobs first. The kernels will be much easier to deal with that way.

Refrigeration Guidelines: Store leftover corn kernels in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing Options: Freezing isn't ideal, as the texture might change. If you must, freeze the kernels only, without the sauce, for up to a month.

Reheating Instructions: Reheat the corn in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water to prevent it from drying out. Don't bother reheating the sauce; add fresh when serving.

Variations: Mix It Up, Baby!

This recipe for mexican corn is seriously adaptable.

Dietary Adaptations: Want a Mexican street corn recipe that is dairy-free? Swap mayo and sour cream for vegan alternatives, and skip the cheese.

Seasonal ingredient swaps: if fresh corn isn't available, use frozen corn kernels. simply thaw them and sauté in a pan before adding the sauce.

For a mexican fried corn recipe , fry your corn in a wok using a bit of sesame oil.

Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Every Bite

Each serving of this homemade street corn is roughly estimated to contain around 300 calories. it delivers about 8g of protein and 3g of fiber! it also packs a punch of vitamin c from the lime.

It also has healthy fats.

So there you have it! a few notes to help you nail this mexican street corn recipe . whether you go classic or try some mexican street corn variations , get out there and give it a whirl, it's also a great option for any mexican dinner side dishes .

Making homemade mexican corn is easier than you think. you got this! enjoy your mexico street corn ! it's all about tasty fun.

Don't be afraid to experiment!

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is Mexican Street Corn, and why is everyone so obsessed?

Mexican Street Corn, or Elote, is basically grilled corn on the cob taken to the next level! It's slathered in a creamy, tangy sauce, sprinkled with cheese and chili powder, and it's the kind of flavor explosion that makes you understand why street food is so popular. It's like a fiesta in your mouth – even Nigella Lawson would approve!

I'm a bit of a novice in the kitchen. Is this Mexican street corn recipe actually easy to make?

Absolutely! This Mexican street corn recipe is designed to be super simple. The most challenging part is grilling the corn, but even that's forgiving. If you can boil an egg and stir a sauce, you'll be chowing down on delicious elote in no time. Think of it as the culinary equivalent of painting by numbers – delicious numbers!

Can I make this Mexican street corn recipe ahead of time for a BBQ?

You can definitely prep parts of it! You can grill the corn earlier in the day and store it, covered, in the fridge. You can also make the sauce and chill it for a few hours – in fact, chilling the sauce allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. But it's best to assemble the Elote right before serving to prevent the corn from getting soggy.

Help! I can't find Cotija cheese. What's a good substitute for this authentic Mexican street corn recipe?

No worries! Cotija can be tricky to find. Feta cheese is a pretty good substitute. It has a similar salty, crumbly texture. Just remember that Feta has a more mild flavor than Cotija so don't be afraid to add a little bit more salt!

What are some fun variations I can try to spice up my Mexican street corn game?

Oh, the possibilities are endless! For extra heat, add a pinch more cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the sauce. If you're feeling fancy, try adding some crumbled chorizo or chopped pickled jalapenos. Or, cut the kernels off the cob and mix everything together for a killer Elote salad – perfect for a picnic!

How should I store leftover Mexican street corn, and how long will it last?

If you happen to have any leftover Elote (highly unlikely!), store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will be best eaten within 1-2 days, but remember the corn may get a bit soggy. You could also scrape the corn kernels off the cob and store them separately from the sauce, then recombine when you're ready to eat. It's not quite as good as freshly made, but it's still a tasty snack!

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