There’s something truly special about preparing and sharing Mexican street corn, or elote, that brings a warm, cozy feel to any gathering. Picture this: a sunny day, friends and family gathered around, laughter in the air, and the irresistible aroma of grilled corn wafting through the backyard. This dish is not just delicious; it’s a celebration of flavors that combines the sweetness of corn with creamy mayonnaise, tangy lime, and a sprinkle of cotija cheese. It’s simple to make and perfect for both casual meals and festive occasions. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll want to make it again and again. Let’s dive into how to create this delightful dish that’s sure to please everyone at your table!
Ingredients List
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making the best Mexican street corn. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 4 ears of corn, husked: Choose fresh corn for the sweetest flavor. If fresh corn isn’t available, frozen corn works too!
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise: This creamy base adds richness. If you prefer a lighter option, feel free to substitute with Greek yogurt.
- 1/2 cup cotija cheese, crumbled: This Mexican cheese brings a salty kick. If you can’t find cotija, feta cheese is a great alternative.
- 1 teaspoon chili powder: It adds a nice spice. Adjust the amount based on your heat preference—don’t worry if you want it milder!
- 1 lime, juiced: Fresh lime juice brightens the flavors. Make sure to roll the lime on the counter first to get the most juice out of it.
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped: This herb adds a fresh touch. If cilantro isn’t your thing, you can skip it or try parsley instead.
- Salt to taste: Season to your liking for the perfect finish!
How to Prepare Mexican Street Corn
Now that we have our ingredients ready, it’s time to bring this Mexican street corn to life! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious side dish that everyone will love.
Prepping the Corn
First things first, let’s get our corn ready. Carefully remove the husks from each ear of corn, making sure to peel away all the silk strands. This step is crucial because you want that beautiful corn to grill nicely without any pesky bits getting in the way. Plus, it ensures even cooking and a lovely char later on!
Grilling Instructions
Next, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Once it’s nice and hot, place the corn directly on the grill grates. Grill the corn for about 10-15 minutes, turning it every few minutes to get that gorgeous char on all sides. Keep an eye on it, as it can burn quickly! You want a nice golden-brown color, which adds incredible flavor.
Preparing the Sauce
While the corn is grilling, let’s whip up our flavorful sauce. In a mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, lime juice, chili powder, and a pinch of salt. Stir well to combine everything smoothly. Taste it and adjust the seasonings if you’d like more tang or spice—this sauce is your canvas!
Assembling the Dish
Once your corn is perfectly grilled, it’s time for the fun part! Brush the mayo sauce generously over each ear of corn, ensuring every inch is coated in that creamy goodness. Then, sprinkle the crumbled cotija cheese and chopped cilantro on top for a burst of flavor and color. Serve immediately for the best experience—there’s nothing quite like enjoying it fresh off the grill!
Tips for Success
To make your Mexican street corn truly shine, here are some helpful tips! First, always taste as you go; adjusting the lime and chili powder to your personal preference can elevate the dish to new heights. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, you can swap out the mayonnaise for a vegan mayo or even avocado for a creamy twist. For those who might be watching their sodium intake, consider using low-sodium mayonnaise and cheese. And don’t forget about presentation! Serving the corn on a platter with extra lime wedges and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro makes it inviting and beautiful. Lastly, if you have any leftovers (which is rare!), be sure to store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days—just reheat gently on the grill or in the oven to maintain that delicious flavor!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can whip up this delightful dish in under 30 minutes!
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of sweet corn, creamy mayonnaise, and zesty lime creates a mouthwatering flavor explosion that’s hard to resist.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s a barbecue, family gathering, or cozy dinner, this Mexican street corn is always a hit with friends and family.
- Versatile: You can easily adjust the spice level and ingredients to suit any dietary needs, making it perfect for everyone at the table.
- Fresh and Fun: Grilling brings out the natural sweetness of the corn, and the colorful toppings make for a beautiful presentation.
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying Mexican street corn, it’s always good to have a little insight into the nutrition! Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so they should be taken as estimates rather than exact figures. Here’s a breakdown of what one ear of corn typically contains:
- Calories: Approximately 250
- Fat: 14g
- Protein: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Sugar: 3g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 150mg
These values can help you enjoy your delicious corn while keeping track of your dietary needs. Whether you’re indulging in this treat for a special occasion or a cozy meal at home, savor every bite!
FAQ Section
Here are some common questions I often hear about making Mexican street corn, or elote. I hope these answers help you as you prepare this delightful dish!
Can I make Mexican street corn in the oven?
Absolutely! If you don’t have a grill, you can roast the corn in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 25-30 minutes, turning occasionally until it’s tender and slightly charred.
What if I can’t find cotija cheese?
No worries! Feta cheese is a great substitute, or you can use grated Parmesan if that’s what you have on hand. Each will add a similar salty flavor to your corn.
Is Mexican street corn spicy?
The spice level really depends on how much chili powder you add. If you’re sensitive to heat, feel free to reduce the chili powder or even omit it altogether—your corn will still be delicious!
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
Definitely! You can mix the mayo sauce in advance and store it in the fridge. Just give it a good stir before using it to refresh the flavors!
How should I store leftovers?
If you have any leftover corn, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Just reheat gently on the grill or in the oven to keep it tasty!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your leftover Mexican street corn properly is key to keeping that delicious flavor intact. Once the corn has cooled, place any uneaten ears in an airtight container and pop it in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for up to two days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, you can easily reheat your corn. For the best results, I recommend using the grill to warm it up—just a few minutes on medium heat can bring back that lovely char and flavor. If grilling isn’t an option, you can also reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. This way, you’ll have a tasty treat that feels like it was just made fresh!
For more information on the health benefits of corn, you can check out this Healthline article.
If you’re interested in more delicious recipes, consider trying out this comforting pasta recipe or this healthy vegetable side dish.
Print
Mexican Street Corn: 7 Comforting Tips for a Cozy Meal
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious and easy recipe for Mexican street corn, perfect for gatherings or a cozy meal at home.
Ingredients
- 4 ears of corn
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup cotija cheese, crumbled
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 lime, juiced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Remove the husks and silk from the corn.
- Grill the corn for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until charred.
- In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, lime juice, chili powder, and salt.
- Once corn is grilled, brush the mayo mixture over the corn.
- Sprinkle cotija cheese and cilantro on top.
- Serve immediately and enjoy.
Notes
- You can use frozen corn if fresh is not available.
- For a lighter option, use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise.
- Adjust the chili powder to your spice preference.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ear of corn
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: Mexican street corn, elote, grilled corn, corn on the cob
