Mexican Street Corn
Mexican Street Corn, also known as Elotes, is a deliciously vibrant street food that will transport you straight to the heart of Mexico with its tantalizing flavors and mouthwatering texture. This recipe is truly worthy of your culinary attention, as it blends rich, buttery corn with creamy sauces and tangy spices to create an unforgettable dish. In this blog post, you’ll find a comprehensive, step-by-step guide to making this fantastic recipe, ensuring your family and friends rave about your cooking.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are numerous reasons to adore this Mexican Street Corn recipe! First, it’s a breeze to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings. The ingredient list is short, requiring only fresh corn and a few pantry staples, which means you can whip it up without a long shopping trip.
Moreover, this dish is incredibly family-friendly. People of all ages will enjoy the sweet, savory, and slightly spicy flavors of the corn, making it an excellent choice for barbecues, summer parties, or simply a special side at dinner. And let’s not forget, it’s perfect for sharing—everyone can enjoy their own personalized version with extra toppings!
Ingredients
To create this delightful Mexican Street Corn, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 4 cobs sweet corn (peeled)
- 3 tablespoons butter (melted)
- ¼ cup cotija cheese (grated)
- Chopped cilantro (optional for garnishing)
- Tajin spice (for garnishing, optional)
- ¾ teaspoon tajin spice
- 3 tablespoons mayo
- 3 tablespoons Mexican-style cream
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
- ½ whole lime (juiced, about 1 tablespoon)
This flavorful combination will transport your taste buds to Mexico, evoking memories of vibrant street fairs and lively nights.
Step-by-Step Directions
Making this Mexican Street Corn is simple! Here’s a straightforward guide to ensure your culinary success:
Preheat the grill to medium heat. Prepping the grill before you start assembling the dish ensures that your corn cooks perfectly.
Mix together the sauce ingredients. In a bowl, combine 3 tablespoons of mayo, 3 tablespoons of Mexican-style cream, ¾ teaspoon of tajin, ½ teaspoon of salt, ½ teaspoon of paprika, the juice of ½ lime, and 2 tablespoons of chopped cilantro. Stir it all together and set the mixture in the fridge to chill while you prepare the corn.
Melt the butter. In a small bowl, melt the butter and brush it generously over the corn cobs.
Wrap corn in aluminum foil. Securely wrap each corn cob in aluminum foil to lock in moisture and flavor, then place it on the grill.
Grill for about 15-18 minutes. Turn the corn every 3-5 minutes to ensure an even cook, achieving that delicious charred flavor we all love.
Remove from grill and unwrap the corn. Be cautious of steam when unwrapping your foil; you want to preserve that heat!
Brush the chilled sauce mixture onto the corn. Generously apply the creamy sauce mixture over the corn, allowing it to coat each ear thoroughly.
Top with cotija cheese, additional tajin, and chopped parsley. Elevate your corn even more by sprinkling on crumbly cotija cheese, an extra dash of tajin for spice, and fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color.
Serve immediately and enjoy! Gather your friends and family around to dig into this scrumptious dish that perfectly combines all the joys of summer grilling.
Tips & Tricks
- Add a Kick: If you love some heat, consider sprinkling on diced jalapeños or a pinch of chili powder when garnishing.
- Cheese Alternatives: If cotija cheese isn’t available, feta or queso fresco can serve as great substitutes.
- Vegetarian-Friendly: Embrace a plant-based twist by using vegan butter and dairy-free mayo and cream alternatives.
- Herb Enhancements: Fresh herbs like chives, cilantro, or even basil can add a unique twist.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Mexican Street Corn shines superbly as a side dish during summer barbecues, paired perfectly with grilled meats, tacos, or a hearty salad. It’s also fantastic for picnics or outdoor gatherings. For drink pairings, consider refreshing beverages like horchata, agua fresca, or a zesty margarita!
Nutritional Information
This Mexican Street Corn recipe is not only scrumptious but also loaded with nutrients from sweet corn and fresh herbs. On average, one serving contains approximately:
- Calories: 250
- Total Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 350mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 25g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Total Sugars: 5g
- Protein: 6g
Remember that these values can vary based on your ingredient choices and portion sizes.
Storing Tips & Variations for Mexican Street Corn
If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, consider using the grill or oven to maintain that delicious charred flavor.
For variations, feel free to experiment! Use different spices or toppings based on your preference; try swapping out the cotija for a smoked cheese or adding a drizzle of hot sauce for an extra flavor boost.
Conclusion for Mexican Street Corn
Now that you’re equipped with the recipe for Mexican Street Corn, it’s time to embrace your inner chef and whip up this delightful dish. Its enticing flavors and delightful textures are sure to impress anyone lucky enough to taste it. Grab your ingredients, fire up that grill, and let the flavors of Mexico dance on your palate. Enjoy every delicious bite!
FAQs
1. Can I make Mexican Street Corn in the oven?
Absolutely! Instead of grilling, you can roast the corn in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes, wrapping it in foil as you would for the grill.
2. How can I customize the toppings?
Feel free to get adventurous! You can add crumbled bacon, avocado slices, or even spicy aioli for unique twists on this recipe.
3. Is there a way to make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and refrigerate it. However, it’s best to grill the corn just before serving for the freshest taste.
4. What type of corn works best for this recipe?
Sweet corn is highly recommended due to its naturally sweet flavor and tenderness, making it perfect for grilling.
5. Are there any vegan alternatives to this recipe?
Yes! You can use vegan butter, plant-based mayo, and vegan sour cream or cashew cream to create a vegan version of Mexican Street Corn that your friends will surely love!
Mexican Street Corn
A vibrant and delicious street food that features grilled corn topped with creamy sauces and spices, perfect for summer gatherings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 4 cobs sweet corn (peeled)
- 3 tablespoons butter (melted)
- ¼ cup cotija cheese (grated)
- Chopped cilantro (optional for garnishing)
- Tajin spice (for garnishing, optional)
- ¾ teaspoon tajin spice
- 3 tablespoons mayo
- 3 tablespoons Mexican-style cream
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
- ½ whole lime (juiced, about 1 tablespoon)
Instructions
- Preheat the grill to medium heat.
- In a bowl, mix together the mayo, Mexican-style cream, tajin, salt, paprika, lime juice, and chopped cilantro. Set this mixture in the fridge to chill.
- Melt the butter and brush it over the corn cobs.
- Wrap each corn cob in aluminum foil and place on the grill.
- Grill the corn for about 15-18 minutes, turning every 3-5 minutes.
- Remove from the grill and unwrap the corn carefully.
- Brush the chilled sauce mixture over each corn cob.
- Top with cotija cheese, additional tajin, and chopped parsley.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
For extra kick, consider adding diced jalapeños. Substitute cotija cheese with feta or queso fresco if needed. Use vegan alternatives for a plant-based version.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
