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Elote, or Mexican street corn, is juicy corn coated with creamy garlic mayo, tangy lime juice, spicy chili powder, and finished with crumbled cheese and fresh cilantro. This dish is your ticket to a taste of Mexico in every bite!
Cheesy, Zesty, Spicy: Meet Elote
Table of Contents
Recipe Overview
Cuisine: Mexican
Cooking Method: Skillet-Grilled
Skill Required: Easy, suitable for all levels
Signature Taste: Smoky, creamy, and zesty with a hint of spice
Diet Info: Vegetarian, gluten-free options available
What Makes Mexican Street Corn Special?
Charred Sweetness: Grilling the corn brings out its natural sweetness and adds a smoky, charred flavor.
Spicy Kick: A sprinkle of chili powder or cayenne pepper adds a subtle heat that balances the sweetness and creaminess.
Salty Cheese: Crumbled Feta cheese adds a salty, savory element that complements the other flavors perfectly.
Herbal Freshness: Fresh cilantro and green onions add a burst of freshness.
Crunchy Texture: The combination of the juicy corn kernels and the various toppings creates a delightful texture contrast.
Mexican Street Corn Ingredients
Sweet Corn: You can use well-drained canned corn. It is convenient and easy to use, offering a sweet and tender texture. Alternatively, use 4 ears of fresh corn, husked. Fresh corn provides a juicy, sweet flavor that intensifies when grilled or roasted.
Extra-Virgin Olive Oil or Melted Butter: Olive oil adds a rich flavor and helps in achieving a perfect char when grilling the corn. Alternatively, you can use melted butter, which complements the sweetness of the corn.
Avocado Mayo (or Mayo of Choice): Offers a creamy texture with a subtle hint of avocado, enhancing the flavor profile with a healthier twist. Regular mayo can be used for a classic taste.
Garlic: Provides a pungent, aromatic flavor that enhances the overall taste of the dish.
Lime Juice: Adds a bright, zesty tang that balances the creaminess and brings out the sweetness of the corn.
Scallions (Optional): Add a mild onion flavor and a touch of freshness and crunch.
Feta Cheese: Contributes a salty, tangy flavor that contrasts beautifully with the sweet corn.
Chili Powder: Adds a mild heat and smoky flavor, enhancing the overall complexity of the dish.
Cilantro: Provides a fresh, herbaceous note that brightens up the flavors.
Smoked Paprika: Adds a deep, smoky flavor and a vibrant red color, complementing the chili powder.
Jalapeño Pepper: Adds a kick of heat and a fresh, crisp texture to the corn.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness of the corn. Adjust according to your preference.
What to Pair with Mexican Street Corn
As a Side Dish: Serve alongside grilled meats like steak, chicken, or BBQ salmon for a flavorful and colorful addition to your meal.
With Chips: Enjoy it as a dip with tortilla chips for a delicious and easy appetizer.
Taco Topping: Add to tacos for an extra layer of flavor and texture. It works well with fish, chicken, or veggie tacos.
Salad Topper: Sprinkle over a fresh salad to add a burst of flavor and a touch of creaminess.
Burrito Bowl: Mix it into a burrito bowl with rice, beans, grilled veggies, and your choice of protein for a vibrant and tasty meal.
With BBQ Salmon: Pair with BBQ salmon for a delightful contrast of smoky and creamy flavors.
As a Nacho Topping: Spread over nachos along with cheese, jalapeños, and other toppings for a delicious twist on a classic snack.
Ceviche: The bright, citrusy flavors of ceviche provide a refreshing contrast to the rich and creamy Elote.
Pro Tip
To get the corn to char in a skillet, use a cast-iron skillet on high heat. Add a little oil, and cook the corn until it gets a nice char, turning occasionally to cook all sides evenly.
Pro Tip
You can also store the prepared corn mixture (without the toppings) in the fridge for up to 2 days and add the toppings just before serving.
Storage
Refrigeration: Store any leftover Mexican street corn in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 2–3 days.
Freezing: Freezing is not recommended for Mexican street corn, as the texture of the corn and the creamy mayo mixture can change upon thawing.
Reheating: Reheat the corn gently in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. Add a splash of lime juice and fresh cilantro before serving to refresh the flavors. Or reheat in the microwave on a microwave-safe dish. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the corn is warmed through.
Cold: Mexican street corn can also be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, making it a versatile dish for leftovers.
Top Tips for Perfect Mexican Street Corn
Use Fresh Corn: Fresh corn on the cob offers the best flavor and texture. If using canned corn, ensure it’s well-drained.
Grill in a Skillet: For those without a grill, use a cast-iron skillet to get that perfect char and smoky flavor.
Prep Your Ingredients: Have all your toppings ready before you start grilling. This includes mixing the garlic mayo and lime juice ahead of time.
Cheese Options: While Cotija is traditional, feta or parmesan can be great substitutes. Crumble the cheese finely for the best coverage.
Serve Immediately: Mexican street corn is best enjoyed hot, so serve it immediately for maximum flavor.
Add Extra Lime: Serve with lime wedges on the side for an extra splash of zesty freshness.
Experiment with Toppings: Try adding a sprinkle of Tajín, a dash of smoked paprika, or some finely chopped red onions for an extra flavor twist.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
It’s best to grill the corn and add the toppings just before serving for optimal freshness and flavor. However, you can prepare the mayo mixture and chop the toppings in advance.
Fresh cilantro offers the best flavor, but if you only have dried herbs, use them sparingly. Parsley can be a good substitute for fresh cilantro.
Absolutely! Fresh corn on the cob is ideal. Simply husk the corn and grill it in a skillet or on a grill for the best flavor and texture.
You can substitute feta cheese with cotija, parmesan, or queso fresco. Each will offer a slightly different flavor but will still be delicious.
More Side Dishes You Must Try:
Mexican Street Corn (Elote)
Ingredients
- 2 15 ounce cans Sweet corn, drained – or 4 ears fresh corn, husked
- 2 tablespoons Extra virgin olive oil, or melted butter
- 3 tablespoons Avocado mayo, or mayo of choice
- 1 Garlic clove, minced
- 1 Lime, juice
- ⅓ cup Chopped scallions, optional
- ½ cup Feta cheese, crumbled
- ¼ teaspoon Chili powder
- ¼ cup Cilantro, finely chopped
- ¼ teaspoon Smoked Paprika
- 1 Jalapeño pepper, diced
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
- Heat a medium skillet then lower to medium heat. Add olive oil or butter.
- Pour in the drained corn or husked corn and sauté for 5-7 minutes or until golden and slightly toasted.
- Set the corn aside to cool.
- In a medium bowl combine the mayonnaise, minced garlic, juice of one lime (you can substitute with lemon), feta cheese, chopped cilantro, smoked paprika and diced jalapeño.
- Pour in the cooled corn and mix until well combined. Serve as a side dish, with chips, taco topping, salad topper, Burrito bowl, with bbq salmon and so many other ways.
