Name: Authentic Mexican Street Corn: 1 Secret to Amazing Elote
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 4 ears fresh corn, husked; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1/4 cup sour cream or Mexican crema; 1/4 cup crumbled cotija cheese, plus more for garnish; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro, plus more for garnish; 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice, plus lime wedges for serving; 1/2 teaspoon chili powder, or to taste; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, or to taste (optional); Salt to taste

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Hey there, fellow food lovers! It’s Clara from 911Recipes, and I’m so glad you’re here. My family and I believe food is more than just fuel. It’s about those warm memories we make around the table. It takes me back to my grandma’s kitchen. Her counters were always a bit messy, but the air was always filled with love and delicious smells. That’s the feeling we want to bring to your home.

Here at 911Recipes, we’re all about making amazing food easy for busy lives. We want you to feel confident in your kitchen. Today, I’m super excited to share a recipe that brings so much joy: authentic Mexican street corn. It’s also known as Elote.

This isn’t just any corn recipe. It’s simple, yet bursting with flavor. It tastes just like the incredible street food you’d find in Mexico. Get ready to create some delicious new memories!

Why You’ll Love This Mexican Street Corn Recipe

I truly believe this Mexican street corn recipe will become a new favorite. It’s so easy to make. Plus, it brings incredible flavor to your table. This recipe is perfect for summer gatherings. It’s also great for a quick weeknight side. You’ll love its creamy, tangy, and spicy kick. It’s a dish that always gets rave reviews. I promise you’ll want to make it again and again.

The Authentic Taste of Mexican Street Corn at Home

This recipe captures the true spirit of Elote. You get that perfect char on the corn. Then, you add the rich, flavorful topping. It’s a delightful mix of savory and zesty. Every bite transports you to a vibrant Mexican street fair. It’s a simple dish that truly delivers big, authentic tastes.

Essential Ingredients for Authentic Mexican Street Corn

To make this amazing Mexican street corn, you’ll need a few key things. First, grab four ears of fresh corn. Make sure they are husked. You’ll also need two tablespoons of melted unsalted butter. For the creamy topping, get half a cup of mayonnaise. Also, a quarter cup of sour cream or Mexican crema works well. Don’t forget a quarter cup of crumbled cotija cheese. This adds a lovely salty, tangy bite.

Getting Your Mexican Street Corn Ingredients Ready

Before you start cooking, let’s get everything prepped. First, make sure your corn is husked and ready to go. If you’re using cotija cheese, crumble it finely. This helps it mix better. Chop your fresh cilantro too. Having everything measured out saves time. It makes cooking so much smoother.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Mexican Street Corn

Making delicious Mexican street corn is simpler than you think! Follow these steps. You’ll have amazing Elote in no time. First, preheat your grill. Set it to medium-high heat. Next, take your husked corn. Brush each ear generously with melted butter. This helps it char nicely. Now, place the buttered corn on the hot grill. Cook for about 10 to 15 minutes. Remember to turn the corn often. You want tender kernels. Look for a slight char all around. While the corn cooks, you can make the creamy topping. This saves time. Once the corn is perfectly grilled, take it off the heat. Then, you’ll spread that amazing topping. Finally, add more cheese and cilantro. Serve it warm with lime wedges.

Grilling Your Mexican Street Corn to Perfection

Grilling corn is key for great Mexican street corn. First, get your grill nice and hot. Medium-high heat is perfect. Brush your corn with butter. Place it right on the grates. Listen for that sizzle! Turn the ears every few minutes. You want a little char on all sides. This adds amazing flavor. The corn should be tender when done. This usually takes about 10 to 15 minutes.

Crafting the Creamy Topping for Mexican Street Corn

The topping makes this Mexican street corn truly special. Grab a medium bowl. Combine your mayonnaise and sour cream. Add a quarter cup of cotija cheese. Stir in the chopped cilantro. Squeeze in the fresh lime juice. Sprinkle in chili powder. If you like heat, add cayenne pepper. Mix everything until it’s smooth. This creates a creamy, tangy, and spicy sauce. It really brings the corn to life.

Tips for Perfect Mexican Street Corn

I’ve learned a few tricks over the years for making my Mexican street corn extra special. For that smoky flavor, try charring your grilled corn briefly. Hold it right over an open flame on your stovetop. Just do it for a few seconds. If you can’t find cotija cheese, don’t worry! Crumbled feta cheese works as a good substitute. The taste will be a bit different, but still delicious. Adjust the chili powder and cayenne pepper. You can make your Mexican street corn as mild or as spicy as you like. Always taste as you go. This helps you get it just right. Fresh ingredients really make a difference here too.

Elevating Your Mexican Street Corn Experience

Want to make your Mexican street corn even better? Serve it with extra lime wedges. A squeeze of fresh lime brightens every bite. A sprinkle of smoked paprika can add another layer of flavor. Sometimes, I add a dash of hot sauce too. This really kicks up the spice. It looks great on a platter. It makes a fantastic side dish.

Storing and Reheating Your Mexican Street Corn

Sometimes, I have leftover Mexican street corn. It’s rare, but it happens! To store it, gently scrape off most of the topping. Place the corn in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge for up to two days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheating is easy. You can warm the corn in the oven. A microwave works too. Then, add fresh topping. This ensures the best taste and texture. Don’t reheat with the topping on. It can get a bit watery.

Common Questions About Mexican Street Corn

I get lots of questions about making Mexican street corn. Here are some common ones. You can use fresh or frozen corn. Fresh corn is best. If using frozen, thaw it first. Then, pat it dry. It helps with charring. What if you don’t have a grill? No problem! You can get great results using other methods. Can you make it less spicy? Absolutely! Just reduce the chili powder. You can skip the cayenne pepper too. This recipe is super flexible. Make it your own!

Can I Make Mexican Street Corn Without a Grill?

Yes, you can! If you don’t have a grill, use your oven broiler. Place the corn on a baking sheet. Broil it for a few minutes per side. Watch it closely for charring. A cast-iron skillet also works. Heat it until very hot. Cook the corn, turning often. You’ll still get that great flavor.

Estimated Nutritional Information for Mexican Street Corn

I know many of you like to keep an eye on nutrition. For one serving of this Mexican street corn, which is one ear, you can estimate about 250 calories. It has around 20g of fat, with 7g saturated. You’ll find 15g of carbs and 6g of protein. These numbers are estimates. They can change based on your exact ingredients. Always check your specific brands for precise details.

Share Your Mexican Street Corn Creations!

I absolutely love hearing from you! Have you tried making this Mexican street corn recipe? I’d love to know how it turned out. Please share your cooking experience in the comments below. Did you add your own twist? Rate the recipe too! Your feedback helps our 911Recipes community so much. It makes this space even better. Let’s inspire each other with our kitchen adventures!