Enjoy the mouthwatering experience of elote, a traditional Mexican street food that celebrates the sweet, juicy flavors of corn on the cob. Grilled to perfection and topped with creamy cheese, zesty lime, and spices, this dish is sure to become a favorite at your gatherings. Whether you’re serving it at a summer barbecue or enjoying it as a snack, elote corn is a delightful treat that brings a taste of Mexico to your table.
Ingredients
– 4 ears of fresh corn
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 1/2 cup cotija cheese, crumbled
– 1 tablespoon chili powder
– 1 lime, cut into wedges
– Fresh cilantro, for garnish
– Salt, to taste
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe serves 4 people. Preparation time is approximately 10 minutes, with a cooking time of about 15 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Per serving (1 ear of corn): approximately 250 calories, 15g fat, 28g carbohydrates, 6g protein, and 2g fiber. This is for one person.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
2. Husk the corn, removing all silk and husks.
3. Place the corn directly on the grill.
4. Grill the corn for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally until charred.
5. While the corn is grilling, mix mayonnaise and lime juice in a bowl.
6. Remove the corn from the grill and let it cool slightly.
7. Brush the mayonnaise mixture generously over each ear of corn.
8. Sprinkle crumbled cotija cheese on top.
9. Dust with chili powder and add salt to taste.
10. Serve immediately, garnished with lime wedges and fresh cilantro.
Alternative Ingredients
If cotija cheese is unavailable, you can substitute it with feta cheese for a similar flavor. Additionally, Greek yogurt can be used in place of mayonnaise for a lighter version.
Serving and Pairings
Elote pairs beautifully with grilled meats, tacos, and fresh salads. It can also be enjoyed alongside a refreshing drink like agua fresca or a cold beer.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover elote in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, grill briefly or microwave until warm. Freezing is not recommended as it alters the texture of the corn.
Cooking Mistakes
- Skipping the husking process can lead to a tough texture.
- Overcooking can make the corn mushy.
- Using low-quality mayonnaise may affect flavor.
- Not seasoning properly can lead to blandness.
- Forgetting lime juice diminishes freshness.
Helpful Tips
- Use fresh corn for the best flavor.
- Experiment with different spices for varied taste.
- For extra crunch, add chopped nuts as a topping.
- Grill the corn with the husks on for a smokier flavor.
FAQs
Can I make elote without grilling?
Yes, you can boil the corn instead of grilling. However, grilling adds a unique smoky flavor that is characteristic of traditional elote.
What cheese can I use besides cotija?
Feta cheese is a great alternative, providing a similar crumbly texture and salty taste that complements the corn.
How do I make elote spicy?
Add more chili powder or sprinkle some cayenne pepper on top for an extra kick. You can also use hot sauce in the mayonnaise mixture.
Can I prepare elote in advance?
You can grill the corn ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just add the toppings before serving for the best taste.
Is elote vegan-friendly?
To make elote vegan, use a plant-based mayonnaise and skip the cheese or use a vegan cheese alternative.
Conclusion
This elote corn recipe is not only flavorful but also easy to prepare, making it a perfect addition to any meal. Enjoy the vibrant taste of grilled corn slathered in creamy toppings and spices, bringing a touch of Mexican street food to your table. Share it with friends and family for a delightful culinary experience.
Elote Corn
Ingredients
- 4 ears of fresh corn
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup cotija cheese crumbled
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 lime cut into wedges
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Husk the corn, removing all silk and husks.
- Place the corn directly on the grill.
- Grill the corn for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally until charred.
- While the corn is grilling, mix mayonnaise and lime juice in a bowl.
- Remove the corn from the grill and let it cool slightly.
- Brush the mayonnaise mixture generously over each ear of corn.
- Sprinkle crumbled cotija cheese on top.
- Dust with chili powder and add salt to taste.
- Serve immediately, garnished with lime wedges and fresh cilantro.
