How to Make Authentic Mexican Street Corn (Elote) at Home
Mexican street corn, also known as elote, is a delicious and flavorful snack commonly sold by street vendors across Mexico. This grilled corn is slathered in a creamy, tangy, and cheesy sauce, making it an irresistible treat. The best part? It’s super easy to make at home. Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating authentic Mexican street corn.
Ingredients:
- 4 ears of corn, husks removed
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Mexican crema
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese (or feta as a substitute)
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
- Salt to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Grill the Corn
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Brush each ear of corn with melted butter and place them on the grill. Cook for about 10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the corn is charred and golden brown.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sour cream (or Mexican crema), garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. This creamy sauce adds a rich and tangy flavor to the corn.
Step 3: Coat the Corn
Once the corn is grilled, remove it from the heat and immediately brush each ear with the creamy sauce. Be generous—this is where the flavor comes in!
Step 4: Add Toppings
Sprinkle the coated corn with crumbled cotija cheese and a dash of chili powder for a bit of spice. Garnish with chopped cilantro for a fresh touch.
Step 5: Serve with Lime
Serve your elote hot with lime wedges on the side. Squeezing fresh lime juice over the corn adds a zesty kick that balances the creamy and cheesy flavors.
Tips for the Best Elote:
- No grill? No problem! You can roast the corn in a 400°F oven for about 20 minutes or cook it on a stovetop grill pan.
- Spice it up! Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce for extra heat.
- Cheese alternatives: If you can’t find cotija, try Parmesan or feta cheese.
- Turn it into esquites: Want a mess-free version? Cut the kernels off the cob and mix everything in a bowl for a delicious corn salad.
Now you’re ready to enjoy authentic Mexican street corn in the comfort of your home. ¡Buen provecho!
