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- 4 ears of fresh corn, husked - 1/2 cup mayonnaise - 1/4 cup sour cream - 1 teaspoon chili powder (plus more for garnish) - 1/2 cup cotija cheese, crumbled (or feta cheese as a substitute) - 2 tablespoons lime juice - Fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish - Salt, to taste When making authentic Mexican street corn, you need fresh corn. The corn should be sweet and juicy. The mayonnaise and sour cream create a creamy base. Add chili powder for a little kick. Cotija cheese gives a nice salty flavor and crumbly texture. You can swap cotija for feta if needed. Lime juice adds brightness to the dish. Don't forget salt; it enhances all the flavors. - Fresh cilantro, chopped - Lime wedges for serving To make your corn even better, you can add fresh cilantro. It gives a pop of color and flavor. Lime wedges are great to serve on the side. A squeeze of lime juice adds a tangy taste that makes the corn shine. - Cotija cheese vs. feta cheese - Different chili powder variations If you can't find cotija cheese, feta works well. It has a similar taste and texture. For the chili powder, you can use smoked chili powder for a deep flavor. You can also try chipotle powder for a spicy twist. Each choice adds a unique touch to your street corn. Feel free to explore these options to make the dish your own! To start, you need to husk the corn. Grab each ear of corn and pull down the green leaves. Remove the silk threads as well. Rinse the corn under cool water to clean it. This step makes sure your corn is fresh and ready for grilling. Next, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the husked corn directly on the grill. Cook the corn for about 10 to 12 minutes. Turn the corn every few minutes. You want it to char a bit on all sides. This gives it a great smoky flavor. While the corn cooks, prepare the creamy topping. In a mixing bowl, combine 1/2 cup of mayonnaise and 1/4 cup of sour cream. Add 1 teaspoon of chili powder, 2 tablespoons of lime juice, and salt to taste. Mix everything until it's smooth. This creamy topping is what makes your corn special. Once the corn is grilled, take it off the heat and let it cool for a minute. Use a brush or spoon to coat the corn with the creamy mix. Make sure every side is covered. After that, sprinkle 1/2 cup of crumbled cotija cheese over the corn. For the final touch, add some extra chili powder and chopped cilantro. Serve your elote right away with lime wedges for a zesty kick. Enjoy! To get those perfect grill marks, start with a hot grill. Heat it to medium-high. Place the fresh corn directly on the grill. Leave it alone for a few minutes. This helps the corn char nicely. Turn the corn every few minutes for even cooking. Aim for about 10-12 minutes total. Look for deep brown spots. They show that the corn is done. If you want your topping to be extra creamy, adjust the mayo and sour cream. Use more mayonnaise for a thicker mix. Add a bit more sour cream for a lighter texture. Mix them well in a bowl. Make sure there are no lumps. This will help the creamy mix stick to the corn better. Serve your street corn with lime wedges on the side. The zesty lime juice adds a nice kick. Pair the corn with grilled meats like chicken or steak. It also goes well with fresh salads. Adding some guacamole can make it a full meal. Enjoy the mix of flavors to make every bite special. {{image_2}} You can make your elote spicy. Just add jalapeños or hot sauce. This gives a nice kick. Chop fresh jalapeños and mix them into the creamy sauce. If you like it hotter, drizzle some hot sauce on top. This twist will excite your taste buds. If you want a vegan version, it's simple. Replace mayonnaise with vegan mayo. Use plant-based cheese instead of cotija. You can find many great options at the store. This way, you keep all the flavor while making it plant-friendly. You can change the flavor of your elote easily. Try adding fresh herbs like basil or cilantro. A sprinkle of smoked paprika can add warmth. Experiment with spices like cumin or garlic powder for a unique twist. Each variation can give you a new taste adventure! To store leftover elote, let it cool first. Place the corn in an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you notice any moisture, add a paper towel inside. This will absorb any extra water. When reheating, I suggest using the grill or an oven. These methods help restore the corn's flavor and texture. Set your grill or oven to medium heat. Heat the corn for about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to turn it often. This way, it warms evenly and gets a nice char. Yes, you can freeze Mexican street corn! First, let it cool completely. Wrap each ear in plastic wrap or foil. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag. It can stay good for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat and enjoy! Authentic Mexican street corn is called elote. It is a popular street food in Mexico. Vendors grill fresh corn on the cob, then cover it with creamy toppings. Elote often features mayonnaise, sour cream, and cheese. It is a tasty mix of flavors and textures. This dish represents Mexican culture and traditions. People enjoy elote at fairs, festivals, and street corners. It brings people together and adds fun to any gathering. Yes, you can prepare some parts of the recipe ahead. Husk the corn and mix the creamy topping early. Store the topping in the fridge until you grill the corn. You can grill the corn just before serving. This keeps the corn fresh and warm. Make sure to coat it with the topping right after grilling. This way, you get the best taste and texture. Elote pairs well with many dishes. Here are some tasty options to serve with it: - Grilled chicken or steak - Tacos with various fillings - Fresh salads with lime dressing - Rice and beans for a hearty side - Mexican-style quesadillas These dishes create a full meal and enhance your elote experience. Enjoy mixing flavors and sharing with friends and family! In this post, we explored the key ingredients for making elote, including fresh corn, creamy toppings, and optional garnishes. I shared step-by-step instructions for prepping, grilling, and assembling the dish. You learned tips for achieving perfect grill marks and creative variations, like the spicy elote and vegan options. Finally, we discussed storing leftovers and reheating tips. Elote is not just food; it’s an experience. Try these methods today and enjoy a delicious taste of Mexico at home.

Authentic Mexican Street Corn

Indulge in the vibrant flavors of Authentic Mexican Street Corn with this easy recipe that's perfect for summer grilling! Enjoy sweet, charred corn slathered in a creamy, zesty mixture and topped with cotija cheese and fresh cilantro. This delightful dish is a must-try for any backyard barbecue or festive gathering.
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Ingredients
  

4 ears of fresh corn, husked

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1/4 cup sour cream

1 teaspoon chili powder (plus more for garnish)

1/2 cup cotija cheese, crumbled (or feta cheese as a substitute)

2 tablespoons lime juice

Fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish

Salt, to taste

Instructions
 

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.

    Place the husked corn directly on the grill and cook for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the corn is charred and cooked through.

      While the corn is grilling, in a mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, chili powder, lime juice, and salt. Mix well until smooth.

        Once the corn is grilled, remove it from the grill and allow it to cool slightly.

          Using a brush or spoon, generously coat the grilled corn with the creamy mixture, ensuring all sides are covered.

            Sprinkle the crumbled cotija cheese evenly over the coated corn.

              Finish by dusting with extra chili powder and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro for a fresh touch.

                Serve immediately, paired with lime wedges for an extra zesty kick.

                  Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4