Mexican Street Corn

Instructions: How to Make Mexican Street Corn

Step 1: Grill the Corn

1. Prepare the Corn: If you haven’t already, remove the husks from the corn and pat the ears dry. You can soak the corn in water for about 10 minutes to prevent burning on the grill, but this is optional.
2. Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat. Lightly brush the corn with olive oil or melted butter to prevent it from sticking to the grill grates.
3. Grill the Corn: Place the corn directly on the grill and cook, turning occasionally, until the kernels are lightly charred and cooked through (about 10-12 minutes). The charred bits will add a smoky flavor that is essential to the dish.

Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Sauce

While the corn is grilling, combine the creamy sauce ingredients in a bowl:

• Mayonnaise
• Mexican crema (or sour cream)
• Lime juice
• Chili powder
• Cumin (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Stir everything together until smooth and well combined. The sauce should be creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy, with a perfect balance of flavor.

Step 3: Assemble the Elote

1. Coat the Grilled Corn: Once the corn is done grilling and is slightly cool to the touch, brush or spoon the creamy sauce generously over each ear of corn. Make sure the corn is evenly coated with the sauce.
2. Add Toppings: Sprinkle the crumbled Cotija cheese over the corn, pressing gently to help it stick to the creamy sauce. Add a pinch of chili powder or Tajín seasoning if you like it extra spicy, then garnish with freshly chopped cilantro for a burst of color and flavor.
3. Serve with Lime: Finally, serve your Mexican Street Corn with lime wedges on the side. A squeeze of fresh lime juice adds the perfect tangy kick to balance the richness of the creamy sauce.

Why You’ll Love Mexican Street Corn

1. Bold and Flavorful

Mexican Street Corn is packed with vibrant flavors that burst in your mouth with every bite. The creamy sauce, smoky grilled corn, salty Cotija cheese, and spicy chili powder come together to create a flavor explosion that’s irresistibly delicious.

2. Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, attending a tailgate, or simply enjoying a meal on the patio, Mexican Street Corn is perfect for any occasion. It’s an easy side dish that complements grilled meats, tacos, or even just a cold drink on a warm day.

3. Easy to Make

While it may look fancy, Mexican Street Corn is surprisingly easy to prepare. With just a few ingredients and simple grilling steps, you can create a delicious and visually stunning dish that’s sure to impress your guests.

4. Customizable to Your Taste

Want to make it spicier? Add more chili powder or a few dashes of hot sauce. Prefer a milder version? Simply skip the chili powder or use less of it. You can customize this recipe to suit your tastes, making it as bold or mild as you like.

5. Great for Meal Prep

If you’re making Mexican Street Corn for a crowd or prepping for a party, you can easily make the creamy sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just grill the corn when you’re ready to serve, then top it with the sauce and cheese. It’s a quick and hassle-free dish when you’re short on time.

Variations of Mexican Street Corn (Elote)

While the classic version of Mexican Street Corn is always a hit, there are several fun variations to try:

• Esquites (Mexican Street Corn in a Cup): If you prefer to skip the cob, try serving the corn off the cob in a cup. Simply cut the grilled corn off the cob and mix it with the creamy sauce, cheese, chili powder, and cilantro for a more convenient, spoon-friendly version.
• Add Avocado: For a creamy twist, add diced avocado to your Mexican Street Corn. The richness of the avocado pairs wonderfully with the smoky corn and tangy crema.
• BBQ Mexican Street Corn: For an even smokier flavor, add a touch of BBQ sauce to your creamy sauce mixture or brush it onto the corn before grilling.
• Cheese Varieties: While Cotija cheese is traditional, you can also experiment with other cheeses like feta or goat cheese for a different taste.

Conclusion

Mexican Street Corn is a fun, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish that will quickly become a favorite at your next gathering or family dinner. Whether you enjoy it with tacos, grilled meats, or as a standalone treat, this dish brings together the perfect blend of creamy, smoky, tangy, and spicy flavors. With its customizable options, you can adjust the recipe to suit your preferences, making it a versatile and crowd-pleasing option for any occasion. So fire up the grill and get ready to enjoy the deliciousness of Mexican Street Corn in the comfort of your own home!