Patrick Oconnell
Mexican street corn, also known as Elote, is a popular street food in Mexico. It is made by grilling corn on the cob and then covering it in a variety of toppings, including cheese. The type of cheese used in Mexican street corn is typically Cotija, a salty and crumbly Mexican cheese. However, other types of cheese such as Feta, Parmesan, or Queso Fresco can also be used if Cotija is not available. The corn is usually also topped with mayonnaise, butter, crema, lime juice, and chili powder, creating a delicious and flavourful combination.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Elote, Mexican Street Corn |
| Ingredients | Corn, Cotija Cheese, Butter, Mayonnaise, Lime, Chili Powder, Cilantro, Crema, Sour Cream, Feta Cheese, Parmesan Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese |
| Preparation | Grilled, Boiled, Roasted, Air-fried, Microwaved |
| Serving Suggestions | Serve with lime wedges, cilantro, and a lime wedge on the side for squeezing on top. |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
- Cotija cheese is the traditional topping for Mexican street corn
- Feta, Parmesan, or mozzarella can be used as substitutes
- The corn is grilled until charred before the cheese is added
- The cheese is sprinkled on top of a layer of crema, mayonnaise, or butter
- The dish is called 'elote' and is a popular street food in Mexico
Cotija cheese is the traditional topping for Mexican street corn
Mexican street corn, also known as elote, is a popular street food in Mexico. It is grilled corn on the cob smothered in a creamy sauce and topped with cheese and lime. The traditional cheese used in this dish is cotija, a salty and crumbly Mexican cheese.
Cotija cheese is a key ingredient in authentic Mexican street corn. Its salty and crumbly texture adds a unique flavour to the dish. While some recipes may suggest using other types of cheese such as feta, Parmesan, or queso fresco, cotija is the traditional choice and is widely considered to be the best option for achieving the authentic taste of Mexican street corn.
The process of preparing Mexican street corn typically involves grilling the corn until it is slightly charred, then spreading it with a creamy sauce or mayonnaise, and finally sprinkling it with cotija cheese. The cheese is often added generously, ensuring a tasty and indulgent experience. The corn can be grilled on a barbecue, in an oven, or even in an air fryer, making it a versatile dish that can be prepared in various ways.
Cotija cheese is typically found in the specialty cheese section of grocery stores. It is a versatile ingredient that can be used in other dishes as well, such as tacos or salads. However, it is particularly well-suited for Mexican street corn due to its salty flavour and crumbly texture, which complements the creamy sauce and grilled corn perfectly.
In conclusion, cotija cheese is the traditional topping for Mexican street corn, adding a distinctive salty flavour and crumbly texture to this popular dish. While other cheeses can be substituted, cotija is the authentic choice that truly captures the essence of this Mexican culinary delight.
The Perfect Spaghetti: Does Cheese Belong?
You may want to see also
Feta, Parmesan, or mozzarella can be used as substitutes
Mexican street corn, also known as elote, is a popular street food in Mexico. It is made by grilling corn on the cob and then coating it with a creamy mixture of mayonnaise and Mexican crema. The corn is then typically sprinkled with cotija cheese, a salty and crumbly Mexican cheese.
However, if you don't have access to cotija cheese or want to try something different, you can substitute it with other types of cheese. Feta, Parmesan, or mozzarella can be used as substitutes. Feta cheese is a suitable replacement for those who want a salty and tangy flavour similar to cotija. Parmesan cheese, which is known for its salty and nutty flavour, can also be used in place of cotija. Finely shredded mozzarella, which has a mild and creamy flavour, can add a different texture to the dish. These substitute cheeses can be crumbled or shredded and sprinkled over the corn, just like cotija.
When making Mexican street corn, it is important to first grill the corn until it is slightly charred. Then, spread the corn with the creamy mayonnaise and crema mixture. Finally, sprinkle the cheese over the corn, adding other desired toppings such as chili powder, lime juice, or cilantro. The corn can be served immediately and is best eaten hot off the grill.
So, if you're looking to make Mexican street corn but don't have cotija cheese, don't hesitate to experiment with feta, Parmesan, or mozzarella. Each of these cheeses can bring a unique flavour and texture to this delicious street food.
Shari's Apple Pie: Why Add Cheese?
You may want to see also
The corn is grilled until charred before the cheese is added
Mexican street corn, also known as elote, is a popular street food in Mexico. It is made by grilling corn on the cob until it is slightly charred and then adding various toppings. The process of grilling the corn adds a unique flavour to the dish, enhancing its overall taste.
The corn is typically grilled over medium-high heat until some of the kernels begin to char. This step is crucial as it imparts a smoky flavour to the corn and gives it a distinctive appearance. Once the corn is grilled to perfection, it is ready to be transformed into a delicious treat.
Before adding the cheese, the grilled corn is prepared with a variety of toppings. The corn is often coated with a creamy spread, such as mayonnaise, Mexican crema, or a combination of both. This step not only adds flavour but also creates a base for the cheese to adhere to. Some recipes suggest mixing the mayonnaise with sour cream, Greek yogurt, or garlic to enhance the creaminess and tanginess of the spread.
After the corn is generously coated with the creamy mixture, it's time to sprinkle on the cheese. The traditional cheese used in Mexican street corn is cotija, a salty and crumbly Mexican cheese. Cotija cheese can usually be found in the specialty cheese section of grocery stores. However, if cotija cheese is unavailable, suitable substitutes include crumbled feta cheese, Parmesan cheese, or queso fresco.
The addition of cheese takes the dish to the next level, creating a delicious combination of flavours and textures. The salty and creamy cheese blends perfectly with the grilled corn, making it irresistible. Once the cheese is added, the dish is almost ready to be served, with just a few final touches remaining.
To complete the Mexican street corn, various garnishes can be added according to taste. A popular choice is to sprinkle chilli powder, tajin seasoning, or cayenne pepper on top, adding a hint of spice and colour to the dish. Fresh cilantro, lime juice, and garlic are also common additions, providing a burst of freshness and tanginess. These final touches elevate the dish, making it a true flavour explosion.
Cheese, Chicken, and Rice: A Delicious Combination?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The cheese is sprinkled on top of a layer of crema, mayonnaise, or butter
Mexican street corn, also known as elote, is a popular street food in Mexico. It is made by grilling corn on the cob and then coating it with a layer of crema, mayonnaise, or butter. The cheese is then sprinkled on top of this layer, along with other toppings such as chilli powder, lime juice, and cilantro.
The type of cheese most commonly used for elote is cotija, a salty and crumbly Mexican cheese. However, other types of cheese can also be used, such as feta, Parmesan, or mozzarella. The choice of cheese depends on personal preference and availability.
The process of making elote starts with grilling the corn until it is slightly charred. Then, a layer of crema, mayonnaise, or butter is spread on the corn. The cheese is then sprinkled on top of this layer, followed by additional toppings such as chilli powder, lime juice, and cilantro. The corn is then served immediately and eaten straight off the cob.
The combination of creamy, tangy, and salty flavours makes elote a unique and delicious street food. The cheese adds a salty and crumbly texture to the corn, enhancing the overall taste experience. Elote can be served as a snack or a side dish, and it is a popular choice for summer barbecues and potlucks.
In addition to the classic elote, there is also a variation called esquites, which is a Mexican street corn salad. Esquites is made by removing the corn from the cob and cooking it in butter with chopped bell peppers and chile pepper strips. It is then served in a cup and topped with lime juice, mayonnaise, and cotija cheese. Esquites offers a spoonable version of the traditional elote, allowing for a different way to enjoy the flavours of Mexican street corn.
Cheese Choice for Elote: The Best Topping?
You may want to see also
The dish is called 'elote' and is a popular street food in Mexico
Elote, which means "corn cob" in Spanish, is a popular street food in Mexico. It is grilled corn on the cob smothered in a creamy sauce and topped with cheese, chilli powder, and lime. The creamy sauce is typically made from mayonnaise, Mexican crema, and optionally, sour cream or Greek yogurt. The traditional cheese used in elote is cotija, a salty and crumbly Mexican cheese, although feta, parmesan, or queso fresco can be used as substitutes.
Elote is a versatile dish that can be cooked on a grill, in an instant pot, or on the stove. The corn cobs can be boiled, roasted, or grilled until slightly charred, and then coated with the creamy sauce. The sauce mixture can be customised with various herbs, spices, or seasonings, such as garlic, chipotle pepper, lime zest, and cilantro. The addition of butter before grilling is also optional but recommended for extra flavour.
Once the corn cobs are coated in the creamy sauce, they are generously topped with cotija cheese and chilli powder. Some recipes suggest sprinkling the cheese over the corn before adding the sauce, as this helps the cheese stick to the cob. Finally, the elote is garnished with a lime wedge, ready for squeezing over the top. Elote is best served hot off the grill and eaten immediately.
Elote is a popular dish in Mexico and can be found at street carts and small-town events. It is a flavourful and creamy, cheesy, slightly sweet, and tangy dish. It can be enjoyed as a snack or side dish for summer barbecues and potlucks.
Cheesy Casserole: Green Beans, Tater Tots, and Cheese
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Cotija cheese is the traditional cheese used in Mexican street corn, also known as Elote. It is a salty, crumbly Mexican cheese.
Feta cheese, Parmesan, or queso fresco are good alternatives to Cotija cheese.
Mexican street corn, or Elote, is grilled corn on the cob smothered in a creamy sauce and topped with cheese, chili powder, and lime.
The creamy sauce, or spread, is made from a mixture of mayonnaise, Mexican crema, and sour cream.
First, grill the corn until it is lightly charred. Then, spread the corn with the creamy sauce. Finally, sprinkle the corn with the cheese.
