Randy Chandler
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 variety of toppings. The most common type of cheese used for Mexican street corn is Cotija, a salty and crumbly cheese that can be found in most grocery stores. However, if Cotija cheese is unavailable, some recipes suggest substituting it with crumbled feta cheese or finely grated Parmesan cheese. The choice of cheese is essential to achieving the desired salty and tangy flavour profile characteristic of this dish.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese | Cotija, crumbled feta, queso fresco, queso seco, or crumbled cheese |
| Other ingredients | Butter, mayonnaise, Mexican crema, lime juice, salt, garlic, cilantro, chile powder, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, scallions, jalapeño |
| Preparation | Corn is grilled until charred, then coated with butter, mayonnaise, and cheese |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Cotija cheese is the most popular cheese for Mexican street corn
Mexican street corn, also known as elote, is a popular Mexican street food. It is made by grilling corn on the cob until it is lightly charred, then coating it with a mixture of ingredients such as butter, mayonnaise, lime juice, and spices. The final step is to sprinkle it with crumbled cheese.
The Cotija cheese can be mixed with other ingredients such as mayonnaise, Mexican crema or sour cream, lime juice, garlic, cilantro, chile powder, and smoked paprika to create a spreadable sauce for the corn. This sauce can be made up to 24 hours in advance and stored in an airtight container. The corn can be grilled and then coated with the sauce just before serving, ensuring that it remains fresh and tasty.
The combination of Cotija cheese and Tajín seasoning or chile powder is particularly popular, as it adds a salty and spicy kick to the corn. The cheese can be sprinkled on top of the corn or mixed into the sauce, depending on the desired texture and flavour profile.
In addition to Cotija cheese, other types of cheese such as Queso Fresco and feta cheese can also be used. However, Cotija cheese remains the most traditional and widely used option for Mexican street corn.
Kunafa: The Cheesy Delicacy's Secret
You may want to see also
Feta can be used as a substitute
Mexican street corn, also known as elotes, is a popular Mexican street food. It is made by grilling corn on the cob and then coating it with a mixture of mayonnaise, sour cream, cheese, chilli powder, and lime. The traditional cheese used in this recipe is cotija, a salty cow's milk cheese that is often used in sauces in Mexican cuisine.
However, if you do not have access to cotija cheese or are looking for a substitute, feta can be used as a substitute. Feta is a Greek cured cheese made from sheep's milk or a mixture of sheep's and goat's milk. It has a salty and tangy taste, which makes it a good substitute for cotija in Mexican street corn. It is a little saltier and creamier than cotija, but it brings a similar briny pop that makes Mexican street corn addictive.
To make Mexican street corn with feta, you can follow a similar process as the traditional recipe. Grill the corn on the cob until it is lightly charred all over. Then, roll it in butter, spread it with mayonnaise, and sprinkle it with crumbled feta cheese. You can also add some lime juice to the mixture or serve the corn with lime wedges on the side. If you want to add more flavour, you can also include herbs, spices, or seasonings such as chilli powder or cilantro.
Using feta instead of cotija is a great way to make Mexican street corn more accessible, especially if you do not have access to cotija cheese in your area. It is a simple substitution that does not compromise on taste and can be a fun way to experiment with a popular dish.
Ricotta Cheese Pasta: Easy, Creamy, Delicious
You may want to see also
Queso fresco is another option
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 lightly charred, then coating it with a mixture of mayonnaise, butter, and Mexican crema, a thin variety of sour cream with added salt. The corn is then typically sprinkled with crumbled Cotija cheese, a salty and crumbly Mexican cheese that can be found in most grocery stores.
However, Cotija cheese can sometimes be difficult to find outside of Mexico. In these cases, crumbled feta cheese is often suggested as a substitute. But if you're looking for an alternative to feta, or want to bring even more authenticity to your Mexican street corn, you can use queso fresco.
Queso fresco is a fresh Mexican cheese that is commonly used in Mexican cuisine. It has a mild, tangy flavour and a crumbly texture similar to that of feta. When used in Mexican street corn, it adds a delicious salty and creamy element that complements the other flavours in the dish.
To make Mexican street corn with queso fresco, simply grill your corn on the cob until it is lightly charred, then coat it with a mixture of mayonnaise, butter, and Mexican crema. Sprinkle the corn with queso fresco, adding extra if desired, and serve with a lime wedge on the side.
Panela Cheese: Uses and Benefits
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Mexican street corn can be made into a salad
Mexican street corn, also known as elote, is a popular street food in Mexico. It is made by grilling corn on the cob until charred, then smothering it in butter, mayonnaise, and crumbled cotija cheese. This dish can be easily transformed into a salad by cutting the corn kernels off the cob and mixing them with other ingredients.
To make Mexican street corn salad, start by grilling the corn on the cob until charred. You can brush the corn with olive oil and grill for 2 minutes per side, or until char marks form. Next, slice the kernels off the corn and add them to a bowl. In a separate bowl, combine mayonnaise, garlic, lime zest, and lime juice. You can also add some sour cream or Mexican crema to the mixture for extra creaminess and tanginess. Whisk everything together until well combined.
Now it's time to assemble the salad. Add the dressing to the bowl with the corn kernels and stir to coat. Then, sprinkle in some crumbled cotija cheese. If cotija cheese is not available, you can use feta, parmesan, or goat cheese instead. To add some spice and freshness, include chopped jalapeño, scallions, cilantro, and smoked paprika. You can also add some chili powder or cayenne pepper for extra heat.
Stir all the ingredients together, and your Mexican street corn salad is ready to be served! This salad is a perfect side dish for any Mexican-themed meal, barbecue, or potluck. It can be served immediately or chilled beforehand for a refreshing option. Enjoy the fresh, creamy, and tangy flavors of this delicious Mexican street corn salad!
Havarti Cheese: Best Uses and Recipes
You may want to see also
The corn can be grilled or cooked in an oven
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 lightly charred, then coating it with a variety of toppings. While grilling is the traditional method, it is also possible to cook the corn in an oven.
Once the corn is grilled or baked, it can be coated with a variety of toppings. A common base for Mexican street corn is a mixture of mayonnaise, butter, and Mexican crema or sour cream. This mixture can be spread on the corn, and then other toppings can be added. Common toppings include crumbled Cotija cheese, chilli powder, lime juice, garlic, cilantro, and smoked paprika.
The corn can be served immediately after adding the toppings, or it can be chilled and served later. The combination of sweet corn, salty cheese, and tangy toppings makes Mexican street corn a delicious and flavourful dish. Whether grilled or cooked in an oven, Mexican street corn is a tasty treat that can be enjoyed by everyone.
Cheese Options for a Perfect Lasagna
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Cotija cheese is the traditional cheese used for Mexican street corn. It is a salty and crumbly cheese that can be found in most grocery stores.
Yes, you can use other cheeses such as crumbled feta or finely grated parmesan cheese.
In addition to cheese, Mexican street corn is typically made with grilled corn, butter, mayonnaise, lime juice, and spices such as chili powder, garlic, and cilantro.
