Bushra Griffith
Elotes, also known as Mexican street corn, is a popular Mexican street food that has spread in popularity across the United States. This dish is made by grilling corn and topping it with a variety of ingredients, most commonly a creamy sauce made from mayonnaise and Mexican crema (or sour cream), and cotija cheese. Cotija cheese is a Mexican cow's milk cheese that is named after a town of the same name in Michoacán, Mexico. It is described as crumbly, salty, and funky, with a flavour profile somewhere between feta and parmesan. While cotija cheese is considered the traditional choice, some recipes substitute it with feta or parmesan cheese.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese type | Cotija, Feta, Parmesan |
| Cheese texture | Crumbly |
| Cheese flavour | Salty, Funky |
| Cheese origin | Cotija is a Mexican cow's milk cheese, named after a town in Michoacán, Mexico |
| Cheese alternatives | Ricotta salata, Parmesan, Feta |
| Cheese preparation | Finely crumbled, grated |
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What You'll Learn
Cotija cheese is the classic choice
Elotes, or Mexican street corn, is a popular Mexican and US street food. It is made by grilling corn and topping it with a creamy sauce, cheese, and spices. While different types of cheese can be used, Cotija cheese is the classic choice.
Cotija cheese is a Mexican cow's milk cheese named after a town of the same name in Michoacán, Mexico. It is crumbly and salty, with a strong fragrance, and its flavour can range from feta to Parmesan, depending on its age. Its saltiness means that elotes made with Cotija cheese may not need additional seasoning.
Cotija cheese is typically grated over the elotes. It can be purchased pre-grated, or grated at home from a block. If Cotija cheese is unavailable, feta or Parmesan can be used as substitutes.
Elotes are made by boiling or grilling corn, which may be brushed with butter or oil, before being covered with a mixture of mayonnaise, crema, butter, and lime juice. The corn is then sprinkled with Cotija cheese and chilli powder, and served with lime wedges. The dish can be customised by adding hot sauce or cilantro.
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Feta is a good alternative
Elotes, also known as Mexican street corn, is a popular Mexican street food. It is made by grilling corn on the cob and topping it with a creamy sauce, typically made with mayonnaise and Mexican crema, and spices such as chilli powder, garlic, and lime juice. The corn is then generously topped with crumbled cheese and served with a lime wedge.
The traditional cheese used in elotes is Cotija, a Mexican cow's milk cheese named after a town in Michoacán, Mexico. Cotija has a unique flavour and texture, tasting somewhere between feta and parmesan, and is crumbly in texture.
However, Cotija cheese can be difficult to find outside of Mexico, so substitutes are often used. Feta is a good alternative to Cotija as it has a similar flavour and texture. Feta is a briny, tangy, and salty Greek cheese that is also crumbly in texture, making it a suitable substitute for Cotija. While it may not taste exactly the same, feta cheese will still create a delicious elote dish.
In addition to feta, other substitutes for Cotija cheese include ricotta salata, parmesan, and crumbled queso fresco. When using feta or ricotta salata, it is recommended to grate the cheese yourself from a block rather than using pre-grated cheese.
Overall, feta is a suitable and tasty alternative to Cotija cheese in elotes, allowing those who cannot find Cotija to still enjoy the flavours and textures of this popular Mexican street food.
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Parmesan can be used instead
Elotes, or Mexican street corn, is a popular Mexican snack or side dish. It is made by grilling corn on the cob and then smothering it in a creamy sauce made from mayonnaise, sour cream, or Mexican crema, and topping it with cheese, chili powder, and lime juice. The traditional cheese used in elotes is cotija, a Mexican cow's milk cheese that is named after a town in Michoacán, Mexico. Cotija cheese has a unique flavour and texture, and it can be difficult to find outside of Mexico.
If you are unable to find cotija cheese, Parmesan cheese can be used as a substitute. Parmesan has a strong flavour that can complement the other ingredients in elotes. It is important to note that Parmesan is not an exact substitute for cotija in terms of flavour or texture. Cotija is a crumbly cheese that can taste similar to feta, depending on its age. Parmesan, on the other hand, is a harder cheese with a stronger flavour. However, when finely grated, Parmesan can still be a delicious topping for elotes.
When using Parmesan in elotes, it is best to buy a block of Parmesan and grate it yourself, rather than using pre-grated Parmesan. This ensures the cheese is fresh and has the best flavour and texture. You can also adjust the amount of Parmesan used to suit your taste preferences. Some people also suggest using vegan Parmesan as a substitute for cotija, especially if you are looking for a dairy-free option.
In addition to the cheese, there are a few other ingredients that you can customise to your taste preferences. For example, you can use either mayonnaise or sour cream, or a combination of both, for the creamy sauce. You can also adjust the amount of chili powder and lime juice to your liking, or even try using different varieties of chili powder such as chipotle, ancho, guajillo, or Tajín.
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Crumbly, salty, funky: the taste of Cotija
Elotes, or Mexican street corn, is a popular Mexican street food that has spread to the US. It is made by grilling corn and topping it with a variety of ingredients, including mayonnaise, Mexican crema or sour cream, butter, lime, and cheese. The type of cheese used in elotes is typically Cotija, a Mexican cow's milk cheese named after a town in Michoacán, Mexico. Cotija cheese is crumbly, salty, and funky, with a strong fragrance. Its flavour can range from feta to Parmesan, depending on its age.
Cotija cheese is the classic choice for elotes, but it can be challenging to find outside of Mexico or areas with a large Hispanic population. If you cannot find Cotija cheese, there are several suitable substitute cheeses that can be used. Feta cheese, for example, has a similar crumbly texture and salty flavour. Ricotta salata is another good alternative, although it may be harder to find than Cotija. Parmesan cheese is also a suitable substitute, although its flavour differs significantly from Cotija. When using Parmesan, it is recommended to buy a whole block and grate it yourself rather than using pre-grated cheese.
The versatility of elotes allows for customization to suit individual tastes. While the classic recipe calls for grilled corn, some people prefer to boil the corn first to make it tender before grilling. The corn can be brushed with butter before grilling to add extra flavour and enhance the smoky taste. The creamy sauce used in elotes is typically made by mixing mayonnaise and Mexican crema, but some people prefer to use only one of these ingredients or substitute sour cream for the crema. Lime juice and zest are often added to the sauce to create a tangy flavour profile.
After grilling the corn and preparing the sauce, it is time to assemble the elotes. The corn is brushed with the creamy sauce and then generously sprinkled with Cotija cheese. The amount of cheese used can be adjusted to suit personal preferences. Chili powder is then sprinkled on top, adding a spicy kick to the dish. Some people also like to add fresh cilantro for a touch of herbiness. Finally, the elotes are served with lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of citrus flavour.
Elotes are a delicious and easy-to-make snack or side dish, perfect for summer BBQs and potlucks. The combination of grilled corn, creamy sauce, salty cheese, spicy chili, and tangy lime creates a unique and addictive flavour profile. While Cotija cheese is the traditional choice, elotes can be successfully made with substitute cheeses when Cotija is unavailable, ensuring that anyone can enjoy this tasty Mexican treat.
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Mexican crema or sour cream
Mexican elotes, or Mexican street corn, is a popular Mexican and US street food. It is made by grilling corn on the cob and topping it with a creamy sauce, cheese, and spices. The classic recipe calls for a combination of mayonnaise and Mexican crema, a type of sour cream, to be spread on the grilled corn. This is then followed by a generous sprinkling of cotija cheese, a Mexican cow's milk cheese named after a town in Michoacán, Mexico. The cheese is crumbly and salty, with a flavour that falls somewhere between feta and Parmesan depending on its age.
While cotija cheese is the traditional choice, it may not be easily available in all regions. In such cases, good substitutes include ricotta salata, feta, or Parmesan cheese. The corn can also be enjoyed without any cheese, as a dairy-free option.
The crema mixture is typically made by combining mayonnaise, Mexican crema, butter, and lime juice. Some recipes also include garlic and cilantro in the sauce. The sauce is then brushed onto the grilled corn, which can be cooked on a grill, in an instant pot, or on the stove. The corn is then topped with the cotija cheese and chilli powder. Some recipes also include a final squeeze of lime juice, and optional garnishes such as cilantro and lime wedges.
The combination of creamy, salty, and tangy flavours makes Mexican elotes a delicious and popular snack or side dish. It is a simple dish that can be easily prepared at home, bringing a taste of Mexican street food to your table.
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Frequently asked questions
Cotija cheese is the traditional cheese used for Mexican elotes. It is a crumbly, salty Mexican cheese that is similar to feta or parmesan cheese.
If you can't find Cotija cheese, a good substitute would be feta cheese. Crumble it finely and sprinkle it on top of your elotes.
Besides cheese, Mexican elotes are made with grilled corn, mayonnaise, Mexican crema or sour cream, butter, lime juice, and chili powder.
