Bushra Griffith
Mexican street corn, or elote, is a popular Mexican street food. It is made by grilling corn on the cob and then coating it with a sauce made from mayonnaise, sour cream, and Mexican crema. The sauce is then topped with crumbled cotija cheese, a salty Mexican cheese, and sometimes with chilli powder, smoked paprika, or lime juice. The combination of charred kernels smothered in a tangy sauce is guaranteed to please.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese Type | Cotija, Feta, Parmesan, Queso Fresco |
| Cheese Texture | Crumbly, Dry, Salty |
| Cheese Origin | Mexican |
What You'll Learn
Cotija cheese: a salty, crumbly Mexican cheese, often used as a topping
Cotija cheese is a traditional Mexican cheese used in Mexican Street Corn recipes. It is a salty, crumbly cheese, mainly made from cow's milk. It is often described as resembling feta cheese in appearance, and the two cheeses can be used interchangeably in recipes. However, for an authentic Mexican Street Corn experience, Cotija cheese is recommended.
Cotija cheese is available in most grocery stores and is usually found in the specialty cheese section. It is a popular topping for Mexican Street Corn, also known as Elote, a classic Mexican dish of grilled corn on the cob. The corn is typically coated in a creamy spread, such as mayonnaise, sour cream, or Mexican crema, and then generously topped with Cotija cheese.
The cheese's salty and crumbly texture adds a unique flavour and mouthfeel to the dish, creating a pleasant contrast with the creamy spread and grilled corn. The cheese also adds a nice salty flavour to the dish, eliminating the need for additional salt.
When preparing Mexican Street Corn, the corn is grilled until lightly charred, then coated in the creamy spread, and finally, the Cotija cheese is sprinkled on top. This cheese is an essential ingredient in creating the authentic flavours and textures of this popular Mexican street food.
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Feta as a substitute
Mexican street corn, also known as Elote, is a popular Mexican street food. It is made by grilling corn on the cob and then smothering it in butter, mayonnaise, and crumbled Cotija cheese.
Cotija cheese is a hard, crumbly Mexican cheese made predominantly from cow's milk. It has a salty, tangy flavor and is often compared to feta cheese. In fact, feta can be used as a substitute for Cotija in a pinch.
Feta cheese is a brined cheese that hails from Greece and is typically made with pasteurized goat's milk. However, in the United States, feta cheese is often made with cow's milk, making it more comparable to Cotija. When purchasing feta cheese as a substitute, check the ingredient list to see what type of milk it is made with. Also, note that feta cheese packaged in brine may be saltier than Cotija, so you may need to adjust your recipe accordingly.
Feta cheese can be used as a substitute for Cotija in the same way. It will provide a similar salty, tangy flavor and crumbly texture to your Mexican street corn.
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Mexican Crema: a thickened cream, similar to sour cream
Mexican crema is a thickened cream, similar to sour cream but with a milder and less tangy flavour. It is typically made by fermenting a combination of heavy cream and buttermilk. It has a thinner and more pourable consistency than sour cream, adding a creamy touch without overwhelming the dish.
In Mexican cuisine, crema is often drizzled over dishes to provide a smooth and creamy finish. It is used to add a touch of richness to salsas, soups, and stews, and is a popular topping for tacos al pastor and grilled corn.
When making Mexican street corn, Mexican crema is spread all over the corn on the cob after grilling. It serves as a base for the other toppings, such as cotija cheese, chili powder or smoked paprika, and fresh cilantro.
The use of Mexican crema in this dish adds a creamy texture and a subtle tanginess that complements the other ingredients. It is an essential component of authentic Mexican street corn, contributing to its unique flavour and authenticity.
While sour cream can be used as a substitute for Mexican crema in some cases, they are not the same. Mexican crema has a sweeter and less sour taste, and its thinner consistency makes it ideal for drizzling and adding a delicate creamy finish to various Mexican dishes.
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Mayonnaise as a substitute for Mexican Crema
Mexican street corn, or elote, is a popular Mexican street food. It is made by grilling corn on the cob and then coating it with butter, mayonnaise, and Mexican crema, a type of cultured cream made from fermented dairy cream, and crumbled Cotija cheese.
Mayonnaise and Mexican crema are often used together in recipes for elote. However, they are not the same and have distinct characteristics. Mayonnaise is an emulsified blend of oil and vinegar with no dairy products, while Mexican crema is a cultured cream made by fermenting dairy cream with bacteria, resulting in a rich and creamy texture with a tangy flavor.
Despite their differences, mayonnaise can be used as a substitute for Mexican crema in some cases. Mayonnaise has a similar consistency to Mexican crema, especially the dense variety. It can be used as a substitute in salad dressings or as a topping for tacos or quesadillas. However, due to its high oil content, mayonnaise may make some dishes greasy, and it is not suitable for cooked dishes.
On the other hand, Mexican crema is better suited for cooked dishes due to its high-fat content and low protein, which prevents curdling. It is often used as a topping for enchiladas, chili con carne, and other Mexican and Tex-Mex dishes. It also helps to mitigate the heat of spicy dishes.
Therefore, when substituting mayonnaise for Mexican crema, it is essential to consider the dish's characteristics and whether the high oil content of mayonnaise will be suitable.
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Chilli powder and smoked paprika for seasoning
Chilli powder and smoked paprika are essential seasonings for Mexican street corn, also known as elote. Elote is a popular street food in Mexico, where vendors sell grilled corn on the cob smothered in a creamy, cheesy sauce and a variety of seasonings.
The classic seasoning for elote is chilli powder, but smoked paprika is also a popular choice. These spices add a smoky kick to the dish and enhance its overall flavour. The level of heat can be adjusted to suit individual preferences by using mild or spicy chilli powder, or even a dash of cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
To make Mexican street corn, grill the corn until lightly charred, then coat it with a mixture of mayonnaise, sour cream, garlic, and chilli powder. Next, sprinkle the corn with crumbled cotija cheese, a salty Mexican cheese similar to feta. Finally, add a squeeze of lime juice and a generous sprinkle of smoked paprika for added colour and flavour.
The beauty of elote lies in its versatility. While the classic recipe calls for specific ingredients, feel free to experiment with different cheeses, spices, and herbs to create your own unique version.
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Frequently asked questions
Cotija cheese is the traditional choice for Mexican street corn. It is a salty, crumbly Mexican cheese made from cow's milk.
If you cannot find Cotija cheese, you can use feta cheese, queso fresco, Parmesan cheese, or even crumbled mozzarella as substitutes.
Cotija cheese is used for Mexican street corn because it adds a salty flavour and it does not melt, so you get pockets of cheese with the warmth of the corn and the creaminess of the sauce.
You can typically find Cotija cheese in the specialty cheese section of most grocery stores.
Yes, while cheese is a common ingredient in Mexican street corn, it is not mandatory. You can make a vegan version by omitting the cheese and using vegan mayonnaise.
