Bushra Griffith
Mexican street corn, or elote, is a popular street food in Mexico. It is made by grilling corn on the cob and then coating it in a variety of toppings, most commonly a combination of butter, mayonnaise, and cotija cheese. Cotija is a hard, crumbly Mexican cheese made from cow's milk. It is quite salty and resembles feta cheese, which can be used as a substitute. The corn can also be topped with spices such as chili powder, smoked paprika, or tajin seasoning, as well as fresh lime juice and cilantro.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Elote, Mexican Street Corn |
| Main Ingredients | Corn, Cheese, Mayonnaise, Lime |
| Cheese Type | Cotija, Feta, Queso Fresco |
| Other Ingredients | Butter, Sour Cream, Greek Yogurt, Chili Powder, Garlic, Cilantro, Tajin Seasoning, Sea Salt, Chipotle Chili Powder |
What You'll Learn
Mexican Street Corn (Elote) is traditionally made with Cotija cheese
Mexican Street Corn, also known as Elote, is a popular Mexican street food. It is made by grilling corn on the cob and then coating it in a variety of tasty toppings. The traditional cheese used in this dish is Cotija, a hard, salty, crumbly Mexican cheese made from cow's milk. It is similar in texture to feta cheese, which can be used as a substitute if Cotija is unavailable.
Cotija cheese is the traditional choice for Mexican Street Corn due to its unique flavour and texture. It is salty and crumbly, adding a savoury kick to the dish. The cheese is also dry and does not melt, so it provides a warm, creamy texture when combined with the other toppings.
To make Mexican Street Corn, first grill the corn until lightly charred. Then, spread a creamy mixture of mayonnaise, sour cream, or Mexican crema on the corn. This mixture helps the toppings stick to the corn. Next, sprinkle the corn with Cotija cheese, turning the cob to coat it evenly. Finally, add some lime juice and any desired seasonings, such as chili powder, smoked paprika, or tajin seasoning.
Some recipes suggest mixing the Cotija cheese into the creamy base, along with other seasonings, to make a flavourful sauce that is then spread onto the corn. This method ensures that the cheese does not slide off the corn and provides an even coating of cheese throughout the dish.
Mexican Street Corn is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that can be served as a snack or side. It is a popular choice for cookouts, BBQs, and summer meals.
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Cotija is a hard, salty Mexican cheese
Elote is a classic Mexican dish of grilled corn on the cob, slathered in a creamy, tangy sauce and topped with Cotija cheese. The cheese is an essential ingredient in this popular street food, adding a salty, savoury kick to the sweet, smoky grilled corn. The Cotija cheese is usually sprinkled on top of the corn, after the corn has been coated in a creamy sauce made from Mexican crema, mayonnaise, lime juice, and spices. The sauce helps the cheese stick to the corn, creating a delicious, savoury treat.
Cotija cheese is available in most grocery stores, usually in the specialty cheese section. If you can't find Cotija, you can substitute it with feta cheese, which has a similar texture and salty taste. However, it is worth the effort to find Cotija, as it has a unique flavour that enhances the street corn.
In addition to elote, Cotija cheese can be used in a variety of dishes. It is a versatile cheese that can be used as a topping, or mixed into dishes to add a salty, tangy flavour. It is a popular cheese in Mexican cuisine and can be used in tacos, burritos, salads, and more. Its salty flavour also makes it a great cheese to enjoy on its own as a snack.
So, if you're looking to add a tasty, salty kick to your dishes, Cotija cheese is a great option. It is a versatile cheese that can enhance the flavour of many dishes, and it is especially delicious in Mexican street corn.
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Feta can be used as a substitute for Cotija
Cotija is usually sold in two types: fresh, which is soft, and aged, which is harder and stronger in flavour. Fresh Cotija is similar to feta in texture and taste, while aged Cotija is more like Parmesan.
Feta can be used in the same way as Cotija, but it may be saltier, so you should adjust your recipe accordingly. It is also usually tangier than Cotija, and stronger in flavour. If you are using feta as a substitute, it is recommended to use cow's milk feta, as it is milder. You can also buy feta that is pre-crumbled, which will give you a finer texture and a moisture level closer to that of Cotija.
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The cheese is sprinkled over corn smothered in crema, mayonnaise, or a mixture of the two
Mexican street corn, also known as Elote, is a popular street food in Mexico. The corn is grilled and smothered in butter, mayonnaise, and crumbled cheese. The cheese is then sprinkled over the corn, which is smothered in crema, mayonnaise, or a mixture of the two.
The traditional cheese used in Mexican street corn is Cotija, a salty and crumbly Mexican cheese. However, if you can't find Cotija, you can use feta or crumbly queso fresco as a substitute. Crumble the cheese finely and sprinkle it over the corn.
The corn is first grilled over medium-high heat until the kernels are cooked and some are lightly charred. It is then spread with the mayonnaise mixture and sprinkled with the cheese.
The cheese sticks to the corn thanks to the creamy spread, which is made with mayonnaise, sour cream, or Mexican crema. This spread also adds to the flavour of the corn, making it creamy, cheesy, slightly sweet, and a bit sour.
Some recipes also include additional ingredients in the spread, such as chili powder, garlic, and fresh cilantro. These ingredients not only enhance the flavour but also help to get the cheese to stick to the corn.
The Mexican street corn is then served with a lime wedge on the side, adding a bright pop of flavour to the dish.
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The corn is grilled and seasoned with lime and spices
Grilled Mexican street corn, or Elote, is seasoned with a variety of spices and lime juice to give it a unique flavour. The corn is grilled to give it a smokey flavour and a charred appearance. The grilling process is important as it ensures the corn has a juicy, sweet taste.
The corn is then seasoned with a variety of spices. The classic seasoning for Elote is chilli powder, but smoked paprika is also a popular choice. The chilli powder gives the corn a smoky flavour and a little heat, while the smoked paprika adds a deeper, richer flavour. The corn is also seasoned with lime juice, which adds a bright pop of flavour and a tangy twist.
The combination of the grilled corn, the smoky spices, and the tangy lime juice creates a unique and irresistible flavour that has made Mexican street corn a popular dish. The corn can be further customised by adding additional herbs, spices, or seasonings to suit individual tastes.
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Frequently asked questions
Cotija cheese is the traditional choice for Mexican street corn. It is a hard, salty, crumbly Mexican cheese made from cow's milk.
Feta cheese and queso fresco are good substitutes for Cotija cheese and can be used in a pinch.
Cotija cheese can be found in the specialty cheese section of most grocery stores. If you can't find it there, try looking in a Latin market.
To get the cheese to stick, spread the corn with a creamy base such as mayonnaise, Mexican crema, or sour cream before sprinkling on the cheese.
While cheese is a key ingredient in traditional Mexican street corn, you can try making it without cheese if you prefer. Some recipes for street corn exclude cheese or use other toppings such as butter, lime juice, or spices.
