Mexican street corn, also known as elote, is a popular Mexican street food. It is made by grilling corn on the cob and coating it with a mixture of mayonnaise, sour cream, cotija cheese, chilli powder, and lime. The corn can be cooked on the stove, on a grill, or in an instant pot, and the final dish can be served as a snack or side dish. The elote refers to the corn cob, and the dish is commonly sold from street carts in Mexico. The corn is traditionally coated with a creamy sauce and garnished with chilli powder, cheese, and lime. The sauce can be made with mayonnaise, sour cream, or Mexican crema, and the corn is typically grilled until slightly charred. The cotija cheese is a salty, crumbly Mexican cheese made from cow's milk. It is often compared to feta cheese, which can be used as a substitute.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Cheese Type | Cotija, Feta, Parmesan, Queso Fresco |
Cheese Texture | Crumbly, Dry, Salty |
Cheese Origin | Cow's Milk |
What You'll Learn
Cotija cheese is the traditional choice
Cotija cheese is available in most grocery stores, usually in the specialty cheese section. However, if you can't get your hands on any, there are a few substitute options. Feta is the closest alternative, and you can also use parmesan or queso fresco. If you're making a vegan version, you can simply omit the cheese.
To prepare your Mexican street corn, grill your corn on the cob until it's lightly charred all over. Then, spread your sauce over the corn—this could be a mixture of mayonnaise, Mexican crema, and/or sour cream. Finally, sprinkle your corn with cotija cheese, and add any extra toppings like lime juice, chili powder, or fresh cilantro.
And that's it! You've made yourself some delicious Mexican street corn with the perfect cheese of choice.
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Feta is a good substitute
If you're looking to make an authentic Mexican street corn recipe, also known as Elote, you'll need corn on the cob, butter, mayonnaise, and Cotija cheese. The corn is grilled, then slathered in a creamy, zesty sauce, and finally topped with crumbled cheese.
Feta is a suitable substitute for Cotija because it has a similar texture and saltiness. Feta is also easier to find in grocery stores and may already be in your fridge!
Here's a simple recipe for Mexican street corn with feta:
Ingredients:
- 4 ears of corn, shucked
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
- 1 teaspoon freshly chopped parsley
- Sea salt and pepper, to taste
- Lime wedges, for serving
Instructions:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Place the corn on the grill and cook for about 10 minutes, turning the cobs every 2-3 minutes until evenly charred.
- In a small bowl, mix together the butter, feta, garlic, parsley, and red pepper.
- Once the corn is cooked, season it with salt and pepper to taste.
- Generously spread the feta butter mixture over the corn.
- Sprinkle with extra chopped parsley and serve with lime wedges on the side.
Enjoy your delicious Mexican street corn with feta! It's a perfect summer side dish and a fun twist on the traditional recipe.
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Crumbly queso fresco also works
If you're unable to get your hands on cotija cheese, crumbly queso fresco is another option for your Mexican street corn. Queso fresco is a Mexican cheese that is often used in sauces. It's a great alternative to cotija as it's also a crumbly, salty cheese.
To make your Mexican street corn, you'll need to grill your corn on the cob. You can do this on a grill pan or an outdoor grill. Turn the corn occasionally so that it's browned in spots. You can also cook the corn in the oven, in the microwave, or on a stove.
Once the corn is cooked, it's time to add the toppings. First, you can spread a thin layer of a creamy sauce, such as a mixture of mayonnaise and Mexican crema, all over the corn. If you can't find Mexican crema, you can use sour cream or even Greek yogurt.
Now, it's time for the cheese! Sprinkle the corn generously with queso fresco. You can also add other toppings like chili powder, lime juice, and fresh chopped cilantro.
And that's it! Your Mexican street corn is ready to be enjoyed. It's best served fresh, but if you have any leftovers, you can store them in the fridge for a day or two.
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How to get the cheese to stick
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 butter, mayonnaise, and crumbled Cotija cheese. The Cotija cheese is a key ingredient, as it is a dry, salty Mexican cheese that adds a nice salty flavour to the dish without melting.
To get the cheese to stick to the corn, you can follow these steps:
First, grill the corn until it is lightly charred all over. You can do this on an outdoor grill or in a grill pan. If you are using an outdoor grill, preheat it to medium-high heat and grill the corn for 7-10 minutes, turning the cobs every few minutes to ensure even cooking. If you are using a grill pan, heat it to roughly 400 degrees F and grill the corn for about 12 minutes, turning the cobs a quarter turn every 3 minutes.
Once the corn is grilled, it's time to add the toppings. Start by rolling the corn in melted butter, then spreading mayonnaise evenly over the cob. You can use a butter knife or a small spatula to spread the mayonnaise. Make sure the corn is still warm when you add the butter and mayonnaise, as this will help the cheese stick better.
Next, sprinkle the Cotija cheese over the corn. You can be generous with the cheese, as it is a key ingredient in Mexican street corn. The warmth of the corn and the butter and mayonnaise will help the cheese stick. If you want to ensure that the cheese really sticks to the corn, you can mix it into a sauce before adding it to the cob. To make the sauce, simply mix together some Mexican Crema or sour cream, mayonnaise, crushed garlic, lime zest and juice, and chopped cilantro. Then, generously rub the sauce over the corn and top with extra Cotija cheese.
Finally, add any additional toppings or seasonings you desire. Some popular options include chili powder, smoked paprika, tajin seasoning, cayenne pepper, and fresh cilantro. You can also serve the corn with lime wedges on the side.
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Other ingredients to add
While the star of Mexican street corn is, of course, corn, there are a variety of other ingredients that can be added to elevate the dish. Here are some suggestions for other ingredients to add to your Mexican street corn:
- Butter: Slathering the corn with butter adds a rich and creamy element to the dish.
- Mayonnaise: Mayonnaise is a key ingredient in Mexican street corn, providing a creamy base for the other flavours to shine.
- Cheese: Cotija cheese, a salty and crumbly Mexican cheese, is the classic choice for this dish. However, if you can't find Cotija, crumbled feta cheese can be used as a substitute. The cheese adds a salty, savoury note to the sweet corn.
- Lime: A squeeze of lime juice adds a bright pop of citrus flavour to the dish.
- Spices: A variety of spices can be added to Mexican street corn to enhance its flavour. These include chili powder, smoked paprika, or cayenne pepper for a spicy kick, and cumin for an earthy, savoury note.
- Herbs: Fresh cilantro (coriander) is often added to Mexican street corn for a bright, fresh flavour. However, if you're not a fan of cilantro, you can substitute parsley or green onions (scallions).
- Other toppings: For an extra indulgent touch, you can top your Mexican street corn with crumbled bacon, avocado, or chopped jalapeños for some added spice and heat.
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Frequently asked questions
Mexican Street Corn, also known as Elote, is a popular street food originating from Mexico. It consists of grilled or boiled corn on the cob, typically grilled, slathered with a creamy, spicy sauce, and then coated with crumbled cheese.
A sharp, salty, and crumbly Mexican cheese called Cotija is traditionally used. Cotija cheese is similar in texture and flavor to feta cheese, slightly salty with a tangy, milky flavor, and it crumbles easily, making it perfect for sprinkling over the corn.
Yes, if you can't find Cotija cheese or prefer a different flavor, there are several alternatives that work well. Crumbled feta cheese is a common substitute due to its similar texture, saltiness, and tang. Additionally, grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese can add a nice savory, nutty flavor. For a milder option, crumbled queso fresco or Monterey Jack cheese can be used.
You can either grill or boil the corn. Grilling adds a nice charred flavor and can be done on an outdoor grill or a grill pan. Boiling is a quicker method and ensures the corn is cooked through. After cooking, the corn is typically brushed with melted butter and seasoned with salt and pepper to taste before adding the sauce and cheese.
The creamy sauce is a mixture of sour cream, mayonnaise, lime juice, garlic, and chili powder. You can adjust the quantities to taste, but a common ratio is equal parts sour cream and mayonnaise with a generous amount of lime juice and minced garlic, and chili powder to taste. This sauce is then spread over the cooked corn before sprinkling with the cheese.