Get ready to experience the most mouthwatering, authentic Mexican street food sensation that will transport you straight to the vibrant markets of Mexico! Elote isn't just corn – it's a culinary masterpiece that combines creamy, spicy, tangy, and cheesy flavors in every single bite. Whether you're a street food enthusiast or a curious home cook, this recipe will elevate your corn game from ordinary to extraordinary, making you the star of any summer gathering or backyard barbecue.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 ears of corn, husked
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Husk the corn, removing all the silk and leaves. Rinse the corn under cold water to remove any remaining debris.
- In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Once boiling, carefully add the husked ears of corn. Boil the corn for about 5-7 minutes, or until tender. You can also grill the corn if you prefer a smoky flavor; simply preheat your grill and cook the corn for about 10 minutes, turning occasionally until charred and cooked through.
- While the corn is cooking, prepare the elote topping. In a mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise and chili powder. Mix well until the chili powder is fully incorporated into the mayonnaise.
- Once the corn is cooked, remove it from the pot or grill and allow it to cool slightly until it is safe to handle. If you grilled the corn, you can brush it with a little extra mayonnaise for added flavor.
- Using a brush or a spoon, generously coat each ear of corn with the mayonnaise and chili powder mixture, ensuring that all sides are covered.
- Sprinkle the crumbled cotija cheese over the coated corn, pressing gently to help it adhere to the mayonnaise.
- Season with salt to taste. You can also add more chili powder if you like it spicier.
- Serve the elote immediately, garnished with lime wedges. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the corn just before eating for an extra burst of flavor.
Tips
- Choose fresh, high-quality corn for the best flavor and texture. Look for ears with bright, plump kernels and green, moist husks.
- For extra flavor, consider grilling the corn instead of boiling. The char marks and smoky taste will add depth to your elote.
- Make sure your cotija cheese is crumbled finely for even distribution and better adherence to the mayonnaise coating.
- If you can't find cotija cheese, you can substitute with feta cheese, though the flavor will be slightly different.
- For a lighter version, you can replace mayonnaise with Mexican crema or Greek yogurt.
- Always serve elote immediately after preparation to enjoy the perfect temperature and texture.
- Don't be shy with the lime – the fresh citrus juice cuts through the richness and brings all the flavors together.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to your chili powder mixture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 20mg
