Elote: Grilled Mexican Street Corn
Enjoy the vibrant and delicious flavors of Elote, a beloved Mexican street food that's popular at fairs and street stalls across the country. This recipe celebrates the sweetness of freshly grilled corn smothered in a creamy sauce, topped with tangy cheese, and a hint of spice. Perfect as a side dish for summer barbecues or as a fun appetizer, this dish captures the essence of Mexican cuisine. Adapted from a Gourmet magazine recipe from 2006, this delightful take on street corn showcases the amazing combination of textures and flavors with an easy-to-follow method.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
corn on the cob
12 ears (grilled, roasted, or broiled)
mayonnaise
3/4 cup (or sour cream)
queso Cotija cheese
1/2 lb (shredded (or feta cheese, crumbled))
cayenne pepper
to taste (sprinkled)
lime wedges
as needed (for serving)
Instructions
1
Preheat your grill, oven, or broiler.
2
Grill, roast, or broil the corn on the cob until kernels are tender and slightly charred, about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally for even cooking.
3
Once the corn is cooked, remove it from the heat and allow it to cool slightly.
4
Spread a thin layer of mayonnaise or sour cream evenly over each ear of corn.
5
Roll the coated corn in shredded queso Cotija cheese (or crumbled feta) to ensure it's well-covered.
6
Sprinkle a dash of cayenne pepper over the corn for an extra kick.
7
Serve with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the top, enhancing the flavors.
8
Enjoy your delicious Elote warm, and share with friends and family!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Elote?
Elote is a popular Mexican street food featuring grilled corn on the cob coated in a creamy sauce, cheese, and chili powder.
How many ingredients are needed for this Elote recipe?
This recipe requires 5 main ingredients: corn on the cob, mayonnaise or sour cream, queso Cotija or feta, cayenne pepper, and lime wedges.
How should the corn be cooked?
The corn on the cob can be grilled, roasted, or broiled until the kernels are tender and slightly charred.
How long does it take to cook the corn?
The corn typically takes about 10 to 15 minutes to cook, depending on the heat source.
What can I use instead of mayonnaise?
You can use sour cream as a substitute for mayonnaise to create the creamy base layer.
What type of cheese is used in authentic Elote?
Queso Cotija cheese is traditionally used, but crumbled feta cheese is a recommended substitute if Cotija is unavailable.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this grilled Mexican street corn recipe is vegetarian-friendly.
How is the spice added to the corn?
A dash of cayenne pepper is sprinkled over the coated corn to provide a hint of spice.
Why are lime wedges served with the corn?
Lime wedges are served on the side for squeezing over the corn to enhance and brighten the overall flavors.
Can I cook the corn in the oven?
Yes, the instructions indicate that you can roast the corn in the oven as an alternative to grilling.
How many ears of corn does this specific recipe call for?
This recipe is designed for 12 ears of corn.
What is the recommended preparation for the cheese?
The Cotija cheese should be shredded, or if using feta, it should be crumbled.
Should the corn be hot when applying the mayonnaise?
The instructions suggest allowing the corn to cool slightly after cooking before spreading the mayonnaise layer.
Is this recipe easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe, making it perfect for summer barbecues or quick snacks.
What was the inspiration for this recipe?
This recipe was adapted from a Gourmet magazine recipe originally published in 2006.
Can I use a broiler to cook the corn?
Yes, using a broiler is one of the three suggested methods for cooking the corn on the cob.
How much mayonnaise is needed?
The recipe calls for 3/4 cup of mayonnaise or sour cream.
How much cheese should I prepare?
You should prepare 1/2 lb of shredded queso Cotija or crumbled feta cheese.
What is the first step in making Elote?
The first step is to preheat your grill, oven, or broiler.
How do I ensure the corn cooks evenly?
You should turn the corn occasionally during the 10-15 minute cooking process for even charring.
How do I apply the cheese to the corn?
Once the corn is coated in mayonnaise, you roll it in the cheese to ensure it is well-covered.
What tags are associated with this dish?
Tags include mexican, street food, corn, grilled, cheesy, easy recipe, vegetarian, summertime, and snack.
Can I make this as an appetizer?
Yes, it is described as a fun appetizer or a side dish for summer barbecues.
Does the recipe provide nutritional information?
No, the calorie, fat, carbohydrate, and protein values are not specified in this raw data.
What texture should the corn have?
The corn should be tender with a slight char on the kernels.
Can I adjust the spiciness?
Yes, the cayenne pepper is added to taste, allowing you to control the level of heat.
Should the corn be served warm or cold?
The recipe recommends enjoying your delicious Elote while it is still warm.
What is the serving size?
While the serving size is not explicitly listed, the recipe yields 12 ears of corn.
What makes this a 'street food' style dish?
It captures the vibrant flavors and common toppings found at street stalls and fairs in Mexico.
How do I finish the dish before serving?
Finish by sprinkling cayenne pepper over the cheese-covered corn and serving with lime wedges.