Craving a flavorful weeknight dinner idea? This easy Mexican Street Corn Recipe is a quick homemade favorite made with grilled corn, cotija cheese, and spices – Save for later and make it tonight!

Flavorful Mexican Street Corn Recipe

Introduction

Mexican Street Corn, or Elotes, is a flavorful and vibrant dish that captures the essence of Mexican cuisine. This recipe is a masterclass in simplicity, requiring minimal effort while delivering an explosion of flavors and textures. By combining everyday ingredients in a creative way, you’ll be able to impress your family and friends with a dish that’s both authentic and delicious. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few ingredients and some basic cooking skills. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a culinary newbie, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

Why This Works

Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: This recipe strikes a perfect balance between smoky, spicy, tangy, and sweet flavors, using ingredients that are easily found in most supermarkets.
Ease of preparation: With a quick prep time and simple cooking method, you can have this dish ready in no time, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend barbecues.
Impressive results with minimal effort: Despite its simplicity, this recipe yields impressive results, with a beautiful presentation and a depth of flavor that’s sure to wow your guests.

Key Ingredients

The key to this recipe lies in the combination of a few simple ingredients. You’ll need fresh corn on the cob, mayonnaise, cotija cheese, chili powder, lime juice, and cilantro. For a spicy kick, you can add some diced jalapeños or serrano peppers. If you can’t find cotija cheese, you can substitute it with feta or Parmesan. Mayonnaise can be replaced with Greek yogurt or sour cream for a lighter version. Fresh cilantro is essential for the authentic flavor, but you can also use parsley or basil as a substitute.

Instructions

Step 1: Begin by preheating your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Husk the corn and remove the silk, then brush the corn with a little bit of oil and season with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Grill the corn for about 10-15 minutes, turning every 2-3 minutes, until it’s lightly charred and tender. Once the corn is cooked, let it cool for a few minutes.
Step 3: Slather each ear of corn with mayonnaise, then sprinkle with cotija cheese, chili powder, and a squeeze of lime juice. Top with chopped cilantro and a dash of chili powder.
Step 4: Serve the corn immediately, with a wedge of lime and a few extra sprinkles of cheese and chili powder on the side. You can also add some diced onions, tomatoes, or avocado for extra flavor and texture.

Handy Tips

When grilling the corn, make sure to rotate it frequently to avoid burning. If you don’t have a grill, you can also cook the corn in a skillet on the stovetop or in the oven.
Don’t overdo it with the mayonnaise – a thin layer is enough to add creaminess without overpowering the other flavors.
Experiment with different types of cheese and chili powder to find the combination that you like best.

Heat Control

When grilling the corn, it’s essential to control the heat to avoid burning. Medium-high heat is ideal, as it will give you a nice char on the outside while keeping the inside tender. If you’re using a skillet or oven, adjust the heat accordingly to prevent burning. The corn is done when it’s lightly charred and tender, with a few kernels bursting out of the husk.

Crunch Factor

The crunch factor in this recipe comes from the toasted chili powder and the crispy cotija cheese. To achieve the perfect crunch, sprinkle the cheese and chili powder just before serving, so they retain their texture. You can also add some crunchy elements like diced onions or toasted pumpkin seeds to give it an extra boost.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

For an extra smoky flavor, you can add a few chips of mesquite or applewood to the grill while cooking the corn.
To make the dish more substantial, you can add some grilled chicken, steak, or shrimp on top of the corn.
For a spicy kick, you can add some diced jalapeños or serrano peppers to the mayonnaise or sprinkle them on top of the corn.

Storage Tips

Leftover corn can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the oven or on the stovetop until warmed through.
You can also freeze the cooked corn for up to 2 months. Simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat it when you’re ready to serve.
For the best results, store the corn in a container with a tight-fitting lid, such as a glass or plastic container with a lid.

Gift Packaging Ideas

If you want to give this dish as a gift, you can package it in a beautiful basket or container with some extra toppings like lime wedges, chili powder, and cotija cheese. You can also add some crusty bread or tortilla chips on the side for a complete snack. Wrap the container in a colorful towel or cloth, and tie it with a ribbon or twine for a charming presentation.

Flavor Variations

🌟 Different spices: Try using different types of chili powder, such as chipotle or ancho, for a unique flavor profile.
🌟 Creative toppings: Add some diced onions, tomatoes, or avocado to give the dish an extra boost of flavor and texture.
🌟 Ingredient swaps: Substitute the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or sour cream for a lighter version, or use feta or Parmesan cheese instead of cotija.

Troubleshooting

Texture problems: If the corn is too hard or too soft, adjust the cooking time accordingly. If the mayonnaise is too thick, thin it out with a little bit of lime juice or water.
Ingredient replacements: If you can’t find cotija cheese, use feta or Parmesan instead. If you don’t have mayonnaise, use Greek yogurt or sour cream.
Over/undercooking signs: The corn is done when it’s lightly charred and tender, with a few kernels bursting out of the husk. If it’s overcooked, it will be dry and tough.

FAQs

Can I freeze it? Yes, you can freeze the cooked corn for up to 2 months. Simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat it when you’re ready to serve.
Is it gluten-free? Yes, this recipe is gluten-free, making it perfect for those with dietary restrictions.
Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can easily double or triple the recipe to feed a larger crowd. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure that the corn is cooked through.

Conclusion

This Flavorful Mexican Street Corn Recipe is a game-changer for anyone looking to add some excitement to their meals. With its perfect balance of flavors and textures, it’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and toppings to make it your own, and don’t hesitate to share it with your friends and family. Whether you’re a foodie or just a lover of good food, this recipe is sure to delight. So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy the delicious flavors of Mexico in the comfort of your own home.

Flavorful Mexican Street Corn Grilled Recipe