Hey there, if you’re looking for a yummy side dish to add to your dinner menu this week, kick things up a notch and make some seriously delicious corn on the grill. More specifically, try your hand at making elote corn with this simple recipe from The Noshery.
What is Elote Corn?
Elote corn, also known as Mexican street corn, is a beloved dish that originated in Mexico. “Elote” simply means “corn on the cob” in Spanish, but this particular version of corn on the cob is coated in a delicious blend of mayonnaise, cheese, chili powder, and lime juice, making it a true taste sensation. It’s said that elote corn was first sold by street vendors in Mexico City in the 1950s, and it quickly became a popular street food throughout Mexico and beyond. Today, elote corn is enjoyed all over the world and has become a staple at fairs, festivals, and backyard barbecues.
Elote Street Corn Ingredients
- Vegetable oil for brushing
- 6 ears corn, shucked
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream or Mexican crema
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup queso fresco or cojita cheese crumbles
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 cup finely chopped cilantro
- kosher salt
- lime wedges
Elote Street Corn Instructions
- First, grab a small bowl and combine the creamy goodness of mayonnaise and sour cream with some zesty garlic. Mix it all together until it’s super smooth and set it aside.
- Next, get ready to add some serious flavor to your cheese crumbles by spreading them out on a plate. Trust us, this is going to take your corn to the next level!
- In another small bowl, mix together some chili powder, cayenne pepper, and a teaspoon of salt. This is going to add a little kick to your corn that you won’t be able to resist.
- Now it’s time to get your grill ready! Brush the grill grate with some vegetable oil and heat it up to high heat.
- Place your corn directly on the grill and get ready to watch the magic happen. Turn it occasionally until it’s cooked to perfection and has that irresistible charred look. This should take about 10 minutes.
- As soon as your corn is ready, it’s time to add the finishing touches. Brush on that delicious mayo mixture, roll it in the cheese crumbles, and sprinkle on the chili powder mixture and some fresh cilantro. Squeeze a little lime juice over the top and get ready to enjoy the best darn corn you’ve ever tasted! Don’t wait too long, serve it up immediately and savor every single bite.
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What to Eat With Elote Corn
Elote corn is a flavorful and satisfying dish that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a variety of other foods. In Mexico, it’s often served alongside tacos or grilled meats, such as carne asada or pollo asado. You could also serve elote corn with other Mexican-inspired sides, such as rice and beans or a simple salad with avocado and lime. For a lighter meal, you could pair elote corn with grilled vegetables, such as zucchini, bell peppers, or onions. And of course, elote corn is always a great addition to any backyard barbecue or picnic, where it can be enjoyed with classic American fare like hot dogs, hamburgers, and potato salad. Whatever you choose to pair it with, elote corn is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
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