Mexican Street Corn (Elote)

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This Mexican Street Corn combines tender corn on the cob with a medley of savory and tangy toppings like Mexican crema, lime juice, and seasonings! Also known as Elote corn, it’s a must-have for festivals, parties, and even watching a football game!

This mouthwatering dish combines tender corn on the cob with a medley of savory and tangy toppings, creating a symphony of flavors in every bite.

In this article, we’ll take you through a simple and delicious recipe to recreate this beloved Mexican street food at home.

Don’t miss out on trying my Cowboy Corn Dip, and Easy Sweet Corn Fritters too!

Ingredients Needed:

• Corn on the Cob: The star of the dish, sweet and tender corn on the cob, forms the base of your Mexican street corn.
• Cotija Cheese: Crumbled cotija cheese adds a salty and savory element that balances the sweetness of the corn.
• Mexican Crema: Mexican crema provides a creamy, tangy texture that envelops the corn in a luscious coating.
• Mayonnaise: Mayonnaise contributes to the creamy consistency of the elote sauce, enhancing its richness.
• Lime: Freshly squeezed lime juice infuses the dish with a zesty and citrusy flavor that cuts through the richness of the sauce.
• Cilantro: Chopped cilantro adds a burst of freshness and a mild herbal note to the elotes.
• Tajin Seasoning: Tajin seasoning provides a touch of spice and a burst of umami, elevating the overall flavor profile of the dish.

Directions

Step 1: Boil the Corn: Begin by bringing a pot of water to a boil. Once the water is boiling, add the corn on the cob and let them cook for about 5 minutes, or until they are tender. This step helps bring out the natural sweetness of the corn.

Step 2: Prepare the Crema Mixture: In a bowl, combine the Mexican crema, mayonnaise, and freshly squeezed lime juice. Mix these ingredients together until you have a smooth and creamy mixture. This will serve as the delectable base for your Elotes.

Step 3: Chop Cilantro: While the corn is cooking, chop the fresh cilantro into fine pieces. Cilantro adds a refreshing herbal note to the dish.

Step 4: Assemble Your Elotes: Once the corn is cooked, remove them from the pot and allow them to slightly cool off. Then, using a brush, generously coat each corn cob with the Mexican crema mixture. This is where the magic begins as the creamy sauce adheres to the corn, creating a velvety texture.

Step 5: Add Flavorful Toppings: Sprinkle crumbled cotija cheese generously over the crema-coated corn. Cotija cheese is a salty and crumbly cheese that brings a delightful contrast to the creamy sauce.

Next, dust the corn with tajin seasoning, which adds a touch of spice and citrusy zing. Finally, garnish with the freshly chopped cilantro for a burst of freshness.

Variations

1. Spicy Mexican Street Corn: If you love a bit of heat, consider adding some diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the crema mixture. This will give your Elotes an extra kick of spiciness.
2. Grilled Elotes: Instead of boiling the corn, you can grill it for a smoky flavor. Grill the corn until it’s slightly charred, then proceed with the crema and toppings as usual.
3. Vegan Mexican Street Corn: For a vegan version, substitute the Mexican crema and mayonnaise with dairy-free alternatives. You can use vegan sour cream and vegan mayonnaise, which are readily available in most grocery stores.
4. Avocado Elotes: Mash some ripe avocado and spread it over the corn as an alternative to the crema mixture. Top with your favorite seasonings and enjoy the creaminess of avocado.
5. Bacon-wrapped Elotes: For a decadent twist, wrap the boiled or grilled corn with bacon slices before adding the crema and toppings. The crispy bacon adds a savory and crunchy element to the dish.

FAQs

Can I use frozen corn?

Yes, you can use frozen corn if fresh corn on the cob is not available. Simply thaw and cook the frozen corn according to the package instructions before applying the crema and toppings.

What is cotija cheese, and can I substitute it?

Cotija cheese is a salty and crumbly Mexican cheese. If you can’t find cotija cheese, you can substitute it with feta cheese, which has a somewhat similar crumbly texture and salty flavor.

Where can I find tajin seasoning?

Tajin seasoning is a popular Mexican seasoning blend made from chili peppers, lime, and salt. You can typically find it in the spice section of most well-stocked grocery stores or at Mexican specialty stores. If you can’t find it, you can make your own by mixing chili powder, lime zest, and salt.

How do I store leftover Elotes?

If you have leftover Elotes, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. When reheating, you can briefly grill or microwave them to enjoy them warm.

Can I make Elotes ahead of time for a party?

Yes, you can prepare the crema mixture and cook the corn in advance. Store the crema mixture in the refrigerator, and when you’re ready to serve, brush it onto the corn, add the toppings, and heat the corn briefly to warm it up.

Is Mexican crema the same as sour cream?

Mexican crema is similar to sour cream but has a slightly thinner consistency and a milder, sweeter flavor. If you can’t find Mexican crema, you can use sour cream as a substitute.

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