Street Corn Recipe

If you’ve ever wandered through a bustling market or street fair, you might have encountered the irresistible aroma of street corn. Known as “Elote” in Mexico, this delectable treat is a popular street food that has made its way into kitchens worldwide. Here’s how you can recreate this savory, tangy, and spicy street corn at home.

What is Street Corn?

Street corn is a grilled corn on the cob, typically slathered with a mixture of mayonnaise, sour cream, cotija cheese, lime juice, chili powder, and cilantro. It’s a perfect blend of creamy, tangy, and spicy flavors that make it a favorite for many.

Ingredients

To make authentic street corn, you will need:

• 4 ears of corn, husked
• 1/4 cup of mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup of sour cream
• 1/2 cup of crumbled cotija cheese (or feta cheese as a substitute)
• 1 tablespoon of lime juice (about half a lime)
• 1 teaspoon of chili powder (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 cup of chopped fresh cilantro
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 lime, cut into wedges (for serving)

Instructions

Step 1: Grill the Corn

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
2. Place the corn directly on the grill grates.
3. Grill the corn, turning occasionally, until it’s charred and cooked through. This should take about 10-15 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

1. In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
2. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. If you like it spicier, add a bit more chili powder.

Step 3: Assemble the Street Corn

1. Once the corn is grilled to perfection, remove it from the grill and place it on a serving platter.
2. Using a brush or spoon, generously coat each ear of corn with the prepared sauce.
3. Sprinkle the crumbled cotija cheese over the sauce-covered corn.
4. Garnish with the chopped cilantro for a burst of freshness.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

1. Serve the street corn immediately with lime wedges on the side. Squeezing a bit of lime juice over the corn just before eating adds a zesty kick that enhances all the flavors.

Tips for the Best Street Corn

• Grilling Tips: If you don’t have a grill, you can roast the corn in the oven. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C), place the corn on a baking sheet, and roast for about 20 minutes, turning occasionally.
• Cheese Substitutes: Cotija cheese can sometimes be hard to find. Feta cheese is a great substitute, as it has a similar crumbly texture and tangy flavor.
• Customizable Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chili powder based on your spice preference. You can also experiment with other spices like smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for a different flavor profile.

Variations

• Mexican Street Corn Salad: Cut the kernels off the cob and mix them with the sauce, cheese, and cilantro for a delicious salad version.
• Elote in a Cup: Serve the corn off the cob in a cup, layered with the sauce, cheese, and cilantro for a portable option.

Conclusion

Street corn is a delightful dish that brings the vibrant flavors of street food to your home. Whether you enjoy it as a side dish, snack, or even a main course, this recipe is sure to impress your family and friends. Give it a try at your next barbecue or family gathering, and watch it disappear in no time!

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Happy cooking, and enjoy your flavorful street corn!

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