Mexican grilled corn, or elote, is a vibrant and irresistible street food sensation that's easy to recreate at home. The sweet char of the grilled corn perfectly complements the creamy, tangy chili-lime mayonnaise and the salty, crumbly cotija cheese. This classic Mexican side dish is bursting with flavor and texture, offering a delightful mix of sweet, spicy, and savory notes in every bite. Imagine sinking your teeth into tender, juicy kernels, coated in a luscious sauce and sprinkled with the perfect amount of cheese – it's a culinary experience you won't soon forget.
Elote is incredibly versatile, adapting to various spice levels and ingredient additions to suit your preferences. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, this recipe is designed to guide you through every step of the process, ensuring a mouthwatering result every time. Ready to transform simple corn on the cob into an extraordinary culinary masterpiece? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions!
Tools Needed
- Bowl
- Whisk
- Grill
- Pot
Ingredients
- Corn on the cob
- Mayonnaise: 1 spoon
- Lime juice: a little bit
- Ancho chili powder: 1 big spoon
- Smoked paprika: 1 smaller spoon
- Butter
- Salt
- Cotija cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Chili Lime Mayo and Corn
- In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, lime juice, ancho chili powder, and smoked paprika. Whisk until well mixed. Refrigerate until needed. (Use fresh spices for best flavor)
- Boil corn in salted water for 5 minutes.
Step 2. Grill the Corn
- Place the pre-boiled corn on a hot charcoal grill (or gas grill). Turn frequently until desired level of char is achieved. (Consider placing corn perpendicular to grates to prevent rolling).
- Brush the grilled corn with melted butter.
Step 3. Dress the Elote
- Apply a generous layer of the ancho lime mayonnaise to the corn.
- Grate cotija cheese generously over the corn. Repeat on the other side if desired.
Step 4. Serve
- Garnish with lime wedges and serve.
Read more: Grilled Mexican Octopus Recipe: A Sakora Gastronomy Delight
Tips
- Use fresh spices for the best flavor in the chili mayo.
- Pre-cooking the corn helps it cook evenly on the grill.
- Charcoal grilling adds a smoky flavor, but a gas grill works too.
- Adjust grilling time to your preferred level of char.
- Cotija cheese is ideal, but parmesan or feta can be substituted.
Nutrition
- Calories: 250-350
- Fat: 15-25g
- Carbs: 30-40g
- Protein: 3-5g
FAQs
1. Can I make the chili-lime mayo ahead of time?
Yes! The chili-lime mayo can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will allow the flavors to meld nicely.
2. What can I substitute for cotija cheese if I can't find it?
A good substitute for cotija cheese is feta cheese, queso fresco, or even parmesan cheese. Each will offer a slightly different flavor profile, but will still complement the corn beautifully.
This Mexican Grilled Corn recipe is a fantastic way to elevate a simple side dish into a flavor explosion. Enjoy the satisfying crunch and irresistible taste of perfectly grilled corn, enhanced by the zesty chili-lime mayo and salty cotija cheese. So gather your ingredients and get ready to experience the magic of elote!