Looking for a way to spice up corn on the cob? Try our charred street corn recipe and discover why this dish is being served up at food trucks and fine-dining establishments across the country.
What is Street Corn or Elote?
Charred street corn, also known as Mexican street corn or elote, is a popular and delicious dish that features grilled corn on the cob coated with a creamy, tangy, and spicy sauce. This recipe brings out the perfect balance of smokiness, sweetness, and spiciness that will leave you craving for more.
Street Corn Recipe
Here's a detailed original recipe for charred street corn:
Ingredients:
- 4 ears of fresh corn on the cob, husked
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup cotija cheese (or feta cheese), crumbled
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Olive oil or melted butter for brushing the corn
How To Make the Best Street Corn With Cotija
Instructions:
- Prepare the Grill:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. You can also use a stovetop grill pan if you don't have access to an outdoor grill.
- Prepare the Corn:
- Peel back the husks of the corn, leaving them attached to the base. Remove the silk threads from each ear of corn.
- Brush the corn with olive oil or melted butter, and sprinkle with salt and black pepper.
- Grill the Corn:
- Place the corn on the grill, directly over the heat.
- Grill the corn for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the kernels are slightly charred and tender. The husks will also have a nice smoky aroma.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- While the corn is grilling, prepare the sauce by combining the mayonnaise, sour cream, crumbled cotija cheese, chopped cilantro, minced garlic, chili powder, and smoked paprika in a mixing bowl. Mix everything together until well combined. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Coat the Corn:
- Once the corn is charred and cooked, remove it from the grill and place it on a serving platter or a large plate.
- Use a brush or a spoon to generously coat each ear of corn with the creamy sauce mixture, making sure to cover all sides.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Sprinkle additional crumbled cotija cheese and chili powder on top of the coated corn for added flavor and presentation.
- Serve the charred street corn while it's still warm, alongside lime wedges for squeezing over the corn just before eating.
- Enjoy Your Charred Street Corn!
- Dig into the irresistible flavors of the charred street corn. The creamy and tangy sauce complements the smoky and sweet corn perfectly, making it a delightful and satisfying treat. Serve it alongside grilled steak tacos or just enjoy it on its own.
Note: If cotija cheese is unavailable, you can use crumbled feta cheese as a substitute. You can also customize the spiciness of the sauce by adjusting the amount of chili powder to suit your taste preferences. Charred street corn is best served immediately after grilling while it's still warm and flavorful.