Description
This Mexican Street Corn (Elote) recipe offers a deliciously creamy and smoky side dish featuring toasted corn kernels mixed with buttery mayonnaise, lime juice, chili powder, and topped with salty Cotija cheese and fresh cilantro. It’s a quick, flavorful treat perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Corn Mixture
- 3 (15.25-ounce) cans corn, drained
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Kosher salt, to taste
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1–2 tablespoons lime juice
- 2 teaspoons chili powder, divided
Garnish
- Cotija cheese, for sprinkling
- Cilantro, roughly chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat the Skillet: Place a cast iron skillet over high heat and allow it to heat up thoroughly before adding any ingredients. This ensures the corn will toast properly.
- Cook the Corn: Add the drained corn to the hot skillet and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This process allows the kernels to toast and develop a slight char, enhancing the smoky flavor.
- Add Butter and Salt: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the butter and kosher salt until the butter is fully melted and evenly coats the corn mixture.
- Mix with Mayo and Lime: Transfer the toasted corn to a mixing bowl. Stir in the mayonnaise and lime juice thoroughly to create a creamy and tangy base that balances the smokiness of the corn.
- Season with Chili Powder: Add 1 teaspoon of chili powder into the corn mixture, stirring well to blend the spicy, smoky flavor evenly throughout.
- Garnish and Serve: Generously sprinkle the corn mixture with Cotija cheese, the remaining teaspoon of chili powder, and chopped cilantro for freshness. Serve immediately to enjoy the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Using fresh corn instead of canned can enhance the flavor and texture.
- Adjust lime juice and chili powder according to your taste preferences.
- Cotija cheese can be substituted with feta or Parmesan if unavailable.
- For a spicier kick, consider adding a dash of hot sauce or chopped jalapeños.
- This dish is best served immediately to keep the corn warm and creamy.
- Prep Time: 3 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
