Deliciously Smoky Mexican Street Corn: A Perfect BBQ Side Dish
One of the most beloved BBQ side dishes is undoubtedly
Mexican street corn, also known as "elote." With its mouthwatering
combination of flavors, this grilled corn on the cob is a favorite at summer
gatherings, picnics, and barbecues. This simple yet irresistible dish
originates from the streets of Mexico, where vendors char the corn on a grill,
slather it with a creamy sauce, sprinkle it with cheese and spices, and finish
it off with a squeeze of lime. In this recipe, we will recreate that authentic
Mexican street corn experience and bring a burst of flavor to your next BBQ.
Ingredients:
- 6
ears of fresh corn on the cob
- 1/2
cup mayonnaise
- 1/4
cup sour cream
- 1/4
cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4
cup crumbled cotija cheese (substitute: feta cheese)
- 1
teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2
teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2
teaspoon garlic powder
- Juice
of 1 lime
- Salt
and pepper to taste
- Lime
wedges, for serving
Instructions:
- Prepare
the grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Meanwhile, husk the
corn, making sure to remove all the silk strands. Leave the husks attached
to use as handles while grilling, or remove them if desired.
- Grill
the corn: Place the corn directly on the grill grates and cook for about
10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the kernels are tender and
slightly charred. This grilling step imparts a delicious smoky flavor to
the corn.
- Prepare
the sauce: In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, chopped
cilantro, lime juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir well to combine
and set aside.
- Assemble
the Mexican street corn: Once the corn is grilled to perfection, remove it
from the grill and let it cool slightly. Use a brush or spoon to
generously slather each ear of corn with the creamy sauce, ensuring it is
evenly coated.
- Add
the final touches: Sprinkle each ear of corn with crumbled cotija cheese,
chili powder, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. The cotija cheese adds a
delightful salty element to the dish while the spices provide a hint of
heat and smokiness.
- Serve
and enjoy: Transfer the Mexican street corn to a serving platter and
garnish with extra chopped cilantro. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the
corn just before serving to enhance the flavors. The lime adds a tangy
brightness that perfectly complements the richness of the sauce.
- Dig
in: Serve the Mexican street corn while it's still warm, allowing your
guests to savor the flavors and enjoy the creamy, smoky, and tangy
combination. Encourage them to hold the corn by the husks as they devour
this delectable BBQ side dish.
Mexican street corn is a true crowd-pleaser that will
elevate any BBQ gathering. The combination of sweet corn, creamy sauce, tangy
lime, and smoky spices creates a flavor explosion that is hard to resist. With
just a few simple ingredients and a grill, you can bring the vibrant streets of
Mexico to your backyard. So fire up the grill, prepare this mouthwatering dish,
and watch as your guests line up for seconds and thirds. Prepare to be the hero
of the BBQ with this irresistible Mexican street corn!