I. Introduction
Street corn is a popular Mexican street food dish that has gained immense popularity worldwide. Known as ‘elotes,’ this savory dish is prepared with roasted or grilled corn that is slathered with a creamy sauce and topped with spices. Street corn is a perfect snack or a side dish and can be enjoyed during any time of the day. Its popularity has ensured that this delightful dish is now available in almost all parts of the world.
II. The Traditional Way to Make Delicious Street Corn: Grilling it to Perfection
Street vendors in Mexico traditionally make street corn by grilling it to perfection. The vendor first grills the corn until it is slightly charred and then slathers it with mayonnaise, queso fresco cheese, chili powder, and lime juice.
Grilling your corn has several benefits. Firstly, the grill gives the corn a smoky flavor which would be difficult to achieve in any other way. Secondly, grilling the corn also caramelizes its natural sugars, which enhances the sweetness of the corn.
III. 5 Easy Steps to Making Mouth-Watering Street Corn at Home
Are you interested in making street corn at home? Follow these five easy steps:
Step 1: Choosing the right corn
The best corn for street corn is sweet corn. It can be purchased fresh from a local farmer’s market or grocery store. When choosing the corn, ensure that it is still in the husk and is free from any visible damage.
Step 2: Preparing the corn
To prepare the corn, gently peel back the husk to remove the silk. Keep the husk attached to the corn. Rinse the corn and then place it in a bowl of water for at least 20 minutes, allowing it to soak. Preparing the corn this way ensures that it will not dry out on the grill or in the oven.
Step 3: Cooking the corn
Heat your grill or oven to around 400°F. Take the corn out of the water, shake off any excess water, and gently peel back the husks. Spread some olive oil on the corn and then sprinkle some salt and pepper on it. Grill the corn for around 10-15 minutes or until it is slightly charred, ensuring you turn it often while cooking.
Step 4: Adding the toppings
Once the corn has been grilled, remove it from the grill and allow it to cool for a minute or so. Spread some mayonnaise on the corn and then sprinkle some chili powder, queso fresco cheese, and finely chopped cilantro over it. Finally, squeeze half a lime over the corn.
Step 5: Serving the corn
Street corn is best served hot immediately after being topped with the toppings. You can serve them individually, straight on the cob, or slice the corn off the cob and serve it as a salad.
IV. Spice Up Your Corn-On-The-Cob Game with This Street Corn Recipe
Want to try a street corn recipe at home? Here are the ingredients required:
- 4 ears of corn, husked
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese or queso fresco
- 1/4 cup finely chopped cilantro, plus extra for garnishing
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 lime, halved
Step-by-step instructions for the recipe:
- Heat your grill on medium-high heat.
- On a flat surface, mix the cheese, chili powder, smoked paprika and cilantro in one bowl and the mayonnaise in another bowl.
- Brush the corn lightly with olive oil, and then grill it, rotating regularly for 8-12 minutes or until it is charred.
- Place the corn on a plate, and then slather the mayonnaise on it.
- Sprinkle the cheese and spice mixture over the mayonnaise, top it with additional cilantro, and finally squeeze some lime juice over it.
- Enjoy the mouth-watering and delicious street corn while it is still hot.
Tips for making the recipe even better:
- Add a dash of cayenne pepper for some extra heat.
- Use feta cheese if finding queso fresco or cotija is difficult.
- Replace paprika with chipotle for a smokier flavor.
V. Mexican-Style Street Corn: A Simple Twist to a Classic Cob
Mexican-style street corn takes the traditional street corn recipe and adds a few twists to it. To make Mexican-style street corn, the corn is grilled, just like your regular street corn, but topped with a mixture of Mexican crema, cotija cheese, lime juice, and Tajin seasoning. Tajin seasoning is a combination of ground chilies, salt, and dehydrated lime juice and adds incredible flavor to the dish.
Differences in seasoning and toppings:
- Mexican-style street corn is topped with Mexican crema.
- Cotija cheese is used instead of queso fresco
- Tajin seasoning is added to finish off the dish.
VI. Street Corn: The Perfect Summer Side Dish for Your Next BBQ or Gathering
Street corn is a perfect summer side dish and will be a hit at your next barbeque or gathering. It goes well with grilled meats, salads, and other Mexican dishes. Its sweet and savory flavors blended sumptuously together make it a much-loved side dish. This dish is incredibly versatile and easy to store and thus can be prepared in large quantities to cater to a big gathering.
How to Serve it with other foods:
- Chop the corn off the cob and serve it with a tortilla to make tacos.
- Its flavors complement well with chicken, beef, and fish.
- Street corn can also be served as a salad by mixing it with black beans, diced tomatoes, jalapenos, and onions.
VII. From Street Food to Your Table: How to Make Authentic Mexican Street Corn
Here’s how to make authentic Mexican street corn:
Breakdown of what makes authentic street corn authentic:
- Boil the corn until it is slightly soft.
- Remove the husks and grill the corn.
- Combine the mayonnaise, crema, lime, and garlic to make the sauce.
- Brush the sauce over the corn and sprinkle it with cotija cheese and chili powder.
- Served hot and garnished with cilantro.
Tips for making it taste as good as the real thing:
- Use Mexican crema instead of mayonnaise to thicken the sauce.
- Add a dash of cumin to the chili powder.
- Use fresh corn instead of canned corn.
VIII. Conclusion
Street corn is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that can be enjoyed by anyone, and making it is not as difficult as it seems. Whether it’s the traditional way, the Mexican twist, or even authentic Mexican-style street corn, there’s a version out there perfect for everyone’s taste buds. With these recipes and cooking tips, it should now be easier for you to cook up some tasty street corn at home. Don’t forget to try these recipes at your next gathering, and we’re sure it will be a hit among your guests.