Elote Loco

🕒 Prep: 5 min
🔥 Cook: 10 min
🍽 Serves: 4
★★★★★
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Elote Loco, or "crazy corn," is a vibrant, flavor-packed street food favorite that's perfect for summer grilling. This recipe combines creamy, tangy, and spicy elements to elevate the humble ear of corn into a treat that’s hard to resist.

Ingredients for Elote Loco

Corn: The star of the show. Fresh, juicy ears are best for that sweet and smoky flavor after grilling.

Mayonnaise: Adds a creamy, rich base that helps the spices and cheese stick to the corn.

Chili powder: Provides a kick of heat and a deep, earthy flavor. Adjust to your preferred spice level.

Lime juice: Offers a zesty brightness that cuts through the richness of the mayo.

Cotija cheese: A crumbly, salty cheese that complements the creamy and spicy elements beautifully.

Cilantro: Freshens up the dish with its herbal notes. If you're not a fan, you can skip it.

Salt: Balances and enhances all the flavors.

Wooden skewers: Make handling hot corn easier and add a fun, rustic touch.

Tips & Tricks

  • If you don’t have access to a grill, you can roast the corn in the oven at 450°F for a similar effect.
  • Using fresh lime juice instead of bottled makes a big difference in flavor.
  • For a smokier flavor, try adding a pinch of smoked paprika to the mayo mixture.

Serving Suggestions

Elote Loco pairs wonderfully with grilled meats like steak or chicken. It’s also fantastic as part of a taco night spread. For drinks, a cold cerveza or a refreshing margarita complements the flavors perfectly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen corn?
Fresh corn is best, but you can use frozen corn in a pinch. Just ensure it's fully thawed and patted dry before grilling.
Is there a substitute for cotija cheese?
Feta cheese is a good substitute if you can’t find cotija. It has a similar crumbly texture and salty flavor.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
This recipe is already vegetarian! Just be sure to check the mayonnaise if you're making it for someone who is strictly vegetarian, as some brands may contain non-vegetarian ingredients.

Elote Loco Recipe Walkthrough

First, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This sets the stage for that perfect char. While the grill warms up, husk the corn and remove all the silk threads. This can get a bit messy, but it's worth it for that clean bite later.

Next, insert a wooden skewer into the base of each corn cob. This gives you a convenient handle for grilling and eating. Place the corn on the grill and turn occasionally for about 10 minutes. You’re aiming for a nice, even char.

While the corn is grilling, combine the mayonnaise, chili powder, and lime juice in a bowl. Mix until they’re well combined. This zesty blend will coat the corn beautifully.

Once the corn is off the grill, use a brush to generously slather each cob with the mayonnaise mixture. Then, sprinkle the cotija cheese evenly over the coated corn. The cheese will stick to the mayo, creating a delicious, crumbly layer.

Finish with a sprinkle of cilantro and a pinch of salt if desired. Serve immediately while they’re still hot for the best experience.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for outdoor gatherings.
  • Brings a taste of Mexican street food right to your backyard.
  • Customizable spice level to suit everyone's taste.
  • Uses simple ingredients that pack a punch of flavor.

Ingredients

4 ears of corn
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 lime, juiced
1/2 cup cotija cheese, crumbled
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Salt, to taste
4 wooden skewers

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
2. Husk the corn and remove all silk threads.
3. Insert a wooden skewer into the base of each corn cob for easy handling.
4. Grill the corn, turning occasionally, for about 10 minutes or until slightly charred.
5. In a bowl, mix the mayonnaise, chili powder, and lime juice until well combined.
6. Once the corn is grilled, generously slather each cob with the mayonnaise mixture using a brush.
7. Sprinkle the crumbled cotija cheese evenly over the coated corn.
8. Garnish with chopped cilantro and a pinch of salt if desired.
9. Serve immediately while hot.

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