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Street Corn Carnival Surprise

This is a mouthwatering elote recipe inspired by the famous street food found at carnivals and fairs. This dish combines smoky, creamy, and tangy flavors for an unforgettable snack experience.

🕒 Prep Time: 10 minutes - Cook Time: 10 minutes - Total Time: 20 minutes
🍽 Servings: 4
🔥 Difficulty: Intermediate
🌎 Cuisine: Mexican, Street Food

Allergens

Eggs (in mayonnaise), Dairy (cotija cheese)

Ingredients

  • 4 large ears of corn, shucked and cleaned
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground chili powder (adjust to taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
  • 1 cup cotija cheese, crumbled
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, finely chopped
  • 1 lime, cut into wedges
  • Optional: hot sauce, for drizzling

Instructions

  1. Preheat your outdoor grill or grill pan to medium high heat.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Set aside.
  3. Grill the corn on all sides until slightly charred and tender, about 10 minutes total.
  4. Immediately brush each ear of corn with the spiced mayonnaise mixture, coating it evenly.
  5. Sprinkle the crumbled cotija cheese over the corn and top with finely chopped cilantro.
  6. Serve with lime wedges on the side, and optionally drizzle with hot sauce for added heat.

Chef’s Insight

The secret to perfect street corn is all in the balance - smoky, creamy, tangy, and just a touch of heat. Experiment with different spices to find your own perfect blend!

Notes

For an extra smoky flavor, consider soaking the ears of corn in a mixture of water and wood chips for about 20 minutes before grilling.

Cultural or Historical Background

Elote, or Mexican street corn, has become a popular dish around the world for its bold flavors and simplicity. Our "Street Corn Carnival Surprise" takes this classic dish to new heights with added smoke and heat.