Mexican street corn, also known as elote, is a popular street food consisting of grilled or boiled corn on the cob that is typically topped with mayonnaise, cotija cheese, lime juice, chili powder, and other ingredients for added flavor. It’s a tasty and easy side dish that goes great with many Mexican food favorites. If you’ve picked up some fresh corn on the cob from your local Costco, here is a simple guide to making delicious Mexican street corn at home.
What ingredients do you need to make Costco Mexican street corn?
The main ingredients you’ll need are:
- Corn on the cob – Use fresh, in-husk corn like that sold at Costco produce sections.
- Mayonnaise – The richness of mayo compliments the corn beautifully. Use plain mayo or Mexican crema if you can find it.
- Cotija cheese – This crumbly Mexican cheese adds salty, savory flavor. Feta or queso fresco work too.
- Lime – Fresh lime juice adds brightness and acidity.
- Chili powder – Look for ancho or another pure ground chili powder. Add cayenne if you like extra heat.
- Cilantro – Chopped fresh cilantro adds herbal flavor.
- Salt and pepper – Season to taste.
That’s the basic lineup of ingredients. You can also add other toppings like minced garlic, cumin, paprika, oregano, or minced jalapeños.
What tools do you need to cook Costco Mexican street corn?
You don’t need any specialized equipment to make great Mexican street corn at home. Here are the basic supplies you’ll need:
- Large pot – To boil or grill the corn.
- Baking sheet – For charring corn in the oven.
- Tongs or grilling tools – For handling hot corn.
- Grill basket – Optional for grilling corn.
- Brush or spoon – For coating corn with mayo mixture.
- Sharp knife – For cutting corn off the cob.
- Cutting board
- Mixing bowl – For mayo mixture.
You probably have most, if not all, of these supplies in your basic kitchen toolkit. No special gadgets needed!
How do you cook Costco corn on the cob for Mexican street corn?
There are several easy methods for cooking fresh corn so it’s perfectly tender and charred:
- Boil – Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add corn and cook for 5-7 minutes until tender. Drain and pat dry.
- Grill – Place corn directly on a hot grill or in a grill basket. Grill, turning occasionally, for 15-20 minutes until lightly charred all over.
- Broil – Place corn on a baking sheet and broil 4-5 inches from heat for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Microwave – Microwave corn on high for 3-4 minutes per ear. Watch closely to avoid overcooking.
Grilling, broiling, or boiling will give you the best charred flavor, but microwave works in a pinch. Cook until the corn kernels are tender when pierced with a fork.
How do you make the creamy topping for Mexican street corn?
The creamy, spiced mayo mixture is what really makes this corn pop. Here’s how to mix it up:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup mayonnaise, the juice of 1 lime, 1/2 teaspoon ancho chili powder, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, and salt to taste until smooth.
- Stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro and 2 ounces of crumbled cotija or feta cheese.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, adding more lime for tanginess or chili powder for heat. The mixture should be highly seasoned.
You can make the creamy mayo topping ahead of time and store it in the fridge until ready to use. It will last for up to 5 days refrigerated.
How do you put it all together?
Once your corn and creamy mayo mixture are ready, putting it all together is a breeze:
- Brush each ear of grilled corn with a layer of the mayo mixture, making sure to coat each kernel.
- Sprinkle the corn with crumbled cotija cheese and an extra dash of chili powder.
- Squeeze fresh lime juice over the top. Garnish with chopped cilantro.
- Devour immediately while the corn is hot! The heat wilts the cilantro and melts the cheese for amazing flavors.
The finished street corn will be messy and delicious. Provide napkins or hand wipes for easy eating. Now you can enjoy this Mexican street food classic at home with fresh, sweet Costco corn.
Extra tips for the best Costco Mexican street corn
Follow these tips for stellar Mexican street corn using Costco corn:
- Look for plump, fresh corn with bright green husks. Remove husks and silk just before cooking.
- Cook corn the day you buy it for the sweetest flavor.
- Char the corn well for caramelized kernels.
- Use both mayo and Mexican crema in the creamy topping if you want it extra rich.
- Season the topping assertively. The corn should be well salted.
- Use pepper jack cheese in place of cotija for a spicy twist.
- Add chili lime seasoning or Tajín powder for extra flavor.
- Garnish with radish slices, pickled jalapeños, or avocado.
- Serve with lime wedges for squeezing over the top.
Full Recipe
Here is a full printable recipe for easy reference:
Costco Mexican Street Corn
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4 ears corn
Ingredients
- 4 ears of corn, husked
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 lime, juiced
- 1/2 tsp ancho chili powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 2 oz cotija or feta cheese, crumbled
- Salt, to taste
- Lime wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Cook corn using preferred method until tender and charred.
- In a bowl, mix together mayonnaise, lime juice, chili powder, cayenne and salt. Stir in cilantro and cotija cheese.
- Brush corn all over with mayo mixture. Sprinkle with extra cotija and chili powder.
- Squeeze lime juice over the top. Garnish with cilantro.
- Serve immediately with extra lime wedges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you use frozen corn instead of fresh for Mexican street corn?
It’s best to use fresh corn on the cob for the sweetest, juiciest Mexican street corn. However, if fresh corn is unavailable, you can use thawed frozen corn kernels. Boil the kernels until heated through and tender. Drain well then mix with the mayo topping. The flavor and texture won’t be quite as good as fresh, but it will still taste delicious!
How long does Mexican street corn last in the fridge?
Leftover assembled Mexican street corn can be refrigerated for up to 4 days. The flavored mayonnaise can keep for up to 5 days on its own. Reheat corn before serving to restore its peak flavor and texture.
Can I grill Mexican street corn directly without husking it first?
Yes, you can absolutely grill corn in the husk! Soak the ears in water for 20 minutes before grilling. Grill over medium heat for 25-30 minutes, turning occasionally, until husks are charred. The husks will steam and cook the corn perfectly. Just peel away the husks and silk before topping the grilled corn with mayo mixture.
What is the white crumbly cheese used in Mexican street corn?
The classic cheese paired with Mexican street corn is cotija, a crumbly aged Mexican cheese similar to feta. Substitute feta or queso fresco if you can’t find cotija. For a spicy twist, use crumbled pepper jack cheese. Any salty, crumbly cheese will complement the corn beautifully.
Can I use frozen corn to make Mexican street corn salad?
Yes, thawed frozen corn works well for making Mexican street corn salad. Simply thaw the corn and mix with the rest of the salad ingredients – mayo mixture, tomatoes, avocado, onions, cilantro, lime juice, etc. The fresh flavors will shine through even when using frozen corn as your base.
Conclusion
Mexican street corn made with fresh Costco corn on the cob is easy to make and full of delicious flavors. By charring the corn, slathering it in a creamy, spiced mayo topping, and finishing it off with cotija cheese, lime, and cilantro, you can enjoy this popular Mexican street food at home. Use this guide to cook up the perfect batch of Costco elote for your next meal or party!