Mexican Street Food Recipe

Corn kernels: Sweet and juicy, these are the base of the dish, providing a delightful texture and flavor.

Cotija cheese: A crumbly, salty cheese that adds a rich, savory element to the recipe.

Mayonnaise: Creamy and smooth, it helps bind the ingredients together while adding a subtle tang.

Chili powder: Adds a spicy kick and depth of flavor, enhancing the overall taste profile.

Lime juice: Freshly squeezed, it brings a bright, zesty acidity that balances the richness of the other ingredients.

Cilantro: Freshly chopped, it adds a burst of herbal freshness and a pop of color.

To achieve the perfect char on the corn kernels, ensure your skillet is hot before adding them. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this can cause the corn to steam rather than char. Stir occasionally to get an even char on all sides. This step enhances the smoky flavor, which is essential for authentic Mexican street food.

• corn kernels - Substitute with canned corn: Canned corn is a convenient alternative that retains a similar sweetness and texture, making it a suitable substitute for fresh or frozen corn kernels.

• cotija cheese - Substitute with feta cheese: Feta cheese has a similar crumbly texture and salty flavor, which makes it a good alternative to cotija cheese in Mexican street food recipes.

• mayonnaise - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt provides a creamy texture and tangy flavor similar to mayonnaise, while also being a healthier option.

• chili powder - Substitute with paprika and cayenne pepper: A mix of paprika and cayenne pepper can mimic the heat and depth of flavor found in chili powder.

• lime juice - Substitute with lemon juice: Lemon juice offers a similar acidity and citrus flavor, making it a suitable replacement for lime juice.

• cilantro - Substitute with parsley: Parsley provides a fresh, herbaceous flavor that can stand in for cilantro, especially for those who find cilantro's taste too strong.

• Allow the corn kernels mixture to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can lead to sogginess.

• Transfer the cooled mixture into an airtight container. Ensure the container is clean and dry to maintain the freshness of the ingredients.

• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The mayonnaise and cotija cheese may alter the texture slightly over time, but the flavors will remain delightful.

• For freezing, portion the mixture into freezer-safe bags or containers. Flatten the bags to remove excess air, which helps prevent freezer burn.

• Label the containers with the date of preparation. This ensures you remember when it was made, keeping your meals organized and fresh.

• Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight. This gradual thawing helps maintain the texture and flavor of the corn dish.

• Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally. This method helps preserve the charred flavor of the corn kernels without overcooking.

• Add a fresh squeeze of lime juice and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro before serving to revive the vibrant flavors.

• If the mixture seems dry after reheating, a small dollop of mayonnaise can be stirred in to restore its creamy texture.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the leftover corn mixture evenly in an oven-safe dish. Cover with aluminum foil to retain moisture and heat for about 10-15 minutes. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes to allow the cotija cheese to melt perfectly.

• Use a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of olive oil or a small pat of butter to the pan. Once heated, add the corn mixture and stir occasionally until warmed through, about 5-7 minutes. This method helps to revive the charred flavor of the corn.

• For a quick fix, place the corn mixture in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or a damp paper towel to prevent drying out. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Be cautious not to overheat, as the mayonnaise can separate.

• If you have a steamer, place the corn mixture in a heatproof dish and steam for about 5 minutes. This gentle method helps maintain the dish's moisture and freshness, keeping the cilantro vibrant and the lime juice tangy.

• Skillet: A flat-bottomed pan used for cooking over direct heat, perfect for charring the corn kernels evenly.

• Mixing bowl: A large bowl used to combine the charred corn with other ingredients like mayonnaise, chili powder, lime juice, and cilantro.

• Spatula: A tool used for stirring and mixing the ingredients in the mixing bowl, ensuring everything is well combined.

• Measuring cups: Used to accurately measure the corn kernels and cotija cheese.

• Measuring spoons: Essential for measuring smaller quantities of ingredients like mayonnaise, chili powder, and lime juice.

• Knife: Used for chopping the cilantro finely.

• Cutting board: A surface used to safely chop the cilantro.

• Citrus juicer: A tool to extract fresh lime juice efficiently.

• Serving dish: A dish used to present the final Mexican street food creation topped with cotija cheese.

Use frozen corn: Opt for frozen corn kernels to skip the shucking and cutting of fresh corn. They cook quickly and taste great.

Pre-mix ingredients: Combine mayonnaise, chili powder, and lime juice in advance. This way, you can just toss them with the corn when it's ready.

Chop cilantro ahead: Prepare the cilantro in advance and store it in the fridge. This saves time during assembly.

Use a non-stick skillet: A non-stick skillet heats evenly and prevents the corn from sticking, making the charring process faster.