Get ready to experience a burst of flavor with these Spicy Mexican Street Corn Bites! Inspired by the popular street food elote, these bite-sized delights combine the smokiness of grilled corn with zesty spices and creamy toppings. Perfect as an appetizer, snack, or party dish, these bites are sure to impress your family and friends. With easy-to-follow instructions, you’ll whip up these vibrant morsels in no time!
Ingredients:
- For the Corn Bites:
- 4 ears of fresh corn, husked and cleaned
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup crumbled cotija cheese (or feta cheese)
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 lime, juiced
- For the Spicy Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1-2 teaspoons hot sauce (adjust based on your spice preference)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Corn:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- In a small bowl, mix olive oil, smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Brush this mixture generously over the corn ears.
- Grill the Corn:
- Place the seasoned corn on the grill. Cook for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally until the corn is tender and has nice grill marks. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Cut the Corn:
- Once the corn is cool enough to handle, carefully cut the kernels off the cob and transfer them to a mixing bowl.
- Mix the Ingredients:
- Add the crumbled cotija cheese, chopped cilantro, and lime juice to the corn. Toss everything together until well combined.
- Make the Spicy Sauce:
- In another bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, hot sauce, minced garlic, and cayenne pepper until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the Bites:
- On a serving platter, spoon the corn mixture into small cups or onto individual serving spoons. Drizzle with the spicy sauce for an extra kick.
- Serve:
- Garnish with additional cilantro and lime wedges if desired. Enjoy these Spicy Mexican Street Corn Bites warm or at room temperature!
Tips:
- Variations: For a smoky flavor, consider adding a bit of chipotle powder to the corn mixture or the sauce.
- Serving Suggestion: Pair with tortilla chips for an added crunch or serve alongside a refreshing salsa.