Mexican Corn Rice Elote Cotija (Printable Version)
Fluffy rice, roasted corn, elote cream, cilantro, and tangy Cotija cheese unite in a vibrant bowl.
# What You'll Need:
→ Rice and Broth
01 -
1 1/2 cups long-grain rice (basmati or jasmine, white or brown)
02 -
2 3/4 cups vegetable or chicken broth, or water
03 -
1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
→ Roasted Corn
04 -
2 cups corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned and drained)
05 -
1 to 2 cloves garlic, minced
06 -
1 tablespoon vegetable oil (avocado oil preferred)
→ Elote Cream Sauce
07 -
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
08 -
3 tablespoons Mexican crema, sour cream, or Greek yogurt
09 -
1 teaspoon Tajin seasoning or chili powder
10 -
1/2 teaspoon ground chipotle powder or 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
11 -
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
→ Finishing Ingredients
12 -
3 to 4 green onions, sliced thin
13 -
1/3 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
14 -
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
15 -
1/3 cup Cotija cheese, crumbled
# Step-by-Step Guide:
01 -
Rinse rice thoroughly under cold running water to remove surface starch. In a medium saucepan, bring broth or water to a boil, then add half the kosher salt and rice. Cover with a tight-fitting lid, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 20–25 minutes until liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let rest covered for 10 minutes. Fluff grains with a fork before use.
02 -
In a small mixing bowl, combine mayo, Mexican crema, Tajin, chipotle powder, and 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt. Whisk until smooth. Set aside to allow flavors to meld.
03 -
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add corn and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5–8 minutes or until kernels are browned and lightly roasted. During the final minute, stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Remove from heat.
04 -
In a large bowl, combine roasted corn with elote cream. Add cooked rice, green onions, cilantro, and lime juice. Gently fold ingredients until evenly distributed.
05 -
Fold in crumbled Cotija cheese. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or black pepper if necessary. Serve immediately for optimal freshness.
# Additional Notes:
01 -
If Cotija cheese is unavailable, substitute with feta or queso fresco for a similar tangy note.
02 -
For extra flavor, char the fresh corn directly over a gas flame before roasting in the skillet.