Welcome to another unforgettable culinary journey with Dad Got This! Today, we’re inviting you to transform your backyard into a vibrant Mexican street fiesta with our incredible Ninja Woodfire Grilled Mexican Street Corn. Prepare to indulge in an explosion of smoky, tangy, and utterly irresistible flavors that will elevate your outdoor cooking experience.
If you’ve ever dreamt of strolling through the bustling, aromatic streets of Mexico, you’ve undoubtedly encountered the tantalizing scent of elote. This iconic street food features fresh corn on the cob, generously slathered with creamy, zesty toppings, creating a symphony of textures and tastes. Now, imagine bringing that authentic and cherished experience right to your home, enhanced with the unique smoky essence only the Ninja Woodfire Grill can provide.
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Embracing the Authenticity of Mexican Street Corn (Elote)
Mexican Street Corn, affectionately known as elote, is far more than just a snack; it’s a cultural cornerstone, a beloved staple that captures the heart and soul of Mexican street food. At its core, elote is a masterpiece of balance, combining readily available ingredients to forge a surprisingly complex and utterly satisfying flavor profile. Traditionally, the journey begins with fresh corn on the cob, either grilled or roasted to perfection, achieving that desirable balance of tender kernels and a slight char. This perfectly cooked corn then becomes the canvas for a rich, creamy base—a luxurious blend of tangy Mexican crema and smooth mayonnaise. It’s this creamy foundation that truly elevates the dish, providing a cooling contrast to the subtle heat and bright acidity that follow.
But the magic doesn’t stop there. What truly sets elote apart is its vibrant array of toppings. Crumbled cotija cheese, with its distinct salty and crumbly texture, adds a delightful counterpoint to the creamy base. A generous dusting of chili powder or a pinch of cayenne pepper introduces a welcome hint of warmth, awakening the palate without overwhelming it. And, of course, no elote would be complete without a generous squeeze of fresh lime juice, its sharp citrus notes cutting through the richness and brightening every single bite. The result is a harmonious blend of sweet, savory, tangy, creamy, and spicy—a truly mouthwatering treat that is as satisfying to prepare as it is to devour.
The Ninja Woodfire Grill: Revolutionizing Your Elote Experience
You might be asking, “Why specifically use the Ninja Woodfire Grill for Mexican Street Corn?” The answer lies in its unparalleled ability to transform a classic into an extraordinary culinary delight. Beyond its general excellence as an outdoor grilling powerhouse, the Ninja Woodfire Grill possesses a unique capability: the infusion of rich, authentic smoky flavor. This isn’t just a grill; it’s an outdoor electric grill and smoker rolled into one, allowing you to add a depth of flavor that traditional grilling simply can’t match.
The smoky element introduced by the Ninja Woodfire Grill plays a pivotal role in enhancing the natural sweetness of the corn. This subtle, aromatic smokiness beautifully complements the tangy crema, the creamy mayonnaise, and the salty cotija cheese, creating a multi-layered flavor experience that is both familiar and excitingly new. Imagine biting into perfectly charred, juicy corn kernels, each one kissed with a hint of natural wood smoke, then enveloped in a luscious, zesty coating. It’s a game-changer for backyard barbecues, weeknight dinners, or any occasion where you crave a taste of the extraordinary.
Furthermore, the Ninja Woodfire Grill offers unparalleled versatility and ease of use. Its electric power means no propane tanks or charcoal bags, just plug-and-play convenience. Whether you’re dealing with a sudden downpour or simply prefer the predictability of electric grilling, the Woodfire Grill delivers consistent results every time. It’s designed for year-round outdoor cooking, empowering you to enjoy gourmet grilling regardless of the weather. This innovative appliance makes it effortless to achieve that perfect char and tenderness while simultaneously imparting a delicious woodfire flavor, making your Mexican Street Corn not just a dish, but an experience.
Mastering the Art of Woodfire Grilled Corn: Essential Tips for Success
Grilling corn on the Ninja Woodfire Grill is remarkably straightforward, but a few key tips can elevate your Mexican Street Corn from good to absolutely phenomenal. Follow these pointers to ensure your elote turns out perfectly juicy, tender, and bursting with smoky flavor every single time:
- Optimal Husk and Silk Removal: Start by thoroughly removing all husks and silks from your fresh corn. While it might seem like a mundane task, removing every strand of silk prevents any bitterness and ensures a clean bite. A clever trick for stubborn silks is to use a dry rubber kitchen glove; its textured surface provides excellent grip, making silk removal quick and effortless. Once clean, lightly brush each ear of corn with a thin layer of melted butter. This not only prevents sticking but also helps in achieving a beautiful golden char and enhances the corn’s natural sweetness during grilling.
- Precision Grill Preparation: Power on your Ninja Woodfire Grill and set it to the “Air Crisp” or “Air Fry” function. Aim for a temperature of approximately 350-375 degrees Fahrenheit (around 177-190 degrees Celsius). This specific setting is crucial for developing that desirable slightly charred exterior on your corn while ensuring the interior remains tender and juicy. The “Air Crisp” setting provides excellent circulation, promoting even cooking and a beautiful finish. Make sure to place the elevated grate on top of the main grill grate for optimal airflow and cooking performance.
- Infusing Authentic Smoky Flavor: This is where the “Woodfire” magic truly happens! For a mild yet distinctive smoky flavor that perfectly complements grilled corn, we highly recommend using Kona premium blend wood pellets. Fill the smoke box with your chosen pellets and activate the “WOODFIRE” button. The subtle, aromatic smoke will penetrate the corn as it cooks, adding an incredible depth that elevates the entire dish. Experiment with other mild fruitwood pellets like apple or cherry for different smoky nuances if you wish, but Kona is a fantastic starting point.
- Achieving Perfect Grilling Time and Char: Place the buttered corn ears onto the preheated elevated grate once the grill indicates it’s ready to add food. Grill the corn for a total of 12-15 minutes, ensuring you turn them occasionally—about every 3-4 minutes—to achieve even charring on all sides. You’re looking for kernels that are slightly blistered and golden-brown in spots, indicating perfect caramelization, while still remaining tender and sweet inside. Don’t be afraid of a little char; it adds fantastic flavor!
- The Grand Finale: Toppings Galore: Once your corn is grilled to perfection, it’s time for the ultimate flavor layering. In a small bowl, whisk together the creamy mayonnaise and tangy Mexican crema until well combined. Generously slather this luscious mixture over each warm ear of corn, ensuring every kernel is coated. Next, sprinkle liberally with crumbled cotija cheese—its salty, crumbly texture is non-negotiable for authentic elote. For a delightful kick, dust with Tajin (a Mexican chili-lime seasoning) or a pinch of chili powder/cayenne. Finally, garnish with fresh chopped cilantro and serve immediately with a lime wedge on the side for that essential citrusy zing. The fresh lime juice truly brightens and balances all the rich flavors.
Why You’ll Adore This Recipe
Our Ninja Woodfire Grilled Mexican Street Corn recipe offers more than just a delicious meal; it’s an invitation to recreate a cherished street food experience in the comfort of your own home. This dish isn’t just about the incredible fusion of smoky, sweet, creamy, and spicy flavors; it’s about the ease of preparation that the Ninja Woodfire Grill provides. Whether you’re hosting a vibrant backyard barbecue, enjoying a casual family dinner al fresco, or simply craving an authentic taste of Mexico, this recipe delivers on every front. The irresistible smoky aroma alone will have your neighbors curious, and the unforgettable flavor will make it a staple in your grilling repertoire. It’s an accessible gourmet experience that promises to impress with minimal fuss.
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Ninja Woodfire Grilled Mexican Street Corn Recipe
Mexican Street Corn on the Ninja Woodfire
Dive into the smoky flavors of our Ninja Woodfire-grilled Mexican Street Corn (Elote), where creamy mayo, tangy Mexican crema, and a sprinkle of cotija cheese create a symphony of flavors. Perfectly charred and seasoned, this easy-to-make dish brings the vibrant taste of street food right to your backyard!
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- Course:
- Appetizer, Side Dish
- Cuisine:
- Mexican, American
- Keyword:
- elotes, street corn, Ninja Woodfire, grilled corn, smoky corn
- Prep Time:
- 15 minutes
- Cook Time:
- 13 minutes
- Calories:
- 1,477 kcal
- Author:
- Dad Got This
Equipment
- Ninja Woodfire Grill
- Elevated Grate
- Ribbed Grate (optional, for aesthetics)
- Tongs
- Cutting Board
- Knife
- Whisk
- Mixing Bowl
Ingredients
- 5 Ears of fresh Corn
- 3 tablespoons Mexican Crema
- 3 tablespoons Mayonnaise
- ¾ Cup Cojita Cheese, crumbled
- 1 tablespoon Tajin (or chili powder/cayenne to taste)
- 1 Lime, cut into wedges
- ¼ Cup Fresh Chopped Cilantro
- ¼ Cup Melted Butter
- Wood pellets for Ninja Woodfire Grill (Kona premium blend recommended)
Instructions
- Carefully remove the husks and all silk from each ear of corn. For stubborn silks, use a rubber kitchen glove for better grip. Once cleaned, evenly coat the corn with the melted butter.
- Add your chosen wood pellets (e.g., Kona blend) to the smoke box of your Ninja Woodfire Grill. Set the grill to the “Aircrisp” (or “Air Fry”) function, targeting 350°F (177°C), and set the timer for 12 minutes. Crucially, press the “WOODFIRE” button to activate the smoke feature! Place the elevated rack on top of the grill grate inside the unit.
- Once the grill indicates it’s preheated and ready to “add food,” carefully place the buttered corn ears onto the elevated grate.
- Grill for 6 minutes, then use tongs to flip each ear of corn, brushing with a little more melted butter if desired. Continue cooking for the remaining 6 minutes until the corn is tender and beautifully charred. Remove the corn from the Ninja Woodfire Grill.
- While the corn is still warm, prepare the creamy topping: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and Mexican Crema until smooth. Spread a thin, even layer of this mixture over each ear of grilled corn.
- Generously sprinkle the coated corn with crumbled Cotija cheese. If you enjoy a little heat and tang, dust with Tajin seasoning according to your preference.
- Garnish each ear of Mexican Street Corn with fresh chopped cilantro and serve immediately with a lime wedge on the side for squeezing. Enjoy every smoky, zesty bite!
Recipe Video Tutorial
Nutrition Information (per serving)
- Calories: 1,477 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 88g
- Protein: 38g
- Fat: 116g
- Saturated Fat: 52g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 23g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 28g
- Trans Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 239mg
- Sodium: 1,395mg
- Potassium: 1,327mg
- Fiber: 9g
- Sugar: 30g
- Vitamin A: 3,411 IU
- Vitamin C: 32mg
- Calcium: 733mg
- Iron: 3mg
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Essential Tools & Ingredients for Your Ninja Woodfire Mexican Street Corn
To help you create this fantastic dish with ease, here are links to some of the key equipment and ingredients used in our recipe. These are affiliate links, meaning we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you, which helps support Dad Got This!
Ninja Woodfire Grill & Accessories:
- Ninja Woodfire Pro Connect XL Grill: The ultimate outdoor electric grill and smoker for perfect results every time. Get it at NinjaKitchen
- Ninja Woodfire Grill Griddle Plate: Expand your grilling versatility with this handy accessory. Get it on Amazon
- Ninja Woodfire Grill Elevated Grate: Essential for achieving even cooking and a great char. Get it on Amazon
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