Mexican Street Corn

Mexican Street Corn

by

Mexican street corn, also known as elote, is a flavorful treat loved by many people worldwide. It has grilled corn on the cob covered in a creamy, cheesy, and spicy sauce. This makes it a tasty side dish or snack. Hosting a summer barbecue? Need a quick appetizer? Craving real Mexican flavors? This elote recipe is perfect.

Mexican Street Corn

Ingredients List

To make authentic Mexican street corn, you’ll need:

  • 4 ears of corn, husked

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise

  • 1/2 cup sour cream or Mexican crema

  • 1/2 cup cotija cheese, crumbled

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

  • 1 teaspoon chili powder (plus extra for garnish)

  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

  • 1 tablespoon lime juice

  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

  • Lime wedges, for serving

  • Butter (optional, for grilling)

Timing

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes

  • Cook Time: 10 minutes

  • Total Time: 20 minutes

Step-by-step Instructions

Step 1: Grill the Corn

  1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.

  2. Lightly brush the corn with butter (optional) and place them on the grill.

  3. Grill for about 10 minutes, turning occasionally until the corn is lightly charred and cooked through.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

  1. In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, sour cream (or crema), garlic powder, chili powder, smoked paprika, and lime juice.

  2. Stir until well combined and set aside.

Step 3: Assemble the Elote

  1. Once the corn is grilled, spread the creamy sauce evenly over each ear using a brush or spoon.

  2. Sprinkle generously with cotija cheese and extra chili powder.

  3. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

  • Serve immediately while warm, and enjoy the bold and creamy flavors of authentic Mexican street corn.

Mexican Street Corn

Tips for Making It Perfect

  • Use fresh corn for the best flavor and texture.

  • If you don’t have a grill, roast the corn in the oven at 400°F for 15-20 minutes.

  • Adjust the spice level by adding more or less chili powder.

  • If cotija cheese isn’t available, use feta or parmesan as a substitute.

You Can Try These Different Variations

  • Elote Off-the-Cob (Esquites): Cut the kernels off and mix everything in a bowl for an easy-to-eat salad version.

  • Spicy Elote: Add extra hot sauce or cayenne pepper for a kick.

  • Avocado Elote: Blend some avocado into the sauce for a creamy twist.

  • Cheesy Elote: Melt cheddar or mozzarella cheese on top for a richer flavor.

  • Vegan Elote: Swap mayonnaise and sour cream for vegan alternatives and use nutritional yeast instead of cheese.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 250-300 kcal

  • Protein: 6g

  • Carbohydrates: 30g

  • Fat: 15g

  • Fiber: 4g

  • Sugar: 6g

FAQs

Can I make Mexican street corn ahead of time?

Yes! You can grill the corn ahead of time and reheat it before serving. However, add the sauce and toppings right before eating for the best taste.

What can I serve with Mexican street corn?

Elote pairs well with tacos, grilled meats, or fajitas and is an excellent side for BBQs and summer gatherings.

How can I make it less messy to eat?

If eating on the cob is tricky, try making elote in a cup (esquites) by cutting off the kernels and mixing them with the sauce.

Can I store leftovers?

Yes, but it’s best eaten fresh! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat before serving.

Conclusion

Mexican street corn (elote) is an easy, delicious, and crowd-pleasing dish that brings bold flavors to any meal. Whether grilled or served as a salad, its creamy, tangy, and spicy taste makes it a must-try recipe. Give it a try and bring a taste of Mexico to your table today.