Authentic Mexican Street Corn (Elote) Recipe

Name: Authentic Mexican Street Corn (Elote) Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 4 ears of corn (husked); 1/4 cup mayonnaise; 1/4 cup Mexican crema; 1/2 cup cotija cheese (crumbled); 1 tsp chili powder; 1 lime (cut into wedges); 1/4 cup fresh cilantro (chopped)

25 min 4 servings Easy

All Recipes

Experience the vibrant flavours of Mexican street corn, charred to perfection and topped with a creamy, cheesy, and spicy blend.

Prep

10 min

Cook

15 min

Total

25 min

Servings

Difficulty

Easy

Mexican Street Corn, or Elote, is a beloved street food in Mexico, making its way onto many North American grills for its irresistible combination of flavours. This dish is a delightful balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy, with the charred corn providing a smoky base for the rich toppings. Elote is the perfect side dish for any barbecue or gathering, offering a taste of Mexican culture that is simple yet incredibly satisfying. The creamy mayo-crema mix, the crumbled cotija cheese, and the hint of lime and chili powder create a flavour explosion that is hard to resist.

Instructions

Preheat the grill

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, about 200°C (400°F).

Pro tip: Ensure the grill is clean to prevent sticking.

Prepare the corn

Brush the husked corn cobs lightly with oil to prevent sticking and burning.

Pro tip: Use canola or vegetable oil for a neutral flavour.

Grill the corn

Place the corn directly on the grill. Turn occasionally, cooking until charred and tender, about 10 minutes.

Pro tip: Listen for popping sounds to know the corn is getting charred.

Mix the topping

In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise and Mexican crema until smooth.

Pro tip: For extra flavour, add a pinch of salt to the mix.

Apply the topping

Remove the corn from the grill and brush each cob with the mayo-crema mixture.

Pro tip: Use a pastry brush for even coverage.

Add cheese and seasonings

Roll each corn cob in crumbled cotija cheese, then sprinkle with chili powder. Finish with chopped cilantro.

Pro tip: Feta cheese can be used if cotija is unavailable.

Serve with lime

Serve the elote hot, with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the top.

Pro tip: The lime juice adds a refreshing zest to balance the spiciness.

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Tips & Tricks

Use fresh, sweet corn for the best flavour.
Grilling gives the corn a smoky, charred taste.
Cotija cheese is traditional, but feta can be substituted.
A squeeze of lime brightens the dish.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an elote?

Elote is a popular Mexican street food consisting of grilled corn on the cob slathered with a creamy topping and various seasonings.

What cheese is used for Mexican street corn?

Traditional elote uses cotija cheese, a crumbly Mexican cheese. Feta can be a substitute if cotija is not available.

Can I make elote without a grill?

Yes, you can roast the corn in an oven at 200°C (400°F) for about 20 minutes, turning occasionally.

How do you store leftover elote?

Store leftover elote in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days.

What is Mexican crema?

Mexican crema is a rich, slightly tangy cream similar to sour cream but with a thinner consistency.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your Mexican Street Corn hot off the grill for the best experience. Pair it with other Mexican favourites like tacos or a fresh salad to complete your meal. This dish can be prepared in advance by grilling the corn and mixing the toppings. However, for the freshest taste, apply the toppings just before serving. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days.