Mexican Street Corn (Elote)
Smoky, creamy, tangy, and spicy—this Mexican street food favorite brings bold flavor to every bite. Perfect for summer cookouts or an irresistible side dish any time of year.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
- 4 ears of fresh corn, husked
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup finely grated cotija cheese (plus more for topping)
- 1 tsp chili powder (plus more for garnish)
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
Optional substitutions:
- Cotija: Use feta or Parmesan if cotija isn’t available
- Sour cream: Can be replaced with Mexican crema or plain Greek yogurt
Instructions
1. Preheat the Grill:
- Set your grill (or grill pan) to medium-high heat.
2. Grill the Corn:
- Place the husked corn directly on the grill.
- Grill for 7–10 minutes, turning occasionally, until lightly charred on all sides.
3. Mix the Sauce:
- In a large bowl, combine:
- Mayonnaise
- Sour cream
- Grated cotija cheese
- Chili powder
- Mix until smooth and creamy.
4. Coat the Corn:
- Use a spoon or brush to spread the sauce generously over the grilled corn while it’s still hot.
5. Finish & Garnish:
- Sprinkle each ear with extra cotija cheese and a dash of chili powder.
- Top with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges for squeezing.
Serving Tips
- Serve immediately while hot.
- Great as a BBQ side dish, appetizer, or vegetarian entrée.
- Eat with hands (traditional) or cut kernels off and mix into a salad (esquites style).
Nutrition (Per Ear of Corn):
- Calories: ~300
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 24g
- Carbs: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
Mexican Street Corn Q&A
Q: Can I make this without a grill?
A: Yes! Roast the corn in a 425°F (220°C) oven for about 20 minutes, or char them on a gas stove burner (carefully!) for flame-kissed flavor.
Q: Can I make it ahead of time?
A: Grill the corn and prep the sauce in advance, but assemble just before serving to keep the texture fresh and creamy.
Q: What if I don’t have cotija cheese?
A: Crumbled feta or finely grated Parmesan makes a great substitute—both provide the salty, crumbly texture.
Q: How spicy is this?
A: Mild as written. Adjust the chili powder to taste, or add cayenne or hot sauce for more kick.
Q: Can I make this vegan?
A: Yes! Use vegan mayo, dairy-free sour cream, and a plant-based feta-style cheese or nutritional yeast as a topping.