Elote (Mexican Street Corn)

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 10 min
🍽 Serves: 6
★★★★★
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Elote, or Mexican Street Corn, is a vibrant and savory dish that brings a fiesta of flavors to your taste buds. Charred to perfection on the grill and slathered with a creamy, tangy sauce, this corn is an irresistible treat ideal for cookouts or anytime you want a taste of summer.

Ingredients for Elote (Mexican Street Corn)

Corn: The star of the show, fresh ears of corn are best when grilled to bring out their natural sweetness and achieve a smoky char.

Mayonnaise: Adds richness and helps the other ingredients adhere to the corn.

Sour Cream: Balances out the mayonnaise with a tangy kick, making the sauce more complex.

Cotija Cheese: This crumbly cheese provides a salty finish and enhances the overall flavor.

Lime: Fresh lime juice adds brightness and complements the spices.

Chili Powder: Gives a bit of heat and a flavorful depth to the dish.

Cilantro: A fresh garnish that adds color and a burst of herby flavor.

Tips & Tricks

  • If you don’t have a grill, a stovetop grill pan works in a pinch.
  • For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mayo mixture.
  • Can’t find cotija cheese? Feta or parmesan can be good substitutes.

Serving Suggestions

Elote pairs wonderfully with grilled meats like chicken or steak. It also makes a great side for tacos or burritos. For a light meal, serve it alongside a fresh salad or some grilled vegetables.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen or canned corn?
Fresh corn is best for this recipe, but if you must use frozen or canned, make sure it's well-drained and dried before grilling to achieve some char.
What if I don't like cilantro?
You can skip the cilantro or substitute it with chopped parsley for a milder flavor.
Is there a dairy-free option?
Yes, you can use a vegan mayonnaise and skip the cheese, or use a dairy-free cheese alternative.

Elote (Mexican Street Corn) Recipe Walkthrough

First, get your grill preheated to medium-high heat. While it’s warming up, shuck your corn by removing the husks and silk. It's a little messy, but worth it for that fresh corn flavor.

Once the grill is hot, lay the corn directly on the grates. Turn them occasionally so they get evenly charred. This should take about 10 minutes. You’re looking for spots of char while keeping the kernels tender.

While the corn is grilling, mix up the sauce. In a bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, and a pinch of salt. Stir until smooth. This will be your base for all that delicious flavor to stick to the corn.

After the corn is nicely charred, brush on the mayo mixture evenly. Be generous here, as this is where a lot of the flavor comes from.

Next, sprinkle the corn with chili powder to taste and crumble the cotija cheese over the top. The cheese should stick nicely to the mayo mixture.

Finish by sprinkling with chopped cilantro and serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for an extra squeeze of freshness.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to prepare with just a handful of ingredients.
  • Perfect for grilling season and outdoor gatherings.
  • A delightful mix of creamy, tangy, and spicy flavors.
  • Customizable to suit your spice and cheese preferences.

Ingredients

6 ears of corn
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese
1 lime, juiced
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
Salt to taste
Lime wedges for serving

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
2. Remove the husks and silk from the corn.
3. Grill the corn, turning occasionally, until charred in spots and tender, about 10 minutes.
4. In a bowl, mix the mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, and a pinch of salt.
5. Brush the warm corn with the mayo mixture until well coated.
6. Sprinkle the corn with chili powder and cotija cheese.
7. Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve with lime wedges.

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