Mexican Street Corn

Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Corn

1. Remove the husks and silk from the corn. If you prefer, you can leave the husks on and grill the corn in them, but for that perfect charred flavor, it’s best to remove them.
2. Brush with oil or butter: Lightly brush each ear of corn with olive oil or melted butter. This will help the corn to grill nicely and give it a bit of flavor.

Step 2: Grill the Corn

3. Grill the corn: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the corn directly on the grill and cook for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the kernels are charred and tender. You want to see a bit of golden-brown color on the corn, which adds to the smoky flavor. If you don’t have a grill, you can also roast the corn in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, turning occasionally.

Step 3: Make the Elote Sauce

4. Prepare the sauce: While the corn is grilling, in a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream (or Mexican crema), lime juice, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. The sauce should be creamy, with a perfect balance of tang from the lime, spice from the chili powder, and a slight richness from the mayo and sour cream.

Step 4: Coat the Corn

5. Coat the corn: Once the corn is grilled and beautifully charred, remove it from the grill and let it cool slightly for a minute or two. Then, generously brush or drizzle the creamy sauce over the warm corn, making sure it’s evenly coated on all sides.

Step 5: Add the Toppings

6. Top with cotija cheese: After coating the corn in the sauce, sprinkle the crumbled cotija cheese generously over the top. The salty, crumbly texture of the cheese contrasts perfectly with the creamy sauce and the smoky corn.
7. Garnish with cilantro (optional): For a touch of fresh flavor and color, sprinkle chopped cilantro over the top. This step adds a burst of freshness that complements the rich flavors of the corn and the sauce.
8. Serve with lime wedges: Place a lime wedge on the side of each cob, allowing everyone to squeeze fresh lime juice over the corn before eating. The acidity of the lime cuts through the richness and adds an extra layer of flavor.
9. Optional extras: For an extra punch of heat, sprinkle a little extra chili powder or Tajín seasoning over the corn before serving. If you like your Elote extra spicy, you can also drizzle it with some hot sauce, such as sriracha or a Mexican-style hot sauce.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

10. Enjoy your Elote: Serve the Mexican street corn immediately, either as a side dish or as a fun snack. It’s best enjoyed while the corn is still warm, and you can even serve it at a casual get-together where people can grab and eat with their hands (no utensils required!).

Tips for the Best Mexican Street Corn

• Use Fresh Corn: For the best flavor and texture, use fresh, in-season corn on the cob. The corn should be plump, sweet, and juicy for the perfect base to this dish.
• Grilling vs. Roasting: Grilling the corn over an open flame gives it that signature smoky, charred flavor that is characteristic of Elote. If you don’t have access to a grill, roasting the corn in the oven will still give you a delicious result, but it won’t have that distinct smoky taste.
• Adjust the Spice: If you’re sensitive to heat, reduce the amount of chili powder or skip the hot sauce. On the other hand, if you love heat, feel free to add more chili powder, cayenne pepper, or even a sprinkle of cayenne-lime seasoning like Tajín.
• Make It a Meal: Elote makes a fantastic side dish, but you can also pair it with grilled meats like steak, chicken, or fish for a full Mexican-inspired meal. You could also serve it with tacos or burritos for a more substantial dinner.
• Make it Vegan: To make a vegan version of this dish, substitute the mayonnaise with vegan mayo and skip the sour cream. For the cheese, you can use a plant-based option or leave it out for a lighter take.

Why We Love Mexican Street Corn

Mexican Street Corn (Elote) is one of those dishes that has a bit of everything—crunch, creaminess, smokiness, heat, and tang—all in one delicious bite. The combination of the charred corn, zesty dressing, salty cotija cheese, and lime is absolutely addictive.

This recipe is perfect for summer cookouts, street-food-inspired parties, or any time you’re craving something with a little extra kick. Best of all, Elote is easy to make, using simple ingredients that pack a ton of flavor. The next time you’re grilling or just looking for a snack that’s both comforting and exciting, try Mexican Street Corn—it’ll take you straight to the streets of Mexico with every bite.