Introduction
Mexican Street Corn, or Elote, is a beloved street food classic found across Mexico. It features char-grilled corn on the cob slathered in a creamy, tangy sauce made with mayonnaise, sour cream, and lime, then generously topped with crumbled cheese, chili powder, and fresh cilantro. This dish is smoky, savory, and slightly spicy with a burst of citrus that balances the sweetness of the corn. It’s an easy-to-make snack or side dish that captures the vibrant flavors of Mexican street food culture.
Ingredients
4 ears fresh corn, husked
2 tbsp vegetable oil (or butter)
¼ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup sour cream (or Mexican crema)
½ cup crumbled Cotija cheese (or feta as substitute)
1 clove garlic, minced (optional)
Juice of 1 lime (plus wedges for serving)
1 tsp chili powder (or Tajín seasoning)
2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
Salt, to taste
Instructions
Prepare the corn:
Brush corn lightly with oil or melted butter.
Grill over medium-high heat for 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally, until charred and cooked through. (Alternatively, roast under the broiler or boil for a softer texture.)
Make the sauce:
In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, sour cream, garlic, lime juice, and a pinch of salt until smooth.
Assemble the elote:
While corn is hot, brush or spread the sauce evenly over each cob.
Sprinkle with crumbled Cotija cheese.
Dust generously with chili powder.
Garnish with chopped cilantro.
Serve:
Serve immediately with lime wedges for squeezing on top.
Description
Mexican Street Corn is smoky, creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy all at once. The combination of charred kernels with the zesty lime sauce, salty Cotija cheese, and a touch of chili heat creates layers of flavor in every bite. It’s a festive snack that doubles as a perfect side for tacos, grilled meats, or summer barbecues.
Tips and Variations
Cheese swap: If Cotija isn’t available, feta or Parmesan works as a substitute.
Spicy kick: Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce for extra heat.
Off the cob (Esquites): Cut the corn kernels off and mix them in a bowl with the sauce, cheese, and chili for a spoonable version.
Lighter option: Use Greek yogurt in place of sour cream.
Extra garnish: Try sprinkling with smoked paprika or adding a drizzle of Mexican hot sauce.
Correction
Some recipes use only butter and cheese, but authentic elote features a creamy mayo-sour cream (or crema) base mixed with lime and chili seasoning. Skipping this sauce means missing the signature street-food flavor.
Enjoy
Serve Mexican Street Corn hot and fresh off the grill, with extra lime wedges and chili powder on the side. Whether you enjoy it at a summer cookout, taco night, or as a snack, it’s guaranteed to bring bold Mexican flavor to the table.
