Description
Homemade Mexican Street Corn, or elote, is a flavorful grilled corn on the cob slathered with a creamy, tangy mixture of mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, and spices, then topped with crumbly cotija cheese and fresh cilantro. This easy-to-make recipe brings the authentic taste of Mexican street food to your home grill, perfect for summer gatherings or a delicious side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Corn
- 4 ears of corn, husked
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or melted butter (for grilling)
Creamy Topping
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt to taste
Garnish
- 1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese (or feta)
- Chopped cilantro
- Lime wedges for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high. This ensures the corn will cook evenly with a nice char.
- Prepare Corn for Grilling: Brush each ear of corn with the vegetable oil or melted butter to prevent sticking and promote browning during grilling.
- Grill the Corn: Place the corn on the grill and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, turning occasionally to achieve charred spots and tender kernels all around.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: While the corn grills, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl, mixing well to create a smooth, flavorful topping.
- Coat the Grilled Corn: Remove the cooked corn from the grill and generously brush or spoon the creamy sauce over each ear, ensuring full coverage.
- Add Cheese and Garnish: Sprinkle crumbled cotija cheese over the coated corn and garnish with chopped cilantro for freshness and added texture.
- Serve: Serve the elote warm with lime wedges on the side to squeeze over the corn for an extra burst of citrus flavor.
Notes
- For an extra kick, sprinkle with TajÃn seasoning or add a dash of hot sauce before serving.
- For a street corn salad variation, cut the grilled corn kernels off the cob and toss them with the creamy sauce and toppings.
- You can substitute cotija cheese with feta if cotija is unavailable.
- Adjust chili powder quantity to control the level of spiciness.
