Elote (Mexican Street Corn)
Dive into the Flavor of Mexican Street Corn
Mexican Street Corn, or Elote, is not just a dish; it’s a vibrant celebration of flavors that brings the essence of street food right to your home.
Picture juicy, charred corn slathered in a creamy, zesty dressing, all topped off with crumbly Cotija cheese and a sprinkle of chili powder.
This dish is perfect for summer barbecues, picnics, or anytime you crave the bold tastes of Mexico.
Whether you’re enjoying it at a bustling street fair or making it for a cozy dinner, this recipe will evoke sun-soaked memories of laughter and togetherness.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: 350
- Protein: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fat: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 450mg
Why I Love This Mexican Street Corn
This Mexican Street Corn recipe holds a special place in my heart because it brings back the joyful memories of summer nights spent with friends, gathered around the grill.
It’s incredibly easy to whip up, but the burst of flavors makes it feel like a gourmet treat. The creamy, tangy sauce paired with the sweetness of the grilled corn is simply irresistible.
Plus, it’s the perfect side to almost any dish, making it a go-to for festive gatherings and casual meals alike.
Ingredients
- 4 ears of corn, husked
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup crumbled Cotija cheese
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 lime, juiced
- Salt to taste
- Chopped cilantro for garnish
How to Make Mexican Street Corn
Step 1: Preheat the Grill
Prepare for flavor! Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This will give your corn that delicious char.
Step 2: Grill the Corn
Place the husked corn on the grill. Turn occasionally to ensure even cooking. Grill for about 10 minutes, or until it’s beautifully charred and tender.
Step 3: Mix the Sauce
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, and chili powder. Stir until everything is fully blended and creamy.
Step 4: Brush with Dressing
Once the corn is perfectly grilled, use a brush to coat each ear generously with your creamy sauce. Don’t be shy!
Step 5: Sprinkle the Cheese
Next, generously sprinkle crumbled Cotija cheese over the brushed corn. Let it melt slightly into the sauce for added creaminess.
Step 6: Season and Garnish
Finally, season with salt and, if desired, a little extra chili powder for kick. Finish with a sprinkle of chopped cilantro for a fresh touch. Serve immediately and enjoy the explosion of flavors!
Tips & Variations
- Serving Suggestions: Serve your Mexican Street Corn hot from the grill. It’s a fantastic side for grilled meats or as a standout dish at BBQs. Pair it with cold beverages like lemonade or margaritas for a refreshing contrast.
- Dietary Adjustments: For a lighter version, swap mayonnaise and sour cream with Greek yogurt. If you want to spice things up, try adding more chili powder or even a drizzle of hot sauce!
- Presentation Ideas: Serve the corn on wooden skewers for easy eating, or place it on a vibrant platter garnished with extra lime wedges and cilantro for an eye-catching display.
Delicious Variations
- Grilled Vegetable Skewers: A medley of peppers, zucchini, and onions grilled to perfection.
- Elote-Style Potato Salad: Creamy potato salad with similar flavors to Mexican Street Corn.
- Spicy Corn Fritters: Crispy fritters made with corn, jalapeños, and a touch of cheese.
- Chili-Lime Shrimp Tacos: Flavorful shrimp tacos with a zesty chili-lime sauce, complementing the corn perfectly.
Serving Suggestions for Mexican Street Corn
The best way to serve this dish is piping hot, right off the grill. As a side, it shines during outdoor gatherings, complementing grilled meats or fish beautifully. Consider pairing it with a refreshing tropical salsa or a tangy dip, like guacamole, for an exciting flavor combination.
Storage and Leftovers
Store any leftover Mexican Street Corn in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the grill or in the oven to maintain that delightful, grilled taste. While it’s best fresh, leftovers can also be chopped and added to salads for a quick lunch!
Helpful Questions
Can I use frozen corn?
Yes, you can use frozen corn. Just grill it until heated through and slightly charred.Is Cotija cheese necessary?
While Cotija is traditional, you can substitute with feta or Parmesan for a different take.How can I make this dish spicier?
For a kick, add diced jalapeños to the sauce or sprinkle additional chili powder on top.Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce a day in advance and refrigerate it until you’re ready to use it.Is there a vegan version?
Yes! Substitute the mayo and sour cream with vegan mayonnaise and coconut yogurt, and use nutritional yeast instead of Cotija.
Enjoy this delightful journey with your Mexican Street Corn, and let the flavor fiesta begin!
Print
Mexican Street Corn (Elote)
- Total Time: 20
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A vibrant Mexican classic featuring juicy, charred corn slathered in creamy dressing, topped with Cotija cheese and chili powder.
Ingredients
- 4 ears of corn, husked
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup crumbled Cotija cheese
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 lime, juiced
- Salt to taste
- Chopped cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Place the husked corn on the grill, turning occasionally, and grill for about 10 minutes until charred and tender.
- In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, and chili powder. Mix until creamy.
- Brush the grilled corn generously with the sauce.
- Sprinkle crumbled Cotija cheese over the corn.
- Season with salt and extra chili powder if desired, and garnish with chopped cilantro. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
For a lighter version, swap mayonnaise and sour cream with Greek yogurt. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 10
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
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