Description
Mexican Street Corn, or Elote, is a vibrant and flavorful grilled corn dish featuring tender corn ears slathered in a creamy, tangy mixture of mayonnaise, sour cream, and lime juice, then topped with crumbly cotija cheese, smoky chili powder, and fresh cilantro. It makes a perfect summer side dish with a delicious smoky char from the grill.
Ingredients
Scale
Corn and Oil
- 6 ears fresh corn, husks removed
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Creamy Sauce
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Toppings and Seasoning
- 1 cup crumbled cotija cheese
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
- Extra lime wedges for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat to prepare for cooking the corn evenly with a nice char.
- Prepare the Corn: Lightly brush each ear of corn with vegetable oil to prevent sticking and enhance browning on the grill.
- Grill the Corn: Place the corn directly on the grill grates and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, turning occasionally until the kernels are tender and lightly charred all over.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: While the corn is grilling, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, garlic powder, and salt in a bowl, stirring until smooth and well blended.
- Coat the Corn: Once the corn is cooked, remove it from the grill and immediately brush each ear generously with the creamy sauce mixture to allow it to stick well.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle the coated corn evenly with crumbled cotija cheese, chili powder, smoked paprika, and fresh chopped cilantro for flavor and color.
- Serve: Serve the Mexican Street Corn warm with extra lime wedges on the side for squeezing to add bright citrus flavor.
Notes
- If you don’t have a grill, roast the corn in a 425°F oven for 20 to 25 minutes or use a grill pan on the stovetop as alternatives.
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or drizzle with hot sauce for extra heat.
- Queso fresco can be used instead of cotija cheese if cotija is unavailable.
