If you’ve ever wandered the lively streets of Mexico and bitten into that unforgettable, flavorful corn on a stick, you know exactly why the Elotes Mexican Street Corn Recipe deserves a prime spot in your kitchen repertoire. This dish combines perfectly grilled corn slathered in a creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy sauce, finished with crumbly cotija cheese and fresh cilantro that bursts with vibrant color and flavor. It’s a sensational celebration of textures and tastes that’s surprisingly easy to make and guaranteed to impress your friends and family with its authentic, irresistible charm.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the Elotes Mexican Street Corn Recipe lies in its simple yet purposeful ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, from the sweet, smoky charred corn to the creamy, zesty sauce and the sharp, salty cheese topping.
- 4 ears Corn on the cob: Choose fresh corn for the best flavor and juiciness.
- 1/2 cup Mayonnaise: Adds creaminess and acts as the perfect base for the sauce.
- 1/4 cup Sour cream: Brings a tangy richness that balances the spices wonderfully.
- 1 unit Lime: Use both juice and zest for a fresh, bright kick.
- 1 teaspoon Chili powder: Adds heat and vibrant warmth—adjust according to your spice tolerance.
- 1/2 teaspoon Garlic powder: Boosts the savory depth without overpowering.
- 1/2 cup Cotija cheese: Crumbled on top for that signature salty finish; feta is a fine substitute if needed.
- 1/4 cup Fresh cilantro: Chopped as a fresh, herbal garnish that elevates the whole dish.
- Salt and pepper: To season perfectly and enhance all the flavors.
- Wooden skewers or sticks: For easy handling and authentic street corn experience.
How to Make Elotes Mexican Street Corn Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Grill and Corn
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat; this will ensure you get those beautiful, smoky char marks. While the grill heats up, remove the husks and silk from your corn ears, then rinse them briefly under cool water and pat dry. This prep sets you up for perfectly grilled corn that’s tender inside with a hint of smoky crunch outside.
Step 2: Grill the Corn to Perfection
Place the cleaned corn directly on the grill. Turn the ears every few minutes to allow even cooking on all sides. It usually takes about 10 to 15 minutes for the corn to become tender and develop those irresistible grill marks. This smoky cooking step is key to the authentic flavor of the Elotes Mexican Street Corn Recipe.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
While the corn grills, mix together the mayonnaise, sour cream, freshly squeezed lime juice, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Stir until everything is smoothly combined, creating the luscious sauce that will coat each ear and bring a zesty, spicy, and creamy magic to every bite.
Step 4: Coat the Corn and Add Cheese
Once your corn is off the grill and still warm, generously spread the sauce all over each ear. Then sprinkle a generous amount of crumbled cotija cheese over the top. The warm corn slightly melts the cheese, creating a delicious contrast that’s salty and tangy. Don’t forget to add a sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro for that perfect finishing touch.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Stick a wooden skewer into each ear for easy eating and serve your elotes with extra lime wedges on the side. The lime adds a refreshing acidity that brightens every mouthful, making this street food-inspired dish a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
How to Serve Elotes Mexican Street Corn Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing Elotes Mexican Street Corn Recipe is where your creativity shines. Fresh cilantro offers an herbaceous punch, while extra crumbled cotija or a dusting of chili powder adds visual appeal and more layers of flavor. Lime wedges on the side not only add a gorgeous pop of color but also let you customize each bite’s brightness.
Side Dishes
This corn pairs beautifully with any summer barbecue fare or Mexican-inspired dishes. Consider serving it alongside grilled meats like carne asada, chicken tacos, or even a fresh avocado salad to balance the richness of the corn sauce with refreshing greens. It’s also fantastic as a stand-alone snack during a festive gathering or game day.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, present your elotes in small clear cups or mason jars with the corn cut into smaller segments topped with all the traditional fixings. This makes a wonderful appetizer option for parties. Alternatively, turn the ingredients into a vibrant corn salad for those who want all the flavors in a fork-friendly format.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftover elotes, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Because the sauce contains mayonnaise and sour cream, it’s best to consume them relatively quickly to ensure freshness and food safety.
Freezing
Freezing grilled elotes is not recommended since the texture of both the corn and creamy sauce changes upon thawing. For the best experience, enjoy this recipe fresh or refrigerated leftovers within a short time frame.
Reheating
To reheat leftover elotes, gently warm them in a low oven or on the grill to avoid drying out the corn or melting away the toppings too much. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that freshly grilled grilled flavor and texture intact.
FAQs
Can I make Elotes Mexican Street Corn Recipe without a grill?
Absolutely! You can boil or roast the corn in the oven if a grill isn’t available. While you won’t get the smoky char flavor, the sauce and toppings will still provide that classic taste.
What can I substitute for cotija cheese?
Feta cheese is a great alternative if you can’t find cotija. It offers similar saltiness and crumbly texture that works wonderfully in this recipe.
How spicy is the chili powder in this recipe?
The chili powder adds a gentle warmth rather than intense heat. You can easily adjust the amount to suit your spice preference, adding more if you like it hot or less for a milder flavor.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! All the ingredients in the Elotes Mexican Street Corn Recipe are naturally gluten-free, making it safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
To make a vegan version, substitute the mayonnaise and sour cream with plant-based alternatives and use a vegan cheese or nutritional yeast instead of cotija. The flavors may shift slightly but still deliver a delicious treat.
Final Thoughts
This Elotes Mexican Street Corn Recipe is one of those simple dishes that packs a serious punch of flavor and personality, perfect for any occasion where you want to impress with minimal fuss. Grilled to perfection and slathered with a creamy, tangy, and spicy sauce, it feels like a festive celebration in every bite. I can’t wait for you to try it and bring a little taste of Mexico into your home.
Print
Elotes Mexican Street Corn Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
Elotes, or Mexican Street Corn, is a popular and flavorful grilled corn dish coated with a creamy, tangy, and spicy sauce, sprinkled with salty cotija cheese and fresh cilantro. Perfect as a street-style snack or a delicious side dish at barbecues and gatherings.
Ingredients
Corn
- 4 ears Corn on the cob (Choose fresh corn for the best flavor.)
Sauce
- 1/2 cup Mayonnaise (Regular or light mayonnaise can be used.)
- 1/4 cup Sour cream (Adds creaminess and tang.)
- 1 unit Lime (Juice and zest for freshness.)
- 1 teaspoon Chili powder (Adjust based on heat preference.)
- 1/2 teaspoon Garlic powder (Enhances overall flavor.)
- Salt and pepper (To taste.)
Garnish
- 1/2 cup Cotija cheese (Crumbled, can substitute with feta.)
- 1/4 cup Fresh cilantro (Chopped for garnish.)
Others
- Wooden skewers or sticks (For easier handling.)
Instructions
- Preheat Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat to prepare for grilling the corn evenly and to achieve a nice char.
- Prepare Corn: Remove husks and silk from the corn completely, rinse under cold water, and pat dry with a clean towel to ensure even cooking and prevent flare-ups.
- Grill Corn: Place the corn directly on the grill and cook for approximately 10 to 15 minutes, turning occasionally to char all sides until the kernels are tender and have a slight smoky char.
- Make Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and evenly blended.
- Coat Corn: Using a brush or spoon, coat each grilled ear of corn generously with the prepared elotes sauce, ensuring all sides are covered for full flavor.
- Add Cheese and Garnish: Sprinkle crumbled cotija cheese evenly over the coated corn, then top with freshly chopped cilantro for a burst of color and freshness.
- Serve: Insert wooden skewers into the cob if desired for easy handling and serve warm with lime wedges on the side for extra zing.
Notes
- Adjust chili powder quantity to control the spiciness according to your preference.
- Cotija cheese can be substituted with feta cheese if unavailable for a similar salty flavor.
- Grilling corn enhances its natural sweetness and adds a smoky flavor essential to authentic elotes.
- Use fresh lime juice for the best tangy taste; bottled lime juice may alter flavor.
- Wooden skewers make eating elotes easier and less messy, especially for street food-style serving.
