What is Mexican Street Corn (Elote)?

Mexican Street Corn, or Elote, is a popular Mexican street food consisting of grilled or boiled corn on the cob, slathered with a creamy mixture (usually mayonnaise and Mexican crema), seasoned with chili powder, lime juice, and topped with crumbled Cotija cheese. It's known for its vibrant blend of sweet, tangy, salty, and spicy flavors.

Can I make Elote without a grill?

Yes, absolutely! While grilling offers a fantastic smoky flavor, you can also boil or roast your corn. To boil, simply cook the shucked corn in lightly salted water for 5-7 minutes until tender. To roast, toss the shucked corn with a little oil and roast at 400u00b0F (200u00b0C) for 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally, until slightly browned. The key is to get the corn tender and slightly caramelized.

What can I use if I don't have Cotija cheese?

Cotija cheese has a distinct salty, crumbly texture. If you can't find it, a good quality feta cheese can be used as a substitute, although the flavor profile will be slightly different. Feta offers a similar saltiness and crumbly texture. Another option could be a finely grated Parmesan cheese, but it won't be as authentic as Cotija.

How do I make Elote en Vaso (Mexican Street Corn in a Cup)?

To make Elote en Vaso, simply prepare your corn as usual (grill, boil, or roast), then carefully cut the kernels off the cob. Place the warm kernels in a cup or bowl. Add the creamy sauce, crumbled Cotija cheese, chili powder, and lime juice directly to the cup, mixing everything together. This makes it easier to eat and perfect for parties!

Mexican Street Corn Recipe: 7 Steps to Authentic Elote Perfection

Name: Authentic Mexican Street Corn (Elote)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 4 ears fresh corn on the cob, shucked; 1 tablespoon neutral oil (like canola or vegetable oil); 1/4 cup mayonnaise; 1/4 cup Mexican crema (or sour cream/mayo blend with lime); 1/2 teaspoon chili powder, plus more for sprinkling; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat); 1/4 cup fresh lime juice (from 1-2 limes); 1/2 cup crumbled Cotija cheese; Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish, optional)

Ingredients

Scale

4 ears fresh corn on the cob, shucked
1 tablespoon neutral oil (like canola or vegetable oil)
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup Mexican crema (or sour cream/mayo blend with lime)
1/2 teaspoon chili powder, plus more for sprinkling
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
1/4 cup fresh lime juice (from 1-2 limes)
1/2 cup crumbled Cotija cheese
Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish, optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Step 1: Shuck the corn, removing all husks and silk. Lightly brush the cobs with neutral oil.
Step 2: Grill corn over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until tender and charred in spots (8-12 minutes). Alternatively, boil for 5-7 minutes or roast at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes.
Step 3: While corn cooks, prepare the sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Mexican crema, 1/2 teaspoon chili powder, cayenne pepper (if using), and 2 tablespoons of lime juice.
Step 4: Place crumbled Cotija cheese in a shallow dish.
Step 5: Once corn is cooked and slightly cooled to handle, generously brush each cob with the prepared creamy sauce.
Step 6: Roll the sauce-coated corn in the crumbled Cotija cheese, ensuring it's evenly coated. Sprinkle with additional chili powder and a final squeeze of fresh lime juice.
Step 7: Serve immediately, garnished with fresh cilantro if desired. Enjoy your authentic Mexican street corn recipe!

Notes

For an even more intense smoky flavor, try charring the corn directly over an open flame or using a cast-iron grill pan. Don't skip the fresh lime juice – it's crucial for balancing the richness of the sauce and the sweetness of the corn. If you don't have Mexican crema, a blend of 2 parts mayonnaise to 1 part sour cream with an extra squeeze of lime juice works well.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Drinks, Snacks & Holiday Treats
Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 ear
Calories: 245 kcal
Sugar: 9 g
Sodium: 380 mg
Fat: 14 g
Saturated Fat: 6 g
Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
Trans Fat: 0.2 g
Carbohydrates: 28 g
Fiber: 4 g
Protein: 7 g
Cholesterol: 25 mg

Ingredients

Instructions

Notes

Nutrition

Join Eldralys Recipes!