Description
Mexican Street Corn, also known as Elote, is a flavorful and popular Mexican side dish featuring grilled fresh corn on the cob slathered with a creamy, tangy sauce made from mayonnaise, sour cream, and lime juice. It’s then topped with crumbled cotija cheese, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic, and fresh cilantro for an irresistible combination of smoky, creamy, and tangy flavors. Perfect for summer barbecues or as a vibrant side to any Mexican meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 4 ears of fresh corn, husked
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt to taste
- Chopped cilantro for garnish
- Lime wedges for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the grill: Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat to ensure even cooking and a nice char on the corn.
- Prepare the corn: Brush each ear of husked corn with vegetable oil to prevent sticking and promote browning on the grill.
- Grill the corn: Place the corn on the grill and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the kernels are cooked through and have spots of char for that signature smoky flavor.
- Make the creamy sauce: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, minced garlic, lime juice, chili powder, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt. Mix thoroughly to create a smooth, flavorful sauce.
- Apply the sauce: Remove the grilled corn from the heat and immediately brush each ear generously with the prepared creamy sauce to allow it to meld with the warm corn.
- Add toppings: Sprinkle crumbled cotija cheese evenly over the sauce-coated corn, then garnish with chopped fresh cilantro for a burst of color and freshness.
- Serve: Serve the Mexican Street Corn warm, accompanied by lime wedges for squeezing, enhancing the dish’s bright and tangy flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute fresh corn with frozen corn kernels; sauté them in a skillet until browned and tender, then toss with the sauce and toppings.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce or drizzle with your favorite hot sauce.
- Try using different cheeses like feta if cotija cheese is unavailable.
- Grilling the corn on a charcoal grill enhances the smoky flavor even more.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican
