Mexican Street Corn (Elote)

Name: Mexican Street Corn (Elote)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 23 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 4 medium sweet corn on the cob; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped; Juice and zest of 1 lime; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; 1/4 cup crumbled Parmesan or cotija cheese; Chili powder (optional)

Recipe By:

Natalia

Posted:

May 27, 2025

Updated:

May 27, 2025

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Mexican street corn (elote) is a vibrant and mouthwatering dish that brings the flavors of Mexico right to your backyard. This grilled corn on the cob is generously slathered with a creamy, cheesy mixture enhanced by fresh cilantro and zesty lime. Perfect for summer BBQs, picnics, or any festive gathering, Mexican street corn is sure to impress your guests with its unique blend of flavors and textures.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this delicious treat in no time.
Flavor Explosion: The combination of sour cream, mayonnaise, and spices creates a rich and tangy flavor that’s irresistible.
Versatile Dish: Serve it as a side dish at barbecues or enjoy it as a snack — the possibilities are endless.
Customizable Spice Level: Adjust the chili powder to suit your taste for a mild or spicy kick.
Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh corn and herbs ensures every bite is bursting with flavor.

Tools and Preparation

To make the best Mexican street corn (elote), you’ll need some essential tools. These will help streamline your cooking process and ensure everything turns out perfectly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Grill or oven
Mixing bowl
Brush for sauce application
Tongs

Importance of Each Tool

Grill or oven: Provides the heat needed to char the corn, enhancing its natural sweetness.
Mixing bowl: Essential for combining ingredients smoothly without mess.
Brush for sauce application: Helps evenly coat the corn with the creamy sauce for maximum flavor.
Tongs: Make handling hot corn easy and safe while grilling.

Ingredients

Mexican street corn (elote) is a delicious corn on the cob loaded with a cheesy sauce elevated with cilantro and lime. Creamy, cheesy, spicy, and flavorful.

For the Sauce

1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1 lime, juiced and zested
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

For the Corn

4 medium sweet corn on the cob, husks removed

For Topping

1/4 cup Parmesan or cotija cheese, crumbled
Chili powder (optional, for a spicy kick)

How to Make Mexican Street Corn (Elote)

Step 1: Preheat the Grill

Preheat your grill to 400°F, which should take about 5-6 minutes. This high temperature helps achieve those delicious charred marks on your corn.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

In a medium mixing bowl:
1. Combine sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic powder, cilantro, lime juice, lime zest, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Stir well until smooth and evenly mixed.
3. Set aside for about 10 minutes to let the flavors meld together.

Step 3: Grill the Corn

Once preheated:
1. Place the corn cobs directly on the grill.
2. Grill for approximately 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally until nicely charred and cooked through.
3. Remove from grill and set aside on a plate.

You can also roast the corn in the oven at 400°F for 25 minutes or boil in water for 10-15 minutes; however, grilling provides that unique sweet flavor.

Step 4: Assemble and Serve

Spread and brush the prepared sauce evenly over each ear of grilled corn:
1. Top with crumbled Parmesan (or cotija cheese).
2. Drizzle with extra lime juice if desired.
3. Add more chopped cilantro and sprinkle chili powder for an added kick.

Enjoy your homemade Mexican street corn (elote) as a delightful side dish or snack!

How to Serve Mexican Street Corn (Elote)

Mexican street corn (elote) is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether as an appetizer, side dish, or a fun snack, this creamy and flavorful corn on the cob will delight your guests.

As a Party Appetizer

Serve on Skewers: For easy eating, slide the corn onto skewers. This makes it perfect for parties and gatherings.
Garnish with Extra Lime: A wedge of lime on the plate allows guests to add more zest as they enjoy their corn.

As a Side Dish

Pair with Tacos: Complement your favorite tacos with elote for a complete Mexican feast.
Serve with Grilled Meats: The smoky flavor of grilled meats pairs perfectly with the creamy corn.

As a Snack

Enjoy Cold: Leftover elote can be enjoyed cold as a refreshing snack.
Top with Hot Sauce: For those who love heat, drizzle some hot sauce on top for an extra kick.

How to Perfect Mexican Street Corn (Elote)

Making the best Mexican street corn takes just a few tips to elevate your dish. Follow these suggestions for perfect elote every time.

Bold Flavors: Use fresh lime juice and zest to enhance the overall taste.
Cheese Selection: Choose between Parmesan or cotija cheese based on your preference; both add great flavor.
Grill Marks: Make sure to turn the corn often while grilling to achieve those beautiful charred marks.
Season Generously: Don’t be shy with spices like paprika or chili powder; they bring out the flavors in the corn.
Fresh Cilantro: Always use fresh cilantro instead of dried for a brighter taste.
Serve Immediately: Enjoy elote right off the grill for the best texture and flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Mexican Street Corn (Elote)

Mexican street corn (elote) is a delightful addition to any meal, but pairing it with the right side dishes makes it even better. Here are some fantastic options that complement its rich flavors.

Grilled Chicken Fajitas: Marinated chicken strips grilled with bell peppers and onions make a hearty pairing.
Black Bean Salad: A refreshing black bean salad adds protein and balances the richness of elote.
Spanish Rice: Fluffy Spanish rice seasoned with tomatoes and spices complements the creamy corn well.
Guacamole and Chips: A classic choice, creamy guacamole served with crispy tortilla chips offers a great contrast in texture.
Cilantro Lime Rice: This flavorful rice dish enhances the Mexican vibes and pairs beautifully with elote.
Quesadillas: Crispy quesadillas filled with cheese and veggies are perfect for dipping into sour cream alongside elote.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Mexican street corn (elote) can be simple, but there are a few common mistakes that can affect the final dish. Here are some tips to help you avoid these pitfalls.

Not Prepping the Corn Properly: Always remove the husks and silk from the corn before grilling. This ensures even cooking and prevents any unwanted flavors.
Skipping the Flavor Infusion: Allow the sauce ingredients to sit for at least 10 minutes. This step enhances the flavors, making your dish taste much better.
Overcooking the Corn: Monitor the cooking time closely. Grilling should take about 6-8 minutes; overcooking can lead to dry corn.
Neglecting Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh cilantro and lime juice for the best flavor. Dried herbs or bottled juice won’t provide the same vibrant taste.
Forgetting About Cheese Options: Don’t limit yourself to just Parmesan cheese. Cotija is a traditional Mexican cheese that gives an authentic taste to your elote.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Keep the sauce separate from the corn if possible to maintain texture.

Freezing Mexican Street Corn (Elote)

Wrap each cob tightly in plastic wrap for up to 2 months.
Place wrapped cobs in a freezer-safe bag for extra protection against freezer burn.

Reheating Mexican Street Corn (Elote)

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in short bursts of 30 seconds, checking frequently.
Stovetop: Warm on medium heat in a skillet, turning occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Mexican Street Corn (Elote)?

Mexican street corn (elote) is grilled corn on the cob slathered with a creamy mixture of sour cream, mayonnaise, cheese, and spices, making it a delicious side dish or snack.

How do I make Mexican street corn spicy?

To add spice, simply sprinkle chili powder or cayenne pepper on top of your finished elote. Adjust according to your heat preference!

Can I use frozen corn for this recipe?

While fresh corn offers the best flavor and texture, frozen corn can be used. Just ensure it’s thawed and drained well before preparing.

Is there a vegetarian version of Mexican Street Corn?

Yes! This recipe is already vegetarian since it uses no meat products. Just be sure to check that any cheese you use is rennet-free if you want a strict vegetarian option.

Final Thoughts

Mexican street corn (elote) is not only flavorful but also versatile, making it perfect for summer barbecues or cozy gatherings. You can easily customize this recipe by adjusting seasonings or trying different cheeses. Give it a try—your taste buds will thank you!