mexican street corn on the cob recipe

mexican street corn on the cob recipe

The Best mexican street corn on the cob recipe

I’ve always been fascinated by the rich flavors and textures of Mexican street corn on the cob. This dish, also known as elote, is a staple at street food stalls and markets in Mexico.

The combination of grilled corn, mayonnaise, cotija cheese, chili powder, and lime juice creates a symphony of tastes that’s both familiar and exotic. As a home cook, I love that this recipe is incredibly easy to make and can be customized to suit any taste.

My family and I adore it as a quick weeknight dinner or as a side dish for outdoor gatherings. The health benefits of this recipe are also a major plus – the corn is high in fiber, the mayonnaise adds a creamy richness without being too heavy, and the chili powder adds a nice kick without adding extra calories.

We often make it for our kids’ sports events or family reunions because it’s easy to transport and feeds a crowd. Plus, the leftovers are just as delicious reheated the next day.

In short, Mexican street corn on the cob is a game-changer for any occasion – it’s flavorful, fun to make, and packed with nutrients.

Mexican Street Corn on the Cob

Mexican Street Corn on the Cob

4.7 from 1003 votes

Grilled corn on the cob slathered in a creamy, tangy sauce made from mayonnaise, sour cream, and lime, then rolled in crumbled cotija cheese and sprinkled with chili powder and fresh cilantro. This popular Mexican street food, known as elote, is a perfect side dish for barbecues or a flavorful snack.

Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time15 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time25 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Corn

4 ears of corn, husks on
1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Sauce and Topping

1/4 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup sour cream
1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1 lime, zested and juiced
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Salt to taste

👨‍🍳Directions

1Prepare the grill for medium-high heat, about 375-400°F.
2Pull back the husks from each ear of corn but leave them attached at the base, then remove the silk.
3Brush the corn kernels lightly with olive oil and pull the husks back up to cover the corn.
4Place the corn on the grill and cook for 12 to 15 minutes, turning every 3 to 4 minutes, until the husks are charred and the kernels are tender when pierced with a fork.
5Remove from the grill and let cool slightly until safe to handle.
6While the corn grills, make the sauce by combining the mayonnaise, sour cream, lime zest, lime juice, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl.
7Stir until smooth and set aside.
8Once the corn is cool enough to handle, peel back the husks completely.
9Using a pastry brush or spoon, spread the sauce evenly over each ear of corn.
10Immediately sprinkle the cotija cheese over the sauce, then dust with chili powder and cumin.
11Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve warm.
12For extra heat, add a few dashes of hot sauce or a squeeze of additional lime juice.

🔧Equipment

Grill or grill pan
Small bowl
Pastry brush
Tongs

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 22g💛Saturated Fat: 7g❤️Cholesterol: 30mg🧂Sodium: 480mg🌾Total Carbs: 35g🥦Dietary Fiber: 4g🍬Sugars: 6g🥩Protein: 10g

📝Notes

For a milder version, use less chili powder or substitute with smoked paprika. Cotija cheese can be replaced with feta or grated Parmesan if unavailable.

Watch Video Of How Mexican Street Corn on the Cob Works

Mexican street corn on the cob is an incredible addition to any meal or gathering. Its ease of preparation and adaptability make it perfect for everyday meals or special occasions alike.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, simply grill or cook in the oven until lightly browned and crispy on the outside.

Serve with additional toppings such as diced onions, cilantro, or crumbled queso fresco for added flavor.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Mexican Street Corn on the Cob

Q: What type of corn is best for Mexican street corn on the cob?

For this recipe, you’ll want to use fresh ears of corn that are still in their husks. You can find these at most farmers’ markets or well-stocked grocery stores. Avoid using frozen or canned corn, as they won’t have the same texture and flavor.

Q: Can I use other types of cheese instead of cotija?

While cotija cheese is traditional in Mexican cuisine, you can substitute it with other types of cheese if you don’t have access to it. Feta or Parmesan work well in its place, but keep in mind that they’ll change the flavor profile slightly.

Q: How do I prevent the corn from burning when grilling?

To prevent the corn from burning when grilling, make sure to brush it with oil before placing it on the grill. You can also rotate the ears frequently to ensure even cooking.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can prep some components ahead of time – like making a batch of mayonnaise-based dressing – but assemble the final dish just before serving. This ensures that everything stays fresh and flavorful.

Q: Is this recipe suitable for vegans?

This recipe can be adapted to be vegan-friendly by substituting mayonnaise with a plant-based alternative and using vegan cheese shreds instead of cotija.

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