How to Make the Perfect Mexican Street Corn Elote
Mexican · Easy · 25 min · 4 servings
This iconic Mexican street corn is grilled until charred and then slathered in a creamy tangy mayo mixture topped with cotija cheese and chile powder. It is the kind of recipe that cannot be eaten politely and that is exactly what makes it so wonderful.
Why this recipe works
This Mexican Street Corn Elote recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 25 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 280 calories with 7g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 4 count ears of corn husked
- 0.33 cup mayonnaise
- 0.5 cup crumbled cotija cheese
- 1 teaspoon ancho chile powder
- 2 count limes cut into wedges
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro chopped
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Grill the Corn
Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Place the husked corn directly on the grill grates. Cook for 12 to 15 minutes, turning every 3 to 4 minutes, until the kernels are cooked through and have good char marks on all sides.
Step 2: Prepare the Crema Coating
While the corn grills mix mayonnaise with a squeeze of lime juice and a pinch of salt in a small bowl until combined. Taste and adjust the lime level to your preference. The coating should be tangy enough to cut through the richness of the cheese.
Step 3: Coat the Corn
Remove corn from the grill and immediately brush each ear generously with the mayonnaise mixture on all sides. Work quickly while the corn is still hot so the coating adheres well and soaks slightly into the charred kernels.
Step 4: Add Toppings and Serve
Roll or sprinkle each coated ear with crumbled cotija cheese until well covered. Dust generously with ancho chile powder and top with fresh chopped cilantro. Serve immediately with extra lime wedges on the side and do not let it sit too long before eating.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- cotija cheese → feta cheese for a similar salty crumbly texture
- mayonnaise → Mexican crema or sour cream for a tangier and lighter coating
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Using low heat on the grill which steams rather than chars the corn removing the smoky flavor
- Applying the mayo coating before the corn is fully cooked which causes it to burn and become bitter
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 280 calories, 7g protein, 32g carbs, 15g fat, 3g fiber.
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