If you’re an avid street food connoisseur, you’re likely familiar with Mexican street corn, or elote (Spanish for “corn cob”). Our recipe for this summery snack is slathered with a creamy sauce made from mayo and sour cream, then topped with Cotija cheese and chili powder for a bit of heat.
You don’t have to find a street corn vendor to enjoy this Mexican food. Just pick up a few ears of corn and fire up the grill!
Elote Ingredients
- Sweet corn ears
- Sour cream
- Mayonnaise
- Fresh cilantro
- Lime zest
- Lime juice
- Garlic cloves
- Cotija cheese
- Chili powder
Directions
Step 1: Remove the silk
Carefully peel back the corn husks until they’re about 1 inch away from the bottoms. Remove the silk using a produce brush under running water or by rubbing the cob with a gloved hand.
Step 2: Rewrap the corn
Rewrap each ear of corn in its husk and secure them with kitchen string
Editor’s Tip: Use butcher’s twine for this step because it’s oven-safe; regular string won’t work. You don’t want to worry about anything burning while your corn is cooking.
Step 3: Soak the corn
Place the ears of corn in a Dutch oven, and cover them with cold water. Let them soak for 20 minutes and then drain them.
Step 4: Grill the corn
While you’re waiting for the corn to soak, preheat your grill to medium heat. If you’re using a charcoal grill, cook the corn over direct heat.
Grill the corn in their husks, covered, over medium heat until the corn is tender, about 25 to 30 minutes. Turn the ears of corn often.
Step 5: Brush on the sauce
Combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, cilantro, lime zest and juice in a medium bowl. Peel back the husk on each ear of corn and spread the mixture generously over the kernels.
Step 6: Top with Cotija and chili powder
Sprinkle each ear of corn with Cotija cheese and chili powder and serve on a platter, or let everyone assemble an ear of corn so the toppings are to their liking. Elote are best served immediately so the mixture remains nice and warm on the crisp corn.
Editor’s Tip: Cotija cheese is an aged Mexican cheese that has a similar taste to Parmesan. Find it at your local grocery store or a store that sells Mexican food products if you have one nearby.
Recipe Variations
- Align with tradition:Â You can also use Mexican crema instead of mayonnaise for a more authentic taste.
- Use a different cheese:Â If you have trouble finding Cotija cheese, use Parmesan, feta or queso fresco.
- Make it vegan: For a dairy-free version of this recipe, swap out the sour cream and mayonnaise with 1/2 cup of vegan mayonnaise, and use your favorite vegan Cotija or Parmesan cheese.
- Add spicy acidity:Â Substitute tajin for the chili powder for an added zing to your elotes.
Elote Tips
What do you serve with elote?
Unsurprisingly, Mexican street corn pairs well with a variety of Mexican food. Serve it alongside burritos, birria tacos, taquitos or even fajitas! It’s the perfect combination when you’re in the mood for Mexican cuisine.
