Grilled Mexican Street Corn (Elote)
Craving authentic Mexican street corn? This easy elote recipe is grilled to perfection and slathered in a creamy, tangy sauce. Ready in under 35 minutes! Get the recipe now.
- Unleash the Fiesta: Making Mexican Street Corn at Home
- What You'll Need: Your Elote Arsenal
- From Grill to Glory: Making Your Elote
- Tips for Elote Perfection
- Elote Variations and Substitutions
- Getting Your Kit Together: Ingredients & Equipment
- Ace Elote: Unbelievably Good Mexican Street Corn Recipe
- Recipe Notes
- Frequently Asked Questions
Right then, let's get cracking on this elote recipe ! ever walked past a street vendor and the smell of grilling corn just stops you in your tracks? honestly, that's how this recipe came about.
I needed to recreate that magic at home.
Unleash the Fiesta: Making Mexican Street Corn at Home
Mexican street corn, or elote, is a taste of mexico in every bite. it's basically grilled corn slathered in a creamy, tangy sauce and sprinkled with cotija cheese, chili powder, and cilantro.
This street corn recipe is super easy to make. you only need about 30 minutes. it's perfect for 4 people, or one very hungry me!
Why This Elote Recipe Rocks
One of the best things is that corn is naturally full of fiber. making it a tasty and reasonably healthy side.
This is the perfect corn side dish for any summer barbecue. honestly, it’s the flavour bomb that makes everything better.
Plus, this mexican street corn recipe is way better than anything you'll find at a chain restaurant.
What You'll Need: Your Elote Arsenal
Alright, here's the kit for your street corn easy recipe .
- 4 ears of corn, husks removed.
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil.
- ½ cup of Mexican crema or sour cream.
- ½ cup of mayonnaise, go for full egg mayo, trust me!.
- 2 tablespoons of lime juice (about 1-2 limes).
- ½ teaspoon of garlic powder.
- ½ teaspoon of chili powder.
- Salt and pepper, to taste.
- ½ cup of crumbled cotija cheese.
- ¼ cup of chopped fresh cilantro.
- Extra chili powder, if you are feeling brave.
- Lime wedges, for serving.
Honestly, sometimes I throw in a bit of cayenne pepper in mine to give it a bit more of a kick. It's all about experimenting, innit?
From Grill to Glory: Making Your Elote
First, get your grill nice and hot. we're talking medium heat, around 350- 450° f (175- 230° c). brush your corn with the vegetable oil, and then grill.
Turn them now and again until they’re charred and tender, maybe 15- 20 minutes. don't rush them!.
While the corn is grilling, mix up the sauce. Whisk together the crema or sour cream, mayonnaise, lime juice, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
Slather that delicious sauce all over the grilled corn. Then, sprinkle with cotija cheese, cilantro, and a pinch of extra chili powder. Serve immediately with lime wedges. Sorted!.
Tips for Elote Perfection
Don't overcook the corn! it's gotta be tender, not mushy. get some decent mayo, it makes a difference. and feel free to adjust the heat.
For a street corn no mayo twist, try using all sour cream or crema.
Elote Variations and Substitutions
Fancy something different? chop up a jalapeño and bung it in the sauce for spicy mexican corn recipes . if you're feeling vegan, use vegan mayo and sour cream, and skip the cheese, or sub it for vegan parmesan.
And if you're short on time, you can even make a mexican corn in a cup recipe by cutting the kernels off the cob and mixing everything together.
Easy peasy!
Now, go forth and make some amazing elote! You won't regret it, trust me.
Right then, let's chat about the bits and bobs you'll need for the best ever elote recipe , yeah? honestly, it's dead easy once you've got your stuff sorted.
This is gonna be a proper street corn easy recipe , i promise.
Getting Your Kit Together: Ingredients & Equipment
Look, no need to stress if you haven't got everything. We're aiming for delicious, not Michelin star.
The Stars of the Show: Main Ingredients
Alright, pay attention, because this bit's important.
- Sweetcorn: 4 ears . This is obvious, innit? Get fresh corn, husks off (and those stringy bits too). Give it a good brush down.
- Veg Oil: 2 tablespoons (30 ml) . This is just for brushing the corn. Any oil will do, really.
- Mexican Crema OR Sour Cream: ½ cup (120 ml) . Now, if you can find Mexican crema, ace. If not, sour cream works just as well.
- Mayo: ½ cup (120 ml) . Don't be shy, use proper full-fat mayo. Makes all the difference.
- Lime Juice: 2 tablespoons (30 ml) . About 1-2 limes. Freshly squeezed, yeah?
- Garlic Powder: ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) . Not the granules, the proper powder.
- Chili Powder: ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) . Adds a nice kick.
- Salt & Pepper: To taste, obviously.
For the garnishes, this is where the magic happens!
- Cotija Cheese: ½ cup (50 g) , crumbled. If you can't find cotija, a salty feta will do.
- Fresh Cilantro: ¼ cup (10 g) , chopped. Coriander if you're posh!
- Extra Chili Powder: ¼ teaspoon (1.25 ml) . For sprinkling.
- Lime Wedges: 4 . For serving.
Top tip: for the best flavour, find really good cobs of corn, the sweetness is the base of the street corn recipe
Seasoning Notes: Flavor Bombs
Right, here's where we get a bit fancy.
- Essential Spice Combo: Garlic, Chili and Lime. Seriously, this is the holy trinity.
- Flavor Enhancers: A dash of smoked paprika can add depth. Or a tiny pinch of cayenne if you're brave.
- Substitutions: Out of garlic powder? Use a crushed clove of garlic. But honestly, the powder's better here.
My Nan used to add a tiny bit of mustard powder to the sauce, she called it her secret ingredient. It adds a subtle tang. Maybe you could try that too.
Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple
You don't need loads of fancy gear.
- Grill: Gas or charcoal. If you don't have one, a griddle pan will do.
- Small Bowl: For mixing the sauce.
- Basting Brush: For oiling the corn. A spoon will do if you haven't got one.
- Serving Plates: Because nobody wants to eat off the worktop.
Honestly, that's it! This Mexican street corn recipe isn't about being complicated. It's about big flavours, and having a proper good time cooking, you know? And if you fancy a proper Mexican meal, why not make some chili relleno to go with it!
Alright, let's talk about my favourite elote recipe . it's basically mexican street corn, but way better than anything you can get at a footy game, you know? honestly, making it yourself is the way to go.
Ace Elote: Unbelievably Good Mexican Street Corn Recipe
This ain't your standard corn on the cob. we're talking mexican street corn recipe level deliciousness. think creamy, spicy, cheesy goodness.
Forget boring corn side dish – this is a whole vibe. seriously, you will be saying "oh my gosh!" at every bite.
And don't even get me started on how easy it is! this is street corn easy recipe , even if you're a total beginner.
Prep Like a Pro: The Mise en Place Lowdown
First things first, get your stuff sorted. we're talking 4 ears of corn , mayo, crema (or sour cream), lime, and the good stuff: cotija cheese and chili powder.
Honestly? having everything ready makes life so much easier. plus, remember to brush your corn with 2 tablespoons of veg oil so they don't stick to the grill.
From Grill to Plate: Step-by-Step to Elote Bliss
Right, here's how we do it:
- Heat your grill to 350- 450° F .
- Brush those bad boys with oil.
- Grill the corn for 15- 20 minutes , turning now and then, till it gets a bit charred.
- Mix ½ cup mayo , ½ cup crema , 2 tablespoons lime juice , ½ teaspoon garlic powder , ½ teaspoon chili powder , salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Slather that sauce all over the grilled corn!
- Sprinkle with ½ cup crumbled cotija , and ¼ cup fresh cilantro , and a little extra chili powder if you're feeling cheeky.
Pro Tips and Tricks for the Best Elote Ever
- Don't skip the cotija! It's the saltiness that makes it, innit? If you can't find it, Feta is the best cotija substitute , but it will be saltier.
- Watch the grill. Charred is good, burnt is not!
- For some Street Corn No Mayo just substitute it for extra crema or Greek Yoghurt but it will be tangier.
You know what? this mexican corn in a cup recipe can be done by just cutting the corn off the cob after grilling.
So easy peasy and you get to enjoy corn in a cup . i remember one time, i tried to make this using tinned sweetcorn.
Huge mistake! fresh is always better, trust me.
So there you have it, the best elote recipe ever! Perfect with Chili Relleno or just on its own. Enjoy, love!
Alright, let's talk elote recipe notes!
Recipe Notes
Think of this as your cheat sheet. It's for leveling up your Street Corn Recipe . Honestly, these little tips can make a big difference.
Fab Serving Suggestions
Presentation matters, innit? Get your plating right!
- Plating and presentation ideas: Pile that corn high on a platter! A sprinkle of extra cheese never hurt anyone. Honestly, presentation is key.
- Complementary sides or beverages: Mexican Street Corn Recipe goes great with grilled chicken or a crisp salad. A cheeky Margarita seals the deal! It also makes for a great Corn Side Dish .
Ace Storage Tips
Knowing how to store stuff is top.
- Refrigeration guidelines: Leftovers? Wrap them tight and they'll keep in the fridge for a couple of days.
- Freezing options (if applicable): Freezing isn't ideal. The sauce can get a bit funny. I wouldn't recommend it, to be honest.
- Reheating instructions: A quick zap in the microwave will do. Or, for extra flavour, grill it again for a few minutes. Keep an eye on it!
Wicked Variations
Fancy a change? Let's tweak this Street Corn Easy Recipe .
- 1-2 dietary adaptations: For a healthier Street Corn No Mayo , try using Greek yogurt instead of mayo. It's still yummy.
- Seasonal ingredient swaps: In the summer, use freshly picked corn for the best flavour. During autumn, pumpkin spice adds a cool twist.
Nutritional Basics
Just the basics, yeah?
- Simplified nutrition information: This elote recipe is a treat. It does have some calories, but hey, everything in moderation!
- Key health benefits: Corn has fibre. That’s a good start, innit? The lime juice provides Vitamin C, too.
Honestly, this mexican corn recipe is a winner. give it a go! you will love creating mexican corn in a cup recipe ! if you are feeling brave, try making chili relleno .
I know you will get amazing result when you will try this corn in a cup . and don't be afraid to fail.
Have fun!
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is elote, and why is this elote recipe so amazing?
Elote, or Mexican street corn, is grilled corn on the cob slathered in a creamy, tangy sauce, topped with cheese, chili powder, and cilantro. This elote recipe aims to replicate that authentic street food experience right in your kitchen! The combination of smoky grilled corn and the vibrant toppings is simply irresistible – even better than queuing up at that dodgy van at a festival!
Can I make elote without a grill? My barbecue is out of gas like always!
Absolutely! While grilling gives elote that signature smoky flavour, you can achieve great results using other methods. You can boil the corn until tender, or roast it in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through. You could even try using a cast iron skillet on the hob to get some char on the corn.
What if I can't find cotija cheese for this elote recipe? Is there a decent substitute?
Cotija cheese, with its salty and crumbly texture, is traditionally used on elote. However, if you can't find it, feta cheese is a decent substitute, though it will be saltier. Another option is Parmesan cheese, which has a similar hard texture, but a slightly different flavour profile. A little goes a long way, mind you!
How long does leftover elote last, and how should I store it? I’m not sure I can scoff the whole lot in one go!
Leftover elote is best stored in the refrigerator. Wrap the corn tightly in cling film or place it in an airtight container. It will keep for up to 2-3 days. Be aware that the corn might become a bit soggy as the sauce sits, but it will still be delicious. Alternatively, you can cut the kernels off the cob and store them separately for a longer shelf life.
Is elote healthy? What are the nutritional considerations for this elote recipe?
Elote is a delicious treat, but it's worth being mindful of the nutritional content. Corn provides fiber and some vitamins, but the creamy sauce adds a fair amount of fat and calories. You can lighten it up by using light mayo and sour cream, or Greek yogurt. Moderation is key, and you can always adjust the toppings to suit your dietary needs – go easy on the cheese, old chap!
Can I make this elote recipe spicy? I'm a bit of a chilli fiend!
Absolutely! For an extra kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce. You could also use a spicier chili powder, such as ancho or chipotle. Finely chopped jalapeño or serrano peppers mixed into the sauce will also add a fiery punch. For the truly brave, serve with a side of your favourite hot sauce!
Grilled Mexican Street Corn (Elote) Recipe Card
