Description
Grilled Mexican Street Corn, or Elote, is a delicious and vibrant Mexican street food that features smoky, charred corn on the cob topped with a creamy sauce, tangy lime, chili powder, and crumbled cotija cheese. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for summer cookouts, picnics, or any occasion when you want a flavorful and fun side dish.
Ingredients
For the Corn:
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4 ears of corn, husked
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1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter (for brushing the corn)
For the Elote Sauce:
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1/4 cup mayonnaise
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1/4 cup sour cream
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1 tablespoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
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1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
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Salt, to taste
For Topping:
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1/2 cup cotija cheese, crumbled (or feta cheese as a substitute)
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1 lime, cut into wedges
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
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Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Brush the corn with olive oil or melted butter to prevent sticking.
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Grill the Corn: Place the corn on the grill and cook for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the kernels are charred and tender. For a smokier flavor, grill the corn directly over the flames, turning often to prevent burning.
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Prepare the Elote Sauce: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, chili powder, garlic powder (if using), and a pinch of salt. Stir until smooth.
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Coat the Corn: Once the corn is grilled, remove it from the grill and generously brush with the creamy elote sauce, making sure each ear is fully coated.
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Top with Cheese: Sprinkle crumbled cotija cheese over the corn while the sauce is still sticky, pressing gently to ensure it adheres.
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Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle extra chili powder on top for added spice, squeeze lime wedges over the corn for a burst of citrus, and garnish with fresh chopped cilantro if desired.
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Serve: Serve immediately while the corn is warm, and enjoy!
Notes
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or drizzle with hot sauce for an extra layer of heat.Vegan Version: Substitute mayonnaise and sour cream with vegan alternatives and use a dairy-free cheese like vegan cotija.Herbed Elote: Add fresh herbs like parsley or basil in place of cilantro for a different flavor profile.Creamier Sauce: For a richer sauce, add cream cheese or Greek yogurt.Cheese Options: Use feta cheese, parmesan, or queso fresco if cotija is unavailable.Storage: Store leftover corn (without sauce) in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat on the grill or microwave, adding fresh sauce before serving.
