Easy Mexican Street Corn
A Flavorful Celebration from the Streets of Mexico
Introduction
Mexican Street Corn, known as Elote, is more than just grilled corn on the cob — it’s a burst of flavor, culture, and joy. Often sold by street vendors across Mexico, elote is slathered in creamy, tangy sauce, sprinkled with cheese, and dusted with chili powder. This dish is a perfect balance of smoky, sweet, spicy, and tangy, making it a must-try for food lovers everywhere.
This recipe is easy enough for a summer BBQ or a weeknight dinner and is guaranteed to impress friends, family, or even yourself with its bold, irresistible flavors.
History
Elote traces its roots to ancient Mesoamerican civilizations like the Aztecs and Mayans, who cultivated corn (maize) as a staple crop. In modern Mexico, elote is a beloved street food often sold from carts with big pots of steaming corn or grills. Vendors typically slather the ears in mayonnaise or crema, roll them in cheese, and top them with lime and chili. The word elote comes from the Nahuatl word elotl, meaning “tender cob.”
Health Benefits
While elote is an indulgent dish, it still offers several nutritional benefits:
- Corn is a whole grain rich in fiber and antioxidants.
- Lime juice provides vitamin C and supports immunity.
- Cotija cheese offers protein and calcium.
- Cilantro and garlic add antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
Use light sour cream and mayo, or Greek yogurt for a healthier twist.
Formation / Assembly
The formation of elote is straightforward:
- Start with grilled corn on the cob.
- Mix a creamy topping using mayo, crema, garlic, lime, and cheese.
- Slather it on the hot corn.
- Finish with chili powder, cilantro, and more cheese.
The contrast of hot corn and cool, creamy topping makes this dish crave-worthy.
Ingredients
- 4 ears of corn (fresh, husks on or off)
- ¼ cup Crema Mexicana Agria (or sour cream)
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup Cotija cheese, crumbled (or feta as a substitute)
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- ¼ tsp sea salt
- Juice and zest of 1 lime
- ¼ cup cilantro, finely chopped
- ½ tsp chipotle chili powder (or paprika for a milder version)
Instructions & Methods
Grill the Corn:
- Preheat grill to 400°F.
- If using husks on: soak the corn in water for 10 minutes.
- If using husks off: lightly spray corn with cooking spray.
- Grill corn for 12 minutes, turning every 3 minutes for even char.
Make the Sauce:
- In a bowl, combine:
- Crema (or sour cream)
- Mayonnaise
- Garlic
- Lime zest and juice
- Cotija cheese
- Cilantro
- Salt
Dress the Corn:
- Slather the sauce over hot grilled corn.
- Sprinkle with:
- Chipotle chili powder
- Extra cotija cheese
- Extra cilantro
Second Method (Oven Version)
If you don’t have a grill, you can use an oven:
- Preheat oven to 425°F.
- Place corn on a baking sheet lined with foil.
- Roast for 25–30 minutes, turning halfway.
- Proceed with sauce and toppings.
Nutrition (Approx. per ear)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~220 |
| Protein | 5g |
| Carbohydrates | 20g |
| Fat | 15g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugar | 4g |
| Sodium | 280mg |
Note: Values can vary depending on ingredient brands and serving sizes.
Lovers of Elote
Elote is adored by:
- Street food lovers who chase authentic global flavors.
- BBQ fanatics who love adding smoky, bold side dishes.
- Vegetarians looking for a satisfying, flavorful snack.
- Cheese lovers who can’t resist a crumbled Cotija moment.
- Kids and families — they love the fun and mess of eating it.
Celebrity chefs like Rick Bayless and Marcela Valladolid have popularized elote in gourmet circles too!
Conclusion
Elote is more than just grilled corn — it’s a celebration of Mexican culture and flavor. With simple ingredients and quick prep, this recipe turns ordinary corn into a culinary adventure. Whether enjoyed at a backyard BBQ or made just for yourself, Easy Mexican Street Corn is a dish that invites joy, messiness, and flavor in every bite.
Second Conclusion (For the Elote Lovers)
For the passionate foodies and elote lovers out there:
This dish isn’t just about taste — it’s a memory-maker. It’s a reminder of warm summer nights, music in the streets, and the joy of sharing food. Every bite of elote carries with it a touch of tradition, a kick of spice, and a whole lot of love.