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Mexican Street Corn

Mexican Street Corn (Elote)

Grilled corn smothered in a creamy chili-lime sauce, sprinkled with cotija cheese and cilantro, and finished with a squeeze of lime—this Mexican Street Corn (Elote) is the ultimate summer side or snack. Bold, tangy, and ridiculously craveable!

  • Total Time: 17 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 ears of corn, husked
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons sour cream or Mexican crema
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese (or feta)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1 tablespoon melted butter (optional, for brushing after grilling)
  • To serve: Extra lime wedges and chili powder

Instructions

  1. Grill the corn: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high. Place husked corn directly on grates and cook for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally, until charred and tender.
  2. Make the sauce: In a small bowl, mix together mayo, sour cream, chili powder, paprika, and lime juice until smooth.
  3. Coat the corn: Brush each hot ear of corn generously with the creamy sauce.
  4. Add toppings: Sprinkle with cotija cheese, chopped cilantro, and a dusting of chili powder. Serve with lime wedges.
  5. Enjoy immediately: Best served warm and messy—just like on the street!

Notes

  • No grill? Roast corn at 425°F for 20 minutes or use a skillet.
  • Use feta or parmesan if cotija isn’t available.
  • Add Tajín or cayenne for more heat.
  • Double the sauce for extra servings—it goes fast!
  • For esquites (off-the-cob style), cut kernels and mix everything in a bowl.
  • Author: Selena Trump
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Mexican
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 ear of corn
  • Calories: 210
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 280mg
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 19g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 15mg

Keywords: elote, mexican street corn, summer side dish, grilled corn, chili lime corn