Mexican Street Corn (Elote) – A Bold, Flavor-Packed Classic

 Irresistible Mexican Street Corn (Elote) – A Bold, Flavor-Packed Classic

The Ultimate Grilled Corn Recipe That’s Captivating Taste Buds Across North America

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There’s a reason Mexican Street Corn, or Elote, has exploded in popularity not only in Mexico, where it originated, but also across the United States and Canada. This bold, smoky, tangy, and creamy delight is more than just grilled corn – it's a street food icon that brings people together with every bite.

Charred to perfection, then slathered in a luscious, zesty crema and topped with crumbly cotija cheese, Mexican street corn is the perfect combination of heat, creaminess, acidity, and crunch. Whether you’re making it as a party appetizer, a BBQ side dish, or adding it to your Taco Tuesday lineup, this recipe delivers a restaurant-quality experience straight from your grill.

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🌽 Ingredients for Mexican Street Corn (Elote)

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in creating that signature flavor:

4 ears of corn, husks removed

The star of the show. Grilled corn develops a smoky sweetness that pairs beautifully with the creamy topping.

¼ cup sour cream

Adds richness and tang, balancing the spice and enhancing the creamy texture.

¼ cup mayonnaise

Provides silky smoothness and helps the topping cling to the corn.

½ cup cotija cheese, crumbled

Aged and salty, cotija delivers that signature crumbly texture and punch of flavor. It’s the feta of Mexico.

2 cloves garlic, crushed

Infuses a savory depth that enhances the complexity of the spread.

¼ tsp sea salt

Amplifies all the other flavors and ensures the corn is perfectly seasoned.

1 lime, juice and zest

Brings brightness and acidity to cut through the richness. The zest intensifies the citrus aroma.

¼ cup cilantro, finely chopped

A classic herb in Mexican cuisine, cilantro adds fresh, herbal notes that lift the dish.

½ tsp chipotle chili powder

Delivers smoky heat and a touch of earthy spice for that authentic street corn finish.

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🔥 Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Mexican Street Corn

1. Preheat the Grill

Heat your grill to 400°F. You want it hot enough to char the corn but not so hot that it dries out.

2. Grill the Corn

Place the ears of corn directly on the grill grates. Rotate every 2–3 minutes for a total of 12 minutes, or until all sides are evenly charred with beautiful grill marks.

3. Make the Street Corn Sauce

While the corn grills, mix the topping in a small bowl:

Combine sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic, lime zest and juice, chopped cilantro, and cotija cheese.

Stir until you have a smooth, creamy consistency.

4. Dress the Corn

Once the corn is grilled, remove it from the heat. While still hot:

Generously spread the crema mixture over each ear using a brush or spatula.

Sprinkle with chipotle chili powder, and more cotija cheese and cilantro for a gorgeous, restaurant-style finish.

5. Serve Immediately

Serve hot with lime wedges on the side for extra zing.

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💡 Why This Mexican Street Corn Recipe is Loved

This recipe stands out because it:

Delivers authentic street-style flavor without needing special equipment.

Is easy to customize with extra ingredients like bacon bits, jalapeños, or hot sauce.

Can be made indoors on a grill pan if an outdoor grill isn't available.

Pairs beautifully with tacos, grilled meats, nachos, or even as a topping for elote-style salads and bowls.

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🔥 Pro Tips for Perfect Elote

Use fresh corn: The fresher the corn, the sweeter and juicier the final result.

Crumbled vs. grated cheese: Crumbled cotija gives the best texture, but grated parmesan or feta can work in a pinch.

Spice to taste: For more heat, add cayenne or fresh chopped jalapeños to the crema.

Don’t over-grill: You're aiming for charred, not burnt. Keep turning to avoid overcooking.

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🥗 Serving Suggestions

Make your Mexican street corn the centerpiece of your next fiesta:

Pair it with carne asada, chicken tacos, or grilled shrimp.

Serve alongside Mexican rice, black beans, and guacamole.

Turn it into Esquites (Mexican street corn salad) by slicing the kernels off and mixing them with the sauce in a bowl.

Add a cold cerveza or a fresh margarita, and you’ve got a meal worth celebrating.

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🌟 Final Thoughts: Why You’ll Crave This Mexican Street Corn Again and Again

Simple ingredients. Explosive flavor. Unforgettable experience. This Mexican Street Corn recipe is everything you want in a dish – bold, creamy, tangy, and spicy. Whether you’re grilling for a crowd or whipping up a quick weekday side, Elote never disappoints.

With this easy-to-follow, flavor-packed guide, you’re guaranteed to impress your guests and satisfy your cravings. It’s more than just corn – it’s a cultural favorite that deserves a spot on your table.

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Ready to bring authentic Mexican flavor to your backyard? Fire up the grill and get your hands on this irresistibly creamy, smoky, and tangy Mexican street corn today. Your taste buds will thank you.

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Don’t forget to save this recipe and share it with your fellow food lovers – because once you try it, you'll

 be making it all season long.

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🔍 Looking for more fiesta-worthy recipes? Explore our full collection of Mexican street food favorites!