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Mexican Street Corn Recipe

Grilled to smoky perfection, this Mexican Street Corn (Elote) is slathered in a creamy chili-lime mayo, showered with crumbly Cotija cheese and fresh cilantro, then dusted with a final kick of chili powder. It’s a bold, tangy, and irresistible side dish bursting with flavor.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 240

Ingredients
  

  • 4 ears of grilled corn on the cob
  • ¼ cup mayonnaise
  •  teaspoons lime juice
  • ½ cup finely grated Cotija cheese
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder plus more for sprinkling
  • 2 teaspoons finely chopped cilantro
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper optional, for extra heat
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt or a pinch of fine salt

Equipment

  • Grill or grill pan
  • Basting brush
  • Tongs
  • Serving plate
  • Knife
  • 2 Small mixing bowls
  • Measuring spoons

Method
 

  1. While the corn is grilling, mix the mayonnaise, lime juice, chili powder, cayenne (if using), and salt in a small bowl until well combined.
  2. In another bowl, stir together the Cotija cheese and chopped cilantro and set both aside.
  3. Once the corn is charred and cooked through, use a brush to generously coat one cob with the mayo mixture.
  4. Hold it over a plate and sprinkle the cheese-cilantro blend liberally, rotating to coat all sides, expect a bit of mess.
  5. Transfer each coated cob to a serving plate, repeat with the remaining corn using any extra cheese mixture, and finish with a light dusting of chili powder before serving warm.

Notes

  • Cotija cheese can be substituted with crumbled feta for a similar salty tang.
  • Add a touch of smoked paprika for extra depth and a hint of smokiness.