What is the difference between elote and Mexican street corn?

Elote refers to corn served on the cob that is commonly grilled and topped with creamy sauce, cheese, chili seasoning, and lime. Mexican street corn usually describes grilled elotes prepared in the traditional street-food style with crema, mayonnaise, cotija cheese, and chili spices.

Can you make grilled elotes without a grill?

Yes. You can cook the corn under a high oven broiler. Broiling still creates lightly charred kernels similar to grilling and works well for making grilled elotes at home.

What cheese is best for Mexican street corn?

Cotija cheese works best for authentic grilled elotes because it has a firm, crumbly texture and a salty flavor that balances the sweetness of the corn and the richness of the creamy topping.

Can I prepare elotes ahead of time?

You can grill the corn in advance and store it briefly. Add the crema mixture, cheese, and seasoning just before serving so the toppings stay fresh and creamy.

Is Tajín necessary for authentic grilled elotes?

Tajín adds a popular chili-lime flavor often used in Mexican street corn, but it is optional. Chili powder and fresh lime juice can provide a similar flavor if Tajín is not available.

Grilled Elotes: Amazing 22 Minute Mexican Street Corn Recipe

Name: Grilled Elotes Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 4 ears corn on the cob; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 cup Mexican crema or sour cream; 1/4 cup mayonnaise; Juice from 1/2 lime; 1/2 cup cotija cheese, plus more for topping; 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, plus more for topping; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1 teaspoon Tajín seasoning; Lime wedges for serving

Description

Grilled elotes combine smoky charred corn with creamy sauce, cotija cheese, chili spice, and lime for a vibrant Mexican street corn recipe perfect for summer gatherings.

Ingredients

4 ears corn on the cob
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup Mexican crema or sour cream
1/4 cup mayonnaise
Juice from 1/2 lime
1/2 cup cotija cheese, plus more for topping
1/4 cup chopped cilantro, plus more for topping
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon Tajín seasoning
Lime wedges for serving

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Instructions

Preheat the broiler to high and place a rack near the top of the oven.
Shuck the ears of corn and remove all silk fibers.
Brush the corn on all sides with vegetable oil then season with salt and pepper.
Arrange the corn on a foil lined sheet pan.
Broil for 12 to 16 minutes rotating halfway through until the kernels are shiny and lightly charred.
In a small bowl mix Mexican crema, mayonnaise, lime juice, cotija cheese, cilantro, and chili powder until smooth.
Remove the cooked corn from the oven.
Brush a generous amount of the crema mixture over each ear of corn.
Sprinkle additional cotija cheese and cilantro over the corn.
Finish with a pinch of Tajín seasoning and serve with lime wedges.

Notes

Fresh sweet corn provides the best flavor and texture.
Cotija cheese gives authentic salty flavor but feta can work as a substitute.
Serve the corn immediately after topping for the best creamy texture.
Adjust chili powder or Tajín to increase or reduce spice level.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Grilling/Broiling
Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 ear
Calories: 210
Sugar: 6 g
Sodium: 320 mg
Fat: 14 g
Saturated Fat: 4 g
Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 19 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 5 g
Cholesterol: 15 mg