Elote, Mexican street corn, is a sublime side dish made with corn that will make you come back for more and more.
And since the corn is in season and most tender, the perfect opportunity presented itself to make it.
We enjoy this dish from one of our favorite restaurants in town, and the occasion arose itself to prepare it in my kitchen with a twist and share it with all of you, and I am confident you will love it.
In this Article
- What is Elote?
- What is Cotija cheese similar to?
- Here are a few tips for the ingredients needed
- Equipment needed
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- Tips and how to make this Elote dish to perfection
- How to remove the corn from the core
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What should I serve with elote?
- A perfect side dish to your elote recipe:
- Elote – Mexican Street Corn
What is Elote?
Elote is a prevalent grilled Mexican street corn slathered with mayonnaise, seasoned with a kick of chili powder and fresh lemon juice.
And let’s not forget the salty Cojita cheese and cilantro. Very messy to eat, but worth every bite.
The traditional way of serving it is on the corn on the cob itself that is grilled. Having a child with braces makes it a bit challenging to do so. Thus this version of elote recipe.
I did not use my barbeque grill but my over-the-stove grill pan. Doing so tenderized the corn and brought out all the sweetness.
The balance between the sweetness of the corn and the salty Cotija cheese is heaven for your taste buds.
The hot sauce is just the perfect hint of heat that will linger with a great bold flavor of sweet corn in the forefront.
What is Cotija cheese similar to?
A good substitute for fresh Cotija cheese is Feta. Although feta is made traditionally with sheep’s milk or a combination of sheep and goat, they share the same salty, pungent taste.
If you cannot find any Cotija cheese, Parmesan or Romano cheese is a good substitute.
Here are a few tips for the ingredients needed
Ears of corn – ensure that the husk fits tightly to the corn so you know it is very fresh.
Sour cream – gives a rich taste and consistency to your sauce
Mayonnaise – it brings the rich consistency to your sauce by also adding a new layer of flavor
Sriracha – an excellent combination of hot peppers. Use lightly and taste as you go along when adding this sauce to your dish.
Chicken stock – adds flavor to your dish and helps with the wet texture of your elote. You can replace it with vegetable stock for a vegetarian version.
Sugar – to balance the acidity of your elote recipe
Cotija cheese – sharp texture and taste and goes beautifully with this elote
Cilantro – the herb of choice for all south-of-the-border dishes.
Equipment needed
I only recommend what I use and love.
Stovetop grill plate if grilling your corn husks in your kitchen
Tongs to handle your hot corn husks
Mixing bowl to prepare your sauce to go with your corn
Sharp knife to remove the corn kernels from the corn core
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Tips and how to make this Elote dish to perfection
- Purchase corn that has very tight husks around it and has a portion of the bottom corn, or as I call it, the stump. The tighter the husks are around it, the tender the corn kernels will be.
- Before placing the corn cubs on the grill, cut off some of the husks overhanging at the cob’s tip. This will prevent catching on fire while grilling them.
- I use my Lodge Grill Pan when grilling, outside or with an inside grill. Ensure you turn the corn in the husk occasionally and uniformly to char it evenly and not burn the kernels underneath them. Keep a keen eye over the grill, as you do not want them to catch on fire. Medium-high heat, preferably.
- Use good ventilation too. It can get smoky rather quickly in your kitchen.
- Use tongs to turn the ears of corn.
- Remove the husks as well as remove the silks.
- I used a blend of mayonnaise and sour cream. Using only mayonnaise is perfect and will not compromise the flavor.
- Mix the sauce as you are grilling the corn. The mayonnaise will have time to be infused with Sriracha, lime juice, and sugar.
- You can substitute the Sriracha with any hot Mexican sauce that you wish.
- My cheese amount is just a suggestion; as you know, I love cheese.
- Serve with lime wedges and at room temperature.
How to remove the corn from the core
One of the easiest methods is to use a Bunds or any round cake mold, for that matter, that has a hole in the middle. Place the bottom stem in the middle of the cake mold hole.
Hold firmly down with one hand, and with the other hand, using a sharp knife, start from the tip and cut alongside the corn cob by cutting down to the bottom.
You should see all the corn kernels being removed. Once one side is done, start on the other until all the corn is removed from the core.
Save the cores as you can add them to any soup for extra richness in flavor. They do freeze well too.
This Mexican Elote or Mexican street corn dish stores well if you have leftovers.
You can enjoy it with grilled tortillas, corn tortilla quesadillas containing cheese; however, you can make it vegan and one of my favorite, or the dishes below.
Either way, this recipe will soon be your summer favorite.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is elote?
The word elote means corn cob in Spanish and Mexican elote is grilled corn on the cob slathered with a mayonnaise sauce.
How do you eat elote?
You can enjoy it right from the cobb slathered with the mayo sour cream sauce. Or, as I have it in this recipe, more by scooping it up and eating it on a cup plate.
Is queso fresco the same as cotija?
Queso fresco is much softer and more moist than cotija which is a drier and more firm texture.
What should I serve with elote?
Burritos, tacos or enchiladas.
Grilled chicken, beef, and roasted vegetables are a great compliment to the elote.
A perfect side dish to your elote recipe:
Lamb Chops with Parsley, Garlic, and Rosemary
Pork Chops with Mango Habanero Sauce
Equipment and Ingredients used to achieve this recipe
Elote – Mexican Street Corn
Ingredients
- 6 ears of corn, husk left intact
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon Sriracha,
- 2 tablespoons lime juice, freshly squeezed
- ¼ cup chicken stock
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ¾ cup cotija cheese, broken down into small chunks
- 2 tablespoons cilantro, finely chopped
- ground chili powder , to taste
Instructions
- Over a medium-hot grill roast the corn until the husks are charred, about 10 minutes if done over the stove grill. Turn the husk occasionally to uniformly char the husk while not burning the kernels underneath it. Set the charred husk aside to cool, then shuck them and cut off the corns from the cob.
- Meanwhile, in a small bowl mix together the mayonnaise, sour cream, hot sauce, lime juice, chicken stock, salt, pepper, and sugar. Mix well and set aside
- When ready to eat, in a large skillet add the corn and the mayonnaise mixture and sauté over medium-low heat until warm. Pour into a bowl, and garnish with cilantro, cotija cheese, and chili powder.
Nutrition
Giangi’s Kitchen provides nutritional information, but these figures should be considered estimates, as a registered dietician does not calculate them.
- Course: Appetizers, Sides
- Cuisine: International
- Season: Summer
- Type: Affordable Gourmet
Did you make this?
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Cindy Mom the Lunch Lady
Oh wow I’ve always wanted to try Elote, but am not a fan of corn on the cob. I am loving your version!!
Giangi Townsend
I am not a fan of corn in the cob either, thus this version was perfect for me and my family.
Thank you for stopping by my page.
Enjoy!
Elizabeth Swoish
Seriously so delicious! Everyone loved it at our beach party! Easy, flavorful, definitely making again!
Giangi Townsend
So happy to hear that everyone loves it. Thank you for sharing with me.
Thank you ❤️❤️
Luca
I love exploring new cultures and new dishes! this looks very good!
Giangi Townsend
Thank you Luca, I am sure you will enjoy this easy dish full of flavor.
Enjoy!
Mihaela | https://theworldisanoyster.com/
Every end of summer, I’m craving corn and can’t wait for it to be ready to eat! Your side dish does look spectacular, and I’m planning it for pork roast! Thanks for the recipe:)
Giangi Townsend
It is my pleasure and I am sure you will enjoy it.
Bon Appetit and thank you for stopping by my page.
Julia
This sounds really delicious. I’ve heard of this before but haven’t been brave enough to try it. Now, I’ve corn ripening outside this is going to be one of the new things I try with them. It sounds delicious. Thank you.
Giangi Townsend
The pleasure is all mine, and right now the corn is the sweetest making this recipe super yummy. I am sure you will love it.
Enjoy!
Azlin Bloor
This recipe sounds just perfect for a party, I just love all those flavours coming together. Your elote off the cob looks like the perfect side dish!
Giangi Townsend
It sure is Azlin. Easy to prepare and with so much flavor and it is gone before we could grab seconds. A party favorite indeed.
Jody Crim
Can tajin be used in this instead of Sriracha and lime? If so, approximately what measurement should be used?
Giangi Townsend
Yes you can, start small 1/2 of teaspoon and increase as you reach your level of comfort.
Mallory
Elote is the best! LOVE this recipe. Thanks for sharing! 😊
Giangi Townsend
Mallory, you are most welcome.
Enjoy!
Sue
I love corn so much, and this elote is the perfect way to serve it! Thank you!
Giangi Townsend
You are most welcome.
Enjoy!
Cindy L
I’ve always seen elote as corn on the cob, but I love this version so much better. Easier to eat and it probably doesn’t get caught in your teeth haha.
Giangi Townsend
Thank you! No, it does not get caught in the teeth too much. Somehow corn has always tendency to do that with me 😂.
Enjoy!
Shelby
Such a fun flavor twist on a classic!
Giangi Townsend
Thank you. Enjoy!
nancy
this looks really creamy with corn and mayo – i can’t wait to make this !
Giangi Townsend
Thank you and I would love to have your feedback when you make it.
Rosanna
So delicious I could eat this every day! Perfect summer recipe
Giangi Townsend
It sure is and it is always gone each time I prepare it for my family
Enjoy!
Katie
Mexican Street Corn is the best! This elote is fantastic, creamy and flavorful!
Giangi Townsend
Thank you, I so appreciate your feedback.
xoxo
Keri
We loved this! Felt like going on a holiday, and so much better than corn on the cob. Thank you for a great recipe!
Giangi Townsend
The pleasure is all mine, I am so happy you enjoyed it.
Jacqui
Fantastic tips and instructions on how to make the most delicious elote!
Giangi Townsend
Thank you, Jacqui. Enjoy!
Nora
Wow, that looks yummy! I really need to try your recipe!
Giangi Townsend
Enjoy and let me know what you think.
Jessie
This was seriously delicious! I had a few ears of corn in my fridge tonight and I made this elote straight away. Yummmmm
Giangi Townsend
Thank you, Jessie, for your feedback. I am so happy you enjoyed it.
Amy Liu Dong
I have never tried to make this, but this looks so delicious.
I will try to make this at home. Thank you!
Giangi Townsend
Thank you for stopping by. I hope you will enjoy it.
Helen at the lazy gastronome
I love Mexican street corn!
Liz
We love, loved this recipe! So much easier to eat as a “salad” and the flavors were terrific!!
Tina
This Elote was so good! Perfect dish for Taco Tuesday.
Audrey
Elote is one of my favorites YUM
Andréa Janssen
Such a delicious recipe. Thank you for sharing.
Elizabeth
Elote is my favorite! Thanks for a delicious recipe.
Angela Morris
Thanks for this recipe! Easy to follow and delicious.
Giangi Townsend
Thank you!
Sue
This Mexican street corn is simply divine!!!!
Lisa
I’m such a big fan of this.
Giangi Townsend
Enjoy!
Andréa Janssen
What a delicious recipe. Thank you for sharing!
Giangi Townsend
My pleasure.
Nancy
I’m a big fan of this tasty corn recipe
Giangi Townsend
Thank you!
Liz
Such a yummy summer side dish!! I’ll be making this again soon with local corn!!
Giangi Townsend
Yeah!! Enjoy!
Lindsay Howerton-Hastings
This was amazing!
Giangi Townsend
Thank you!
Bernice
An irresistible side dish! I make it several times a summer and sometimes even in the winter when I am missing summer!
Giangi Townsend
I completely understand, I do miss summer too and this Elote is the cure for the winter blues.
Enjoy!
Leslie
Such a great recipe for any Mexican dish!
Giangi Townsend
Thank you!
Andrea
this elote was so fun to make and so delicious too!
Elizabeth
Big elote fan! This is a great recipe – thanks for sharing!
Giangi Townsend
The pleasure is all mine.
Kristy
This looks and sounds delicious! I’m always looking for new ways to use corn. It’s in season now so I’ll have to give this recipe a try!
Giangi Townsend
I hope you and enjoy it!
Jess
So delish for taco night!
Giangi Townsend
Enjoy!
Nicole NK
Mexican Street corn is one of my favorite things to add to tacos, and now I am obsessed with this recipe!
Giangi Townsend
Wonderful and enjoy!
Dennis
I love Mexican corn and your recipe was one of the best I ever had! I’ll be making this regularly
Giangi Townsend
Thank you for your kind feedback.
JC Phelps
Talk about divine! I love the cotija cheese and the richness from the mayo mixture. Thanks for the recipe!
Giangi Townsend
My pleasure!
Jessica
I’m kind of a street corn snob, and let me tell you, this is one of the BEST recipes I’ve ever tried! I will be making this all summer long!
Giangi Townsend
Thank you, Jessica, for your feedback.
Enjoy!
Mina
I love Mexican corn and this is an amazing way to serve it. I’m excited to make this over the weekend and let my family try. Thank you so much!
Giangi Townsend
The pleasure is all mine, enjoy!
Jane
Elote is so delicious! I love the way it tastes and the way it looks. It’s like a little bit of sunshine on a stick.
Giangi Townsend
I could not agree more. Enjoy!
Liz
We had this with tacos and it was SO good! Great side dish and it was easy to make!
Janice
We enjoyed this elote recipe! It was so delicious that even my family loved it! This recipe is a must-try!
Erin
I made this with feta and I’m so glad I did! It was my first time having elote and won’t be the last. It was amazing! Thanks a ton.
Michelle
I recently tried making Elote, and it was a delicious dish! It’s now a must-have for our summer barbecues and gatherings.
Jana H.
This is great!!!! I had to sub feta and I added a dash of smoked paprika, and it turned out just beautifully. I baked my cobs in my toaster oven which was a first. It kept the sweetness of the corn 10X better than boiling.
Giangi Townsend
Wonderful suggestions and thank you for sharing them with all of us.
I never tried making corn in the toaster, but I will do it now as it is a great way to prepare it if you have a small kitchen.
Thank you for. your feedback and making my recipe.
Nora
This is the perfect dish for my daughter! She loves everything with corn! Can’t wait to make it for her!
Giangi Townsend
Enjoy!
Mary
Had to move outside with this. My kitchen is only steps away from the smoke detector! This was perfectly crunchy and sweet. I used white corn. I don’t think we are ever going to get yellow corn in the stores this year.
Giangi Townsend
Thank you for sharing you enjoyed it with white corn also.
I am sure it was so sweet and tender.
Enjoy!
Covita
I always order elite in restaurants…this recipe is so much better! 5 star- delicious
Giangi Townsend
Thank you so much, I am pleased you enjoyed it.
Oscar
This Elote recipe is an irresistible summer delight, offering a perfect blend of smokiness and tang. Don’t miss out on this flavor explosion!
Giangi Townsend
Thank you and so happy you enjoyed it.
andrea
this mexican street corn turned out absolutely delicious! love how easy it was to make too!
Giangi Townsend
Thank you, Andrea, I am so happy you like it.
Gabriel
When on the cob, it’s elote. The name of your recipe is called Esquites as it is off the cob.
Giangi Townsend
Thank you Gabriel for your insight. I was not aware of it as everyone calls it elote off or on the cob.