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My Street Corn recipe is filled with all the wonderful flavors you're looking for in elote. Sweet, crunchy corn on the cob tossed in savory Tex-Mex seasonings, grilled to perfection for the ultimate fire-roasted corn… this recipe is just amazing!
Plus, it's ready to eat in just 15 minutes. If you have yet to try Mexican street corn or are a big fan already, you need to try my version!
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Mexican Corn Recipe
Also known as elote (which simply means "corn cob"), Mexican street corn is an unbelievably popular street food you can find all over Mexico and the US. It's often served on a stick or in a cup, though I like to skip the skewer and cook it right on the grill!
You are not going to believe how easy it is to get this delicious street food in your home as the perfect side dish for your next family gathering or fiesta! It is a must-have for pairing with BBQ recipes of all kinds, but it's so irresistible, I constantly make it as a side dish for family dinner on weekdays.
Top it off with Mexican crema sauce, and it is just perfection. The creamy sauce perfectly balances the spices and complements the tangy lime juice. It is the best way to pull all of the flavors together!
I know you're going to love this grilled Mexican street corn recipe as much as my family and I do! I love serving it along with my recipe for cilantro lime rice!
Mexican Corn Recipe Ingredients
- Shucked corn on the cob
- Sour cream
- Mayonnaise
- Garlic
- Lime zest
- Chili powder
- Paprika (mild or smoked)
- Fresh cilantro
- Cotija cheese
- Lime wedges, to serve
How to Make Street Corn
- Mix together sour cream, mayonnaise, crushed garlic, lime zest, chili powder, paprika, and cilantro until smooth.
- Grill sweet corn without the husks over high heat, turning regularly for 10 minutes until they begin to char. You can do this on a traditional grill or on the stove.
- Remove the corn from the grill when charred all over, and brush with the crema dressing to coat completely. Finally, top with cotija cheese, lime juice, and cilantro. Enjoy!
Grilling an ear of corn is as simple as brushing a hot grill with oil, then placing it on the grill and turning it regularly. After about 10 minutes, the kernels will be cooked and there will be a slight char on the outside. This char is great for adding a little extra authentic smoky flavor to your Mexican street corn recipe!
You can also grill corn on the cob in foil. It’s a quick and easy way to cook the most delicious Elote recipe! Simply wrap your corn cobs completely in foil and grill for 30 minutes over medium-low heat.
Mexican Corn on the Cob Recipe Tips
- I have also made Mexican street corn using avocado crema instead of Mexican Crema and it is a really fun twist to this recipe. Try mixing avocado into your crema recipe until totally smooth, and enjoy it that way!
- If you can’t find cotija cheese at your local grocer, look for Mexican queso fresco. It is a bit milder but will work well in this recipe.
- Another alternative to cotija cheese is feta cheese. It has a similar saltiness and texture. All work well for making Elotes Mexicanos.
- If it's just not the day to pull out the grill, this recipe can be made in the oven as well!
Street Corn Recipes FAQs
Mexican corn (or Elote Mexicano) is also known as Mexican street corn, and is traditionally made by grilling corn cobs, then topping them in Mexican crema, spices, and cotija cheese. You can also find recipes for elote in a cup, elote dip, and even Mexican street corn casserole (one of my favorites!).
Cotija cheese is the most common cheese used, and pairs deliciously with elote. You can also substitute feta or queso fresco. Both work well with this delicious grilled corn recipe.
Cotija is a Mexican cheese made from cow's milk. It comes in two different types: fresh and aged. Though both types are salty, the fresh version is very soft while the aged version is harder. The hard version is similar to Parmesan cheese.
Mexican crema is essentially the same as crème fraîche - both are slightly sour thickened cream, a bit milder and thinner than American sour cream. In the case of my Mexican crema recipe used in this dish, it is simply a mixture of mayonnaise, sour cream, and Mexican-inspired seasonings. Crema makes an amazing topping for Mexican dishes of all kinds, including elote!
My recipe for Mexican street corn is a completely gluten-free side dish!
I would suggest omitting the cilantro or substituting with freshly chopped parsley. There really is no other flavor out there like cilantro. It seems some people love it while others are not the biggest fan. In this recipe, cilantro is simply a garnish.
Oven Roasted Corn on the Cob
For those times when firing up the grill just isn't possible, don't worry! You can easily make Mexican street corn in the oven.
Simply wrap the corn on the cob in aluminum foil and bake in the oven at 425°F for approximately 20 minutes.
Mexican Street Corn Variations
- Try baking Mexican street corn into a casserole.
- Mexican street corn dip is perfect for casual get-togethers. Make hot corn dip using cream cheese.
- Corn ribs are a fun new trend and a great way to make elote. Cut your corn cobs into quarters, then grill as corn ribs!
- Using a knife, slice the kernels off the cob and add to a bowl. You can then add all your favorite toppings to make Mexican corn in a cup. This is similar to Mexican street corn salad, which is also known as esquites.
Best Corn Side Dishes
- Creamed Corn Casserole
- Grilled Corn Ribs
- Street Corn Casserole
- Mexican Corn Casserole
- Instant Pot Corn
Try more of the best side dishes and especially my Side Dishes for Hamburgers and Easter Vegetable Side Dishes, including Roasted Carrots!
This dish is one of the best Sides for Chicken Wings!
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Street Corn Recipe
Equipment
- 1 mixing bowl
- 1 grill
Ingredients
- 4 corn on the cob shucked
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 clove of garlic, crushed
- Zest of one lime
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika, can be mild or smoky
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro, not packed
- ¾ cup cotija cheese
- Lime wedges to serve
Instructions
- Mix together sour cream, mayonnaise, crushed garlic, lime zest, chili powder, paprika, and cilantro until smooth.
- Grill sweet corn without the husks over high heat, turning regularly for 10 minutes until they begin to char. You can do this on a traditional grill or on the stove.
- Remove the corn from the grill when charred all over, and brush with the crema dressing to coat completely. Finally, top with cotija cheese, lime juice, and cilantro. Enjoy!
Video
Notes
- I have also made Mexican street corn using avocado crema instead of Mexican Crema and it is a really fun twist to this recipe. Try mixing avocado into your crema recipe until totally smooth, and enjoy it that way!
- If you can’t find cotija cheese at your local grocer, look for Mexican queso fresco. It is a bit more mild, but will work well in this recipe.
- Another alternative to cotija cheese is feta cheese. It has a similar saltiness and texture. All work well for making Elotes Mexicanos.
- If it's just not the day to pull out the grill, this recipe can be made in the oven as well!
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