Description
Elote Mexican Grilled Corn is a vibrant and flavorful side dish perfect for summer barbecues or any meal that calls for a deliciously smoky treat. Grilled to perfection and coated with a creamy, spicy mayonnaise sauce, then sprinkled with crumbly cotija cheese and fresh cilantro, this traditional Mexican street corn offers a perfect balance of charred crunch, tangy zest, and mild heat, enhanced by a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
Ingredients
Scale
Corn and Toppings
- 4 ears of corn, husked
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup cotija cheese, crumbled
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
- 1 tablespoon melted butter (optional)
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat to prepare for cooking the corn evenly with a nice char.
- Grill the Corn: Place the husked ears of corn directly on the grill grates. Cook for 10 to 12 minutes, turning occasionally so that the corn becomes charred on all sides and tender inside.
- Prepare the Sauce: While the corn grills, mix the mayonnaise, chili powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper if using, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl until well combined.
- Brush with Butter (Optional): Once grilled, brush the ears of corn with melted butter to add richness and help the sauce adhere better.
- Coat with Mayo Mixture: Generously spread the prepared mayo mixture over each ear of grilled corn, coating all sides for full flavor coverage.
- Add Cheese and Cilantro: Sprinkle crumbled cotija cheese evenly over the coated corn, followed by finely chopped fresh cilantro to add brightness and texture.
- Serve with Lime: Serve the elote immediately alongside lime wedges to squeeze over the corn just before eating, adding a zesty finish.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or a mix of Greek yogurt and sour cream.
- Add a dash of hot sauce or TajÃn seasoning to the mayo mixture for an extra layer of heat and flavor.
- Grill the corn over indirect heat if you prefer less char and a more tender bite.
- Use fresh cotija cheese for the best authentic taste, but feta can be a good substitute if unavailable.
