Description
Elote, or Mexican grilled corn, is a flavorful street food classic featuring charred corn on the cob slathered in a creamy, tangy sauce made from mayonnaise, sour cream, and lime juice, then topped with salty cotija cheese and a sprinkle of chili powder. This recipe delivers a deliciously smoky and spicy treat perfect for summer barbecues or as a vibrant side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 4 ears of corn, husked
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon lime juice (plus extra for serving)
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (plus extra for sprinkling)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese (or feta cheese)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the Grill: Prepare your grill by heating it to medium-high heat, which provides the ideal temperature to char the corn evenly while cooking it through.
- Grill the Corn: Place the husked ears of corn directly on the grill grates. Cook for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure all sides are evenly charred and the kernels are tender.
- Prepare the Creamy Sauce: While the corn grills, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Mix thoroughly until smooth and well blended.
- Coat the Corn: Once the corn is grilled to perfection, remove it from the heat. Immediately brush the creamy sauce over each ear, making sure to coat all sides evenly to lock in flavor.
- Add Cheese Topping: Generously sprinkle crumbled cotija cheese over the coated corn, letting it adhere to the sauce for a salty and tangy contrast.
- Final Touches: For an extra pop of flavor, sprinkle additional chili powder and squeeze fresh lime juice over the top. Optionally, garnish with chopped cilantro for a fresh herbal note.
- Serve: Serve the elote immediately while hot, and enjoy the perfect balance of smoky, creamy, tangy, and spicy flavors.
Notes
- For vegetarian option, ensure the cheese used is suitable or substitute with a vegan cheese alternative.
- Adjust the amount of chili powder based on your preferred spice level.
- Fresh lime juice brightens the dish—don’t skip it.
- If you don’t have a grill, the corn can also be cooked under a broiler or on a stovetop grill pan.
- For an extra smoky flavor, try adding smoked paprika to the sauce mixture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican
