Delicious Mexican Street Corn Recipe: A Taste of Tradition

Mexican street corn, known as elote, is a beloved street food that captures the essence of Mexico’s vibrant culinary culture. This savory dish combines grilled corn, creamy sauces, and flavorful toppings, creating a perfect snack or side dish for any gathering. Besides its mouthwatering taste, making Mexican street corn at home allows you to customize flavors and wow your guests!

The Essence of Mexican Street Corn

Mexican street corn is typically made with fresh corn on the cob, grilled to perfection, and slathered with a mix of mayonnaise, lime juice, chili powder, and crumbled cotija cheese. The result? A dish bursting with flavor and texture! It's often enjoyed as a snack at festivals, markets, and street corners, embodying the spirit of Mexican gastronomy.

What ingredients do I need for a Mexican street corn recipe?

To create authentic Mexican street corn, you will need:

• Fresh corn on the cob


• Mayonnaise


• Lime juice


• Chili powder or Tajín seasoning


• Cotija cheese


• Chopped cilantro (optional)

Did You Know?

The combination of mayonnaise and lime juice not only adds creaminess but also helps the seasonings stick to the corn! (Serious Eats)

Preparing Your Mexican Street Corn

Grilling your corn provides that essential smoky flavor that enhances the dish. You can prepare the corn in different ways – directly on the grill, boiled, or even roasted in the oven. Here’s a simple way to grill it:

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.


2. Grill the corn for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until charred.


3. Remove from grill and let cool slightly.


4. Coat with mayonnaise, sprinkle with cheese, and finish with lime juice and chili powder.

Can I make Mexican street corn in advance?

While it's best served fresh off the grill, you can prepare the corn ahead of time by grilling and then storing it wrapped in aluminum foil. Just reheat on the grill before serving.

Cooking Tip

For an even richer flavor, try adding chipotle mayo or garlic powder to your mayo mixture! (Food & Wine)

Variations and Add-Ons

The beauty of Mexican street corn lies in its versatility. While the traditional version is delicious, you can also experiment with various toppings or substitutions based on personal preferences:

• Try using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lighter version.


• Add crumbled bacon for extra crunch and flavor.


• Incorporate avocado for a creamy twist.


• Use different spices like smoked paprika for unique flavors.

What are some popular variations of Mexican street corn?

Many people enjoy adding different cheeses like feta or mozzarella, and some even create a spicy salsa to drizzle over the top. The options are endless!

Expert Insight

"Mexican street corn is meant to be customizable! Don't be afraid to adapt the recipe to match your palate." - Chef Ana Garcia

Serving Suggestions

Mexican street corn is an excellent accompaniment to grilled meats, tacos, or can simply be enjoyed on its own as a street-style snack. Serve it with lime wedges for an extra zing and watch your guests savor every bite!

What drinks pair well with Mexican street corn?

Pair your Mexican street corn with refreshing beverages such as agua fresca, margaritas, or a tasty cervezas (beer) to elevate the experience.

Research on Flavor Pairings

According to food pairing studies, citrus complements savory dishes perfectly, enhancing the overall taste profile of grilled corn. (ScienceDirect)