Description
Grilled Mexican Street Corn, also known as Elotes, is a flavorful and smoky treat perfect for summer cookouts. Tender sweet corn ears are charred on the grill and slathered with a creamy, tangy sauce made from Mexican crema, mayonnaise, cilantro, garlic, and lime, then topped with crumbly cotija cheese and a sprinkle of chipotle pepper. This vibrant dish combines smoky, creamy, and zesty flavors, creating an irresistible snack or side that embodies authentic Mexican street food.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Corn
- 6 to 8 medium ears sweet corn, husks removed
Sauce
- 1/2 cup Mexican crema, or sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon ground chipotle pepper, or to taste
- 2 teaspoons finely grated lime zest, from 1 lime
- 2 tablespoons lime juice, from 1 lime
Toppings
- 1/2 cup cotija cheese, crumbled
- Lime wedges, to serve
Instructions
- Preheat the Grill: Heat a gas or charcoal grill to 400°F. Once heated, clean the grill grates thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the Mexican crema, mayonnaise, chopped cilantro, minced garlic, ground chipotle pepper, lime zest, and lime juice. Taste the mixture and add salt cautiously since crema and cotija cheese are already salty. Set the sauce aside.
- Grill the Corn: Place the husked ears of corn directly onto the grill grates. Grill for about 3 minutes on one side, undisturbed, until the kernels become golden brown with char marks. Turn the corn to another side and repeat grilling until all sides are evenly browned and charred. Remove the corn from the grill and place on a serving plate.
- Top Corn with Sauce and Cheese: Use a brush or spoon to generously coat each grilled ear of corn with the prepared crema mixture. Sprinkle the crumbled cotija cheese evenly over the sauce-coated corn. For extra heat, sprinkle additional chipotle pepper if desired.
- Serve: Serve the grilled Mexican street corn immediately with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the top. Enjoy as a snack or side dish.
Notes
- Be cautious with salt since Mexican crema and cotija cheese already contain salt.
- Adjust the amount of chipotle pepper according to your spice preference.
- For a vegetarian version, ensure the cotija cheese is free from animal rennet, or substitute with a vegetarian cheese alternative.
- Serve immediately after grilling for the best flavor and texture.
- Use fresh lime juice and zest for bright, tangy flavor.
