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–+ servings
Merry

Quick Mexican Street Corn Recipe

Transform your summer grilling with Grilled Mexican Street Corn (Elotes)! This iconic Mexican street food combines smoky grilled corn with a creamy, tangy sauce, zesty lime, and crumbled cotija cheese for a dish that’s bursting with flavor. Perfect as a side, snack, or party appetizer, elotes are easy to make and even easier to love.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 6 -8 servings
Course: Side Dish, Snack
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 6 to 8 medium ears sweet corn husks removed
  • 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
  • 1/2 cup cotija cheese crumbled
  • Lime wedges for serving

Method
 

Heat the grill:
  1. Preheat your gas or charcoal grill to 400°F. Clean the grill grates thoroughly to prevent sticking.
Make the crema sauce:
  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the crema, mayonnaise, chopped cilantro, minced garlic, ground chipotle pepper, lime zest, and lime juice.
  2. Taste the sauce and add a pinch of salt if needed. Set aside.
Grill the corn:
  1. Place the husked corn directly onto the grill grates.
  2. Let the corn cook for about 3 minutes on each side until it becomes slightly charred and golden brown. Turn frequently to ensure even charring on all sides.
  3. Remove the grilled corn from the heat and place it on a serving plate.
Assemble the elotes:
  1. Using a brush or spoon, generously coat each ear of corn with the prepared crema sauce.
  2. Sprinkle crumbled cotija cheese evenly over the corn.
  3. For an extra kick, dust with additional chipotle pepper.
Serve and enjoy:
  1. Serve the elotes immediately with lime wedges on the side. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the corn for a tangy finish.

Notes

  • Fresh Ingredients: Use the freshest sweet corn and limes you can find for the best flavor.
  • Substitutions: If you can’t find cotija cheese, substitute with Parmesan or feta.
  • Spice Levels: Adjust the chipotle pepper to your desired spice level. For a milder version, omit the pepper altogether.
  • Make Ahead: Prepare the crema sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use. Grill the corn just before serving for optimal flavor and texture.
  • Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

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