Mexican Corn on the Cob Elote Recipe
Why is Mexican corn on the cob so delicious? What does it take to turn this staple crop into something magical? You're in luck, cause I'm gonna tell you exactly what you need to make this a-maize-ing {see what I did there!?😂} veggie dish at home!
Grill the Corn on the Cob
You often see street corn with the husks still on as a handle. This is optional as we aren't steaming the corn, we're grilling it! I chose to shuck the corn completely. Just make sure you've got some good tongs to turn them after you've given a light coat of olive oil or butter. Then salt and pepper as you grill.
What is Mexican Corn on the Cob Anyway?
Mexican Corn on the cob, or “Elote” is also called “street corn” as it can be found at countless roadside stands in Mexico. Not to mention all over the Southwestern United States. It's a combination of grilled corn covered with some very distinct flavors.
You will be rolling the corn cob in a mayonnaise and Mexican crema mixture, then pressing the cob into Cotija cheese crumbles to cover. Sprinkle on Ancho chili powder and cumin and top with diced cilantro for a taste explosion.
Mexican Corn Substitutions
If you don't have access to the traditional ingredients you can use these instead:
- Mexican crema: Sour cream or plain greek yogurt can be used if you aren't able to find crema.
- Cotija: Cotija is a mild crumbly cow's milk cheese that is most similar to feta.
- Ancho chili: This chili powder is made from dried poblanos and is different than a regular chili powder. Chili powder can be substituted in a pinch but the flavor will be different.
- Cilantro: If you hate cilantro, I'm sad for you 😉, but you can use parsley for a little color.
How to Make Mexican Corn
Making Mexican Corn on the cob is as easy as can be. Preheat the grill to medium heat and brush the grate with a little oil to get started.
- Prep: Mix together the mayonnaise and crema {or sour cream} in a bowl. Crumble cotija and sprinkle it evenly on a plate.
- Grill: Remove husks and silk from corn on the cob. Brush with oil or butter and season with salt and pepper. Grill ears of corn until lightly browned.
- Combine: Brush the warm grilled corn with the mayonnaise mixture. Roll firmly in crumbled cotija cheese crumbles until coated. Sprinkle with spices, then add a squeeze of lime and some fresh cilantro. Enjoy!
If you've never tried Mexican corn on the cob it's time you do. The flavor combo might sound a little strange, but I PROMISE that it's an amazing mixture. Get the details for the rest of our yummy fiesta meal in this Cinco de Mayo post. {coming soon}
If you make some Mexican “street” corn, I'd love to hear about it in the comments below. And if you share photos, I want to see it too! Please tag us @partieswithacause on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest. We love celebrating all your hard work!
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Mexican Corn on the Cob
Equipment
- BBQ grill
- Basting brush
- Kitchen shears
Ingredients
- 6 ears Fresh corn on the cob shucked
- 1-1/2 Tbsp Melted butter or Olive oil
- Salt and Pepper to taste
Mexican Corn Toppings
- 1/2 cup Mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup Crema or sour cream/Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup Cotija cheese crumbled
- 1/2 tsp Ancho chili powder
- 1/2 tsp Cumin
- 4 stalks Fresh cilantro
- 1 lime cut in wedges
Instructions
Grill the Corn
- Preheat grill to medium heat
- Shuck the corn, removing husks and corn silk completely
- Brush with melted butter or olive oil, adding salt and pepper to taste
- Grill for 10 minutes, rotating cobs to achieve a lightly browned appearance and corn kernels are easily pierced
Add Mexican Toppings
- Combine mayonnaise and crema in bowl
- Brush grilled corn cobs with mayonnaise and crema mixture
- Then roll corn into the crumbled cotija
- Sprinkle on ancho chili powder and cumin
- Using kitchen shears cut cilantro into pieces and add
- Finish off with a squeeze of lime and serve with additional cilantro if desired
Explore Mexico From Home
I have been fortunate enough to travel to 28 countries and counting. Exploring the world, learning about other people, food, and cultures gives me so much joy. Through my travel experiences my heart has grown with more compassion and empathy toward humankind.
In an effort to instill this kind of cultural appreciation and understanding in our children, we've been virtually traveling around the world for years. Someday I hope to have these adventures with my family in person, on location. Until then, these lessons have been a wonderful primer I hope will only deepen their appreciation of each culture, if and when we do arrive.
In an effort to help more families enjoy these adventures, we've gathered up our favorite videos, books, recipes, crafts, and activities from each country to share them with YOU.
I hope your family will come to enjoy your virtual travel adventures through these magic doorways into other lands as much as we have. You can find out more about the Virtual Family Adventure Guides HERE. And don't forget to start your adventure off on the right foot with your FREE printable passport! Come Celebrate the Globe® with me!
More Mexican Dinner Party Ideas:
- How to Make a Tostada in Easy Taco Salad Cups
- Baked Avocado: Healthy Fiesta Recipe
- Recipe for Fried Ice Cream {Without Frying}
- Non-Alcoholic Sangria for your Fiesta
Mexican Fiesta Decor Ideas:
- Host a Fabulous Fiesta With Simple Decor
- 30+ Piñata Filler Ideas Other Than Candy
- Day of the Dead: Coco Inspired Party Ideas
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