Table of Contents: Grilled corn on the cob (elote)
Grilled corn on the cob (elote)
Grilled corn on the cob, famously known as elote in Mexican cuisine, is one of the most mouthwatering summer dishes you’ll ever taste. The smoky char from the grill, the tangy crema, the crumbly cotija cheese, and the kick of chili powder create a bold flavor explosion that satisfies everyone at the cookout.
Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or just craving an authentic Mexican treat, this guide breaks down everything you need to know. From how to grill corn perfectly to tips on making traditional elote and modern variations, we’ve got it all covered.
Don’t miss our Easy Arroz con Leche Recipe – Creamy & Delicious if you’re looking to pair a traditional dessert with this dish!
Introduction to Grilled Corn on the Cob (Elote)
What is Elote? A Cultural and Culinary Staple
Elote is the Spanish word for “corn on the cob,” but in Mexican street food culture, it refers to a grilled corn slathered in creamy, cheesy, and spicy goodness. It’s typically sold by street vendors across Mexico and has gained international popularity due to its bold flavors and easy prep.
Elote is more than just food—it’s a tradition. Families, food carts, and summer gatherings have elevated this snack into a culinary icon.
Why Grilled Elote is a Summer Favorite in the USA
In the USA, grilled corn is already a seasonal staple. But when it gets the elote treatment—complete with crema, lime juice, cotija cheese, and chili powder—it transforms into a crave-worthy dish. It’s become a favorite at food festivals, taco joints, and home grills because it’s delicious, customizable, and easy to make.
Plus, the combination of tangy, spicy, and smoky flavors makes it ideal for American palates craving bold taste.
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Grilled Corn on the Cob (Elote): The Most Flavorful Mexican Street Corn Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 to 8 servings 1x
Description
A smoky, creamy and tangy take on classic corn — this Mexican-style elote is packed with flavor and perfect for summer grilling.
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, to serve
Instructions
- Preheat a grill to medium-high heat.
- Grill the corn, turning occasionally, until charred in spots and tender, about 7–10 minutes.
- In a bowl, mix together Mexican crema, mayonnaise, cilantro, garlic, chipotle pepper, lime zest, and lime juice.
- Brush the mixture generously over the grilled corn.
- Sprinkle with cotija cheese and serve with lime wedges on the side.
Notes
You can substitute sour cream for Mexican crema if unavailable. Serve hot for best taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Grilled
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ear
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: elote, grilled corn, Mexican street corn, summer side dish
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Ingredients Needed for Grilled Corn on the Cob (Elote)
Essential Ingredients for Mexican Street Corn
Here are the must-haves for making traditional grilled corn on the cob (elote):
| Ingredient | Description |
|---|---|
| Fresh corn | Choose ears with bright green husks |
| Mexican crema | Similar to sour cream, but thinner and tangier |
| Mayonnaise | Helps bind the toppings and adds creaminess |
| Cotija cheese | Crumbly, salty cheese that’s essential |
| Lime juice | For brightness and acidity |
| Chili powder | Adds heat and depth |
| Cilantro (optional) | For garnish and fresh herb flavor |
Types of Cheese, Spices, and Creams Used in Elote
- Cheese: Cotija is the gold standard. If unavailable, use feta or parmesan as substitutes.
- Spices: Traditional chili powder works, but Tajín adds a citrusy punch.
- Creams: Mexican crema is preferred, but sour cream thinned with a bit of milk works too.
Discover great ideas like Easy Homemade Chicken Pot Pie Recipe if you’re planning a full-course meal!
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Grilled Corn on the Cob (Elote)
How to Prepare Corn for Grilling
- Peel back the husks but don’t remove them completely.
- Remove the silk strands.
- Fold the husks back and soak the corn in water for 15 minutes.
- Pat dry before grilling.
This pre-soaking helps prevent burning and keeps the kernels juicy.
Grilling Techniques: Gas, Charcoal, or Open Flame?
| Method | Pros | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Gas Grill | Convenient, even cooking | Medium-high heat, rotate often |
| Charcoal | Adds smoky flavor | Use indirect heat for best results |
| Open Flame | Rustic and fast | Hold with tongs, rotate quickly |
Grill the corn for 10–15 minutes until lightly charred on all sides. You’ll smell its sweetness caramelizing—heavenly!
How to Assemble and Serve Your Elote
Spreading the Sauce: Mayo, Crema, and Beyond
Once the corn is off the grill and still hot:
- Mix equal parts mayonnaise and crema.
- Brush or spoon the mixture generously on each cob.
- Sprinkle cotija cheese all over.
- Add a squeeze of lime and a dusting of chili powder.
The sauce not only adds flavor but also helps the cheese and spices stick to the kernels.
Sprinkling the Cheese and Final Touches
- Crumble cotija cheese evenly over the corn.
- Dust with chili powder or Tajín.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro or green onion if desired.
- Serve with lime wedges for extra zest.
Looking for inspiration? Try our Delicious Coffee Loophole Recipe for Daily Energy for a refreshing twist to serve after your grilled treat.
Elote Variations You’ll Love
Esquites: The Off-the-Cob Cousin of Elote
Esquites are elote served in a cup. The corn kernels are sautéed or boiled, then topped with the same ingredients—mayo, crema, lime, chili, and cheese. It’s great for parties or when you prefer a fork over a cob.
Creative Twists: Hot Cheetos, Lime Zest, and More
- Hot Cheetos Crust: Crush Flamin’ Hot Cheetos and roll your elote in them.
- Garlic Butter Base: Replace mayo with garlic butter for a richer flavor.
- Avocado Crema: Add mashed avocado to your crema mix.
- Vegan Version: Use plant-based mayo and almond-based cheese.
Nutrition and Health Benefits: Grilled Corn on the Cob (Elote)
Calories, Macros, and Nutritional Breakdown
| Nutrient | Approximate per cob (with toppings) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 200–250 |
| Carbs | 20–30g |
| Fat | 12–18g |
| Protein | 5–8g |
Elote offers fiber, vitamins, and essential minerals, especially when topped with fresh ingredients like lime and cilantro.
Healthy Swaps and Dietary Options for Elote
- Use low-fat sour cream and light mayo.
- Skip cheese or use a lower-fat alternative.
- Opt for avocado oil-based dressings.
- Use vegan crema and cheese for dairy-free diets.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Grilled Corn on the Cob (Elote)
Overcooking or Undercooking the Corn
Too much grill time makes the kernels tough and dry. Not enough, and they lack flavor. Stick to 10–15 minutes with rotation every few minutes for even charring.
Choosing the Wrong Cheese or Skipping the Chili Powder
Don’t substitute cotija with just any cheese. Its crumbly, salty nature is key. And never forget the chili—it’s what turns grilled corn into authentic elote.
Serving Ideas and Perfect Pairings
What to Serve with Elote: Tacos, BBQ Meats, and Drinks
- Tacos al Pastor
- Grilled chicken thighs
- Carne asada
- Iced horchata or margaritas
Best Occasions for Making Grilled Corn on the Cob
- Backyard BBQs
- Family cookouts
- Cinco de Mayo celebrations
- Potlucks or food festivals
People Also Ask: Grilled corn on the cob (elote)
What is an elote?
Elote is Mexican-style grilled corn on the cob topped with a creamy sauce, cheese, chili, and lime.
How to make Mexican corn on the barbecue?
Grill corn for 10–15 mins, spread crema-mayo mix, sprinkle cotija, chili powder, and finish with lime juice.
What kind of cheese does the elote man use?
Street vendors typically use cotija cheese, known for its crumbly texture and salty flavor.
What are the ingredients for Mexican street corn?
Corn, mayo, crema, cotija cheese, lime juice, chili powder, and optionally cilantro.
Conclusion: Grilled corn on the cob (elote)
Grilled corn on the cob, or elote, is the perfect balance of smoky, tangy, cheesy, and spicy. Whether served on a cob or in a cup, it’s easy to prepare, endlessly customizable, and always a hit.
Check out Easy Homemade Chicken Pot Pie Recipe if you’re craving more comfort food classics after enjoying your elote.