Skip to content
Kissing In The Kitchen with Shawnie Kelley

Recipes / Holidays & Entertaining, Mains, Mexican

Grilled Mexican Street Corn (Elote)

Elote is a beloved Mexican street food, known for its irresistible combination of smoky, charred corn and a creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy coating. Grilled to bring out its natural sweetness, then slathered with a rich mixture of mayo, lime, cheese, and chili, it’s bold, messy, and completely addictive—perfect for summer gatherings or as a vibrant side dish.

Yield
6 ears
Jump to directions ↓

Directions

  1. Grill the corn: Preheat grill to medium-high. Place corn directly on the grates and cook, turning occasionally, until lightly charred on all sides, about 8–10 minutes.

  2. Make the sauce: In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, crema, lime juice, and a pinch of salt until smooth.

  3. Coat the corn: While still warm, brush each ear generously with the sauce.

  4. Finish: Sprinkle with cotija cheese, chili powder, smoked paprika, and cilantro.

  5. Serve: Add a squeeze of fresh lime and serve immediately.

  6. Optional Serving: For easier eating, cut grilled kernels off the cob and toss with the same toppings to make esquites, a spoonable version of this classic.

From Shawnie's class “Cinco de Mayo Celebration”