What is Elote? A Dive into Mexican Street Corn

Elote (pronounced eh-LOH-teh), which simply means “corn” in Spanish, is much more than just a cob of corn. It’s a beloved Mexican street food, a vibrant and flavor-packed preparation of corn on the cob. Imagine tender, sweet corn generously coated in a rich, creamy sauce—typically a blend of mayonnaise, Mexican crema (or sour cream for an easy swap), and fresh lime juice. This creates a base for the next layer of flavor: a generous roll in crumbled Cotija cheese, a salty and crumbly Mexican cheese. Finally, it’s dusted with chili powder or a zesty chili-lime seasoning like Tajín. The result is a complex profile that is simultaneously sweet from the corn, smoky from the grilling (if applicable), spicy from the chili, and wonderfully tangy from the lime and crema.

While you’ll most often find elote grilled over open flames by skilled street vendors in Mexico, its irresistible charm has spread globally, inspiring countless home cooks. The good news is that it’s incredibly adaptable and just as delicious made at home. My preferred method for ease and juiciness is boiling, but roasting or grilling also yields fantastic results, each imparting its own unique caramelized notes. It’s an absolute must-try and one of my favorite summer side dishes, perfect for backyard BBQs, cookouts, or a lively taco night.

The beauty of elote lies not just in its taste but in its experience. It’s a hands-on delight that brings a festive, authentic Mexican flair to any meal. This recipe ensures you can capture that authentic experience right in your own kitchen.

I’ve kept the ingredient list true to the traditional Mexican dish to ensure an authentic flavor experience. However, I’ve also included easy substitutions for less common items, so that anyone, anywhere, can effortlessly make this sensational dish.

• Corn on the Cob: The star of the show! Fresh summer sweet corn is absolutely ideal here. Look for ears with bright green husks, moist stems, and plump, firm kernels that you can feel through the husk. Fresh corn offers the best sweetness and texture. If fresh isn’t available, frozen corn on the cob can be a decent substitute, though it may lack some of the vibrant sweetness. For a quick shucking hack, learn my simple trick to shuck corn in seconds.
• Mayonnaise: Don’t underestimate the mayo! It’s crucial for adding a rich, creamy texture and helping all the delicious toppings adhere to the corn. While you might worry about a strong mayonnaise flavor, fear not. Once mixed with the zesty lime juice and tangy crema, it transforms into a decadent, savory sauce that perfectly complements the corn. Skipping it could result in a drier, less satisfying elote experience.
• Mexican Crema or Sour Cream: Mexican crema is a staple in authentic Mexican cuisine. It’s similar to sour cream but typically thinner in texture, milder in tang, and richer. Its delicate flavor balances the mayo and lime beautifully. If you can’t find Mexican crema at your local grocery store, regular sour cream is an excellent and readily available substitute that will still deliver a wonderfully tangy and creamy result.
• Fresh Lime Juice: This is a non-negotiable ingredient for that signature tangy, bright zing that cuts through the richness of the sauce and cheese. I always recommend squeezing it fresh for the best, most vibrant flavor. Bottled lime juice simply doesn’t compare in terms of freshness and aroma. A good squeeze of lime elevates all the other flavors.
• Cotija Cheese or Grated Parmesan: Cotija cheese is a salty, firm, and crumbly Mexican cheese that is traditionally used for elote. Its distinct salty flavor and crumbly texture are perfect for coating the corn and providing a savory counterpoint to the sweet corn. Any leftovers are fantastic for topping taco bowls or guacamole deviled eggs. If Cotija is hard to find, finely grated Parmesan cheese makes a surprisingly good substitute. While not traditional, it offers a similar salty, nutty flavor and fine texture that works wonderfully when you’re making this corn on the cob recipe on a whim.
• Chili Powder or Tajín: This is where you add a touch of warmth and spice. Traditional chili powder provides a subtle smoky, earthy heat. However, if you’re looking for an extra layer of zesty flavor, Tajín Clásico is a fantastic option. This popular Mexican seasoning is a blend of chili peppers, lime, and sea salt, offering a unique tangy and spicy kick. We’re big fans of Tajín around here, sprinkling it on everything from homemade tortilla chips and baked avocado fries to even margarita popsicles. Use whichever you have on hand or prefer for that perfect finishing touch.

See the full recipe card below for exact measurements and quantities.

Making Elote at home is surprisingly simple, allowing you to enjoy this flavorful treat with minimal effort. Here’s how to master this Mexican street corn recipe:

1. Cook the Corn to Perfection. You have three excellent options for cooking your corn, and all yield delicious results for this recipe. Choose the method that best suits your preference and equipment:

• Boil It (My Go-To Method for Juiciness): This is the quickest and easiest way to achieve tender, juicy corn. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Carefully add the shucked corn on the cob and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the kernels are tender and bright yellow. Avoid overcooking, which can make the corn tough. Drain the corn and let it cool slightly so it’s comfortable to handle.
• Roast It (for a Touch of Caramelization): Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). For a richer, slightly caramelized flavor, place the husked corn directly on the oven rack or on a sheet pan. Roast for 20 to 25 minutes, turning once or twice during cooking, until the kernels are golden and lightly browned in spots. This method brings out a deeper sweetness.
• Grill It (for Authentic Smoky Flavor): If you have access to a grill, this method imparts the most authentic smoky flavor. You can grill the corn with the husks on (soaking them in water for 15 minutes prior can help prevent burning) or peel them back and tie them to form a convenient handle. Grill the corn over medium heat, turning occasionally, until it’s tender and slightly charred in spots, typically about 8 to 10 minutes. This method adds a wonderful depth of flavor.

Tip for Cooking Corn: While any method works well, boiling offers the simplest approach and results in wonderfully juicy corn. Roasting and grilling will impart a deeper, more caramelized flavor, adding another layer of complexity to your elote.

2. Whip Up the Creamy Elote Sauce. In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Mexican crema (or sour cream), and fresh lime juice. Stir them together until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This simple yet flavorful sauce is the heart of your elote, providing the creamy, tangy base that makes this dish so addictive.
3. Generously Dress the Corn. Once your corn is slightly cooled but still warm, it’s time to apply the magic! Grab each ear of corn by its end (or insert a skewer for easier handling). Using a spoon or a pastry brush, slather each cob generously and evenly with the creamy sauce, ensuring full coverage. Don’t be shy – the more sauce, the better! Immediately after coating, roll the sauced corn in the crumbled Cotija cheese, turning to ensure all sides are thoroughly coated. The warmth of the corn will help the sauce and cheese adhere beautifully.

4. Serve Immediately with a Zesty Finish. To complete your perfect elote, sprinkle each cob with chili powder or Tajín for that characteristic spicy and tangy kick. Serve warm, ideally with extra lime wedges on the side, allowing everyone to add an additional burst of citrusy zing to their liking. Elote is best enjoyed fresh, so gather your friends and family and dive in!

If you loved this Elote recipe and are looking to expand your Mexican culinary repertoire, here are some other fantastic dishes that are sure to delight your taste buds:

• Authentic Mexican Rice
• Green Chile Chicken Enchiladas
• Homemade Tortilla Chips
• Pico de Gallo
• Easy Chicken Taquitos
• Homemade Churros with Chocolate Sauce

Each of these recipes brings a unique and delicious taste of Mexico to your table, perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests.