Description
Grilled Mexican Street Corn, also known as Elotes, is a deliciously smoky and creamy summer favorite. Fresh sweet corn is grilled until charred and golden, then slathered with a tangy blend of Mexican crema, mayonnaise, cilantro, garlic, lime, and chipotle pepper. Finished with crumbled cotija cheese and lime wedges, this snack bursts with bold flavors and creamy textures perfect for any barbecue or casual gathering.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 6 to 8 medium ears sweet corn, husks removed
Sauce
- 1/2 cup Mexican crema or sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup minced cilantro
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon ground chipotle pepper, to taste
- 2 teaspoons lime zest, from one lime
- 2 tablespoons lime juice, from one lime
Toppings
- 1/2 cup cotija cheese, crumbled
- Lime wedges, to serve
Instructions
- Prepare the Grill: Once the grill is hot, clean the grates thoroughly to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Make the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the Mexican crema, mayonnaise, minced cilantro, garlic, ground chipotle pepper, lime zest, and lime juice until smooth. Taste and add salt if needed. Set aside.
- Grill the Corn: Place the husked ears of corn directly onto the hot grill grates. Grill each side undisturbed for about 3 minutes or until the kernels develop a golden brown, slightly charred appearance. Rotate to cook all sides evenly.
- Apply the Sauce: Remove the grilled corn from the grill and place on a serving plate. Using a brush or spoon, generously coat each ear of corn with the prepared crema sauce mixture.
- Add Cheese and Serve: Sprinkle crumbled cotija cheese over the sauce-coated corn. If desired, add a light sprinkle of additional chipotle pepper for extra heat. Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for squeezing.
Notes
- Use Mexican crema for authentic flavor, but sour cream works as a delicious substitute.
- Char the corn carefully to avoid burning; a nice golden char adds smoky flavor without bitterness.
- Add extra chipotle pepper or a dash of chili powder for a spicier kick.
- To save time, prepare the sauce mixture ahead of grilling.
- Serve immediately for best taste and texture; leftovers can be refrigerated but are best fresh.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ear
- Calories: 197 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 219 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 19 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
