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Elotes (Mexican Street Corn) Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 114 reviews

Elotes, or Mexican street corn, is a deliciously charred and creamy corn on the cob recipe featuring a tangy mayonnaise and Mexican crema sauce, topped with crumbly cotija cheese, chili powder, and fresh cilantro. Perfect for grilling or air frying, this vibrant side dish delivers authentic Mexican flavors with a zesty lime finish.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Corn

  • 6 ears corn, shucked and rinsed
  • Vegetable oil, for brushing if air frying

For the Sauce and Toppings

  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup Mexican crema or sour cream
  • 1/3 cup grated cotija cheese
  • 3 teaspoons chili powder
  • Chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish
  • Lime wedges, for serving

Instructions

  1. Prepare the grill or air fryer: For grilling, preheat your grill to medium-high heat and let it warm for about 5 minutes. If using a grill pan, preheat it over medium-high heat. For the air fryer, cut the corn into smaller pieces to fit the basket and brush them with vegetable oil.
  2. Grill the corn: Place the corn directly on the grill and turn frequently to ensure even charring. Cook until the corn is slightly charred all over, approximately 10 minutes.
  3. Air fry the corn: Arrange the oiled corn in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook at 400°F (204°C) for 10 to 12 minutes, turning halfway through, until tender and lightly browned.
  4. Make the creamy sauce: While the corn is cooking, mix the mayonnaise and Mexican crema together in a small bowl until smooth and well combined.
  5. Assemble the elotes: Transfer the cooked corn to a serving platter. Brush each ear generously with the mayonnaise and crema mixture, ensuring full coverage.
  6. Add toppings: Sprinkle the grated cotija cheese evenly over the sauce-coated corn, followed by a dusting of chili powder and a scattering of fresh chopped cilantro for a burst of color and flavor.
  7. Serve: Offer the elotes warm or at room temperature with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over before eating.

Notes

  • Use Mexican crema for authentic flavor, but sour cream is a good substitute.
  • For a spicier kick, add cayenne pepper to the chili powder or brush the corn with a bit of hot sauce before adding the creamy mixture.
  • Grill marks and slight charring enhance the flavor but avoid blackening the corn too much to prevent bitterness.
  • If cotija cheese is unavailable, feta cheese can be used as an alternative.
  • This recipe can be made ahead; prepare and assemble the elotes then reheat briefly on the grill or air fryer before serving.

Keywords: elotes, Mexican street corn, grilled corn, Mexican side dish, cotija cheese, chili powder, creamy corn

Find it online: https://thefoodrecipe.com/elotes-mexican-street-corn-recipe/