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Home » Recipes » Side Dishes » Elotes Mexicanos (Mexican Street Corn)

Elotes Mexicanos (Mexican Street Corn)

Last Updated May 21, 2020. Originally Posted May 28, 2020 By Maggie Unzueta

This post may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Elotes Mexicanos (Mexican Street Corn) is a simple and super TASTY combination of flavors. An easy yet delicious recipe that’s ready in minutes!!
Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
Elote Mexicano (or Mexican Street Corn) on a white plate topped with chile powder, cheese, and cilantro.

Elote Mexicanos (or Mexican Street Corn) on a white plate topped with chile powder, cheese, and cilantro.

Elotes Mexicanos … YUM! I’m a sucker for Mexican Street Corn.

I usually end up with mayo and chile all over my face. That’s part of the fun of it though. They’re messy but SO GOOD!

One bite and you’ll fall in love too! Add tons of chile powder to mine. It’s deliciousness in every bite.

More Mexican Street Food Recipes:


Tlacoyos
Sopes
Pambazos
Beef Taquitos

The ingredients for Mexican Street Corn laid out on a wooden surface.

Ingredients

These are the traditional ingredients for Mexican street corn, but you can totally substitute some of these ingredients.

Swap Out Options:

  • A good substitute for cotija cheese is parmesan, feta, or romano.
  • Not a mayo fan? Substitute with greek yogurt, crema mexicana, or sour cream.

Types of chile powder: Tajin, Ground New Mexico Chile, Ground Ancho Chile, or California Chile. Or, if you don’t want it to be too spicy, use paprika.

Corn cooking in a metal stock pot.

How to Make Them

  • Remove the corn husks.
  • Place the corn in a pot and boil.

For Fresh Corn: Boil for 5 minutes, and drain the water.
For Frozen Corn: Boil for 5-7 minutes.

Some people like to grill the corn, and if you can, DO IT! It adds a smoky flavor that is so good.

Boiling the corn, though, is what you will most likely find in Mexico. Men pushing carts with boiled corn and ready to sell you an elote.

How to cook corn on the cob in the microwave:


Wrap the ear of corn in a moist paper towel. Place in the microwave and cook for 3-4 minutes.

Each microwave is different. Check after 3 minutes, if needed, nuke for 1 more minute.

More Mexican Corn Recipes:


Esquites con Tuetano
Roasted Poblano Corn Soup
Calabacitas con Elote y Rajas
Pan de Elote

A collage showing how to make Mexican Street Corn.

  • Spread mayo on the corn.
  • Sprinkle with chile powder.
  • Shred cotija over the corn.
  • Squeeze lime juice on the corn.

Let the corn cool slightly before adding all the toppings. This is usually served on a stick. No messy hands!

Pro Tip:

Serve on a plate to catch the toppings that might fall off.

Or, try removing the corn kernels and serving in a cup along with all the toppings. This is referred to as “esquites.”

Cotija vs. Queso Fresco


Cotija is not the same as Queso Fresco. Cotija is a hard cheese that’s very salty. Queso Fresco is creamier and milder.

How much chile powder to add is totally up to you and your personal taste. For a less spicy corn, use paprika or omit completely.

Mexican street corn on top of a white plate and topped with chopped cilantro, cheese, and chile powder.

How Long Do They Last?


Corn can last up to 5 days in the fridge without the toppings. It’s best to boil the corn and then add the toppings and serve right away.

More Mexican Recipes You’ll Love:


Carnitas Tacos
Mexican Shrimp Cocktail
Baked Potato Flautas

Elotes Mexicanos are simply amazing! Corn smothered with creamy mayo and topped with cheese and all the fixings. YES PLEASE! Delicious in every way.

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Did you make this recipe? Please rate the recipe below!

Elote Mexicano (or Mexican Street Corn) on a white plate topped with chile powder, cheese, and cilantro.

Elotes Mexicanos

Elotes Mexicanos (Mexican Street Corn) is a simple and super TASTY combination of flavors. An easy yet delicious recipe that’s ready in minutes!!
5 from 15 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Mexican
Prep Time: 8 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 18 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 437kcal
Author: Maggie Unzueta

Ingredients

  • 4 corn ears
  • 4 cups water
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup cotija shredded
  • 1/8 cup chile powder
  • 2 lime halved

Instructions

  • In a large pot, boil the water.
  • Meanwhile, remove the corn husks and hair from the corn.
  • Add the corn to the water.
  • Boil for 5 minutes.
  • Let them cool slightly.
  • Spread mayonnaise on each of the corn.
  • Sprinkle with chile powder.
  • Shred the cotija cheese.
  • Squeeze the lime juice over the corn.
  • Serve and enjoy.

Notes

For Frozen Corn: Boil for 5-7 minutes.
Types of chile powder: Tajin, Ground New Mexico Chile, Ground Ancho Chile, or California Chile. Or, if you don’t want it to be too spicy, a good substitute for chile powder is paprika.
SWAP OUT OPTIONS:
  • A good substitute for cotija cheese is parmesan, feta, or romano.
  • Not a mayo fan? Substitute with greek yogurt, crema mexicana, or sour cream.

Nutrition

Calories: 437kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 45g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 32mg | Sodium: 594mg | Potassium: 190mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 2285IU | Vitamin C: 10mg | Calcium: 93mg | Iron: 2mg
Tried this recipe?Mention @MamaMaggiesKitchen or tag #MamaMaggiesKitchen!

Filed Under: Side Dishes

About Maggie Unzueta

Maggie Unzueta is the writer/blogger, photographer, recipe developer, videographer, and creator of In Mama Maggie's Kitchen. She has been developing easy and authentic Mexican food, Mexican-inspired recipes, and traveling tips since 2010. From family recipes to her extensive travels throughout Mexico, she brings traditional Mexican flavors from South of the Border and into your kitchen. Maggie has been featured in notable culinary websites and other media outlets. For more details, check out her About page.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Jeannette

    May 28, 2020 at 3:14 pm

    5 stars
    YES! I love corn like this! Thanks for reminding me about this amazing recipe. It’s a must try for me!

    Reply
    • Patricia Ramos

      July 5, 2020 at 4:55 pm

      So easy and delicious!

      Reply
  2. Annissa

    May 28, 2020 at 3:22 pm

    5 stars
    What a creative way to serve corn on the cob. I’ve always been a butter and salt kind of girl. This is a must-try recipe!

    Reply
    • Maggie U

      July 7, 2020 at 7:48 am

      Hope you try this recipe it’s really yummy!

      Reply
  3. Sara Welch

    May 28, 2020 at 4:20 pm

    5 stars
    Quite possibly the best way to enjoy corn! Served this with dinner last night and it is easily a new favorite recipe!

    Reply
    • Patricia Ramos

      July 5, 2020 at 4:56 pm

      I think so too delicious glad you liked it

      Reply
  4. Jill

    May 28, 2020 at 4:38 pm

    5 stars
    I love Mexican street corn but haven’t made it at home. I’ll have to try your recipe.

    Reply
    • Patricia Ramos

      July 5, 2020 at 4:57 pm

      Mexican street corn is the best. Hope you try it

      Reply
  5. Andrea Metlika

    May 28, 2020 at 4:38 pm

    5 stars
    I had no idea this was this easy to make. I’m making these for my family ASAP.

    Reply
    • Patricia Ramos

      July 5, 2020 at 4:58 pm

      Easy and delicious, what’s better than that? Is a must try recipe.

      Reply
  6. Debra

    June 1, 2020 at 2:01 pm

    5 stars
    The stuff of hubby’s dreams! Pinning to make for his birthday next week. No need for any other gift! Street Corn for the win.

    Reply
    • Maggie U

      July 7, 2020 at 7:44 am

      Perfect gift indeed. Glad you liked it!

      Reply
  7. Marina

    June 1, 2020 at 2:01 pm

    5 stars
    What a fantastic recipe! Reminds me being back in Mexico! Absolutely delicious

    Reply
    • Maggie U

      July 7, 2020 at 7:43 am

      Right? it’s really yummy.

      Reply
  8. Sue

    June 1, 2020 at 3:28 pm

    5 stars
    Yum – I, too, am a sucker for Mexican Street Corn. Delicious!

    Reply
    • Maggie Unzueta

      June 22, 2020 at 10:58 am

      Who isn’t?! This is insanely good!

      Reply
  9. Sabrina

    June 1, 2020 at 3:51 pm

    5 stars
    Such a great side dish once we whip out the grill for summer!

    Reply
    • Maggie U

      July 7, 2020 at 7:42 am

      This recipe is perfect for summer! Hope you try it.

      Reply
  10. Amy

    June 1, 2020 at 4:21 pm

    5 stars
    Perfect! I was looking for a corn recipe for the upcoming long weekend. Delicious!

    Reply
    • Maggie U

      July 7, 2020 at 7:41 am

      I think you will love this recipe! Hope you try it.

      Reply
  11. Chef Dennis

    June 2, 2020 at 12:49 am

    5 stars
    Yum! I am so loving this Elotes Mexicanos! Looks really scrumptious!

    Reply
    • Maggie U

      July 7, 2020 at 7:47 am

      This recipe is the best! So yummy.

      Reply
  12. Natalie

    June 2, 2020 at 9:08 am

    5 stars
    Absolutely delicious. My kids love street corn. I will definitely make them this.

    Reply
    • Patricia Ramos

      July 2, 2020 at 1:04 pm

      I think so too delicious glad you liked it

      Reply
  13. Sara Rodriguez

    June 2, 2020 at 9:30 am

    5 stars
    I love Elotes Mexicanos so much! I had them when I visited Mexico but I will try to make them at home too!

    Reply
    • Patricia Ramos

      July 2, 2020 at 1:04 pm

      I think you will love this recipe! Elotes are the best.

      Reply
  14. Leslie

    June 2, 2020 at 12:09 pm

    5 stars
    I still have not tried Mexican Sweet Corn! I’m dying to try it! This recipe looks amazing!!!

    Reply
    • Maggie Unzueta

      June 22, 2020 at 10:58 am

      You must try this recipe. It’s so so good!

      Reply
  15. Connie

    June 15, 2020 at 1:23 am

    5 stars
    This is taking generic corn on the cob to the next level! Love it!

    Reply
    • Maggie Unzueta

      June 22, 2020 at 10:49 am

      Totally. Kick it up a notch!

      Reply

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