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    Home » Recipes » Side Dishes

    Elotes Mexicanos (Mexican Street Corn)

    Published: May 28, 2020 · Updated: Nov 9, 2022 by Maggie Unzueta

    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
    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.

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

    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.

    Table of Contents

    • 1 Elotes Mexicanos
      • 1.1 Ingredients
      • 1.2 Instructions
      • 1.3 Notes
      • 1.4 Nutrition
          • 1.4.0.1 Maggie Unzueta

    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 16 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Side Dish
    Cuisine: Mexican
    Prep Time: 8 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 18 minutes minutes
    Servings: 4
    Calories: 437kcal
    Author: Maggie Unzueta

    Ingredients

    • 4 corn ears
    • 4 cups water
    • 1 cup mayonnaise
    • ¼ cup cotija shredded
    • ⅛ 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!
    Maggie Unzueta
    Website | + posts

    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.

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    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

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Rebecca

      May 19, 2022 at 5:56 pm

      5 stars
      This is a fantastic recipe, especially when the corn is grilled over some good smoke. Another way I enjoyed this, when I had a troubled tooth, was to cut the corn off the cob, then mix everything in a bowl with a nice sprinkling of cilantro. Can’t wait for the grill to come out to play again!!

      Reply
      • Maggie Unzueta

        May 21, 2022 at 12:31 pm

        I know, right? Me too! Grilling season is upon us, and I can’t wait either.

        Reply
    2. 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
    3. Leslie

      June 02, 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
    4. Sara Rodriguez

      June 02, 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 02, 2020 at 1:04 pm

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

        Reply
    5. Natalie

      June 02, 2020 at 9:08 am

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

      Reply
      • Patricia Ramos

        July 02, 2020 at 1:04 pm

        I think so too delicious glad you liked it

        Reply
    6. Chef Dennis

      June 02, 2020 at 12:49 am

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

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        July 07, 2020 at 7:47 am

        This recipe is the best! So yummy.

        Reply
    7. Amy

      June 01, 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 07, 2020 at 7:41 am

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

        Reply
    8. Sabrina

      June 01, 2020 at 3:51 pm

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

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        July 07, 2020 at 7:42 am

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

        Reply
    9. Sue

      June 01, 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
    10. Marina

      June 01, 2020 at 2:01 pm

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

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        July 07, 2020 at 7:43 am

        Right? it’s really yummy.

        Reply
    11. Debra

      June 01, 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 07, 2020 at 7:44 am

        Perfect gift indeed. Glad you liked it!

        Reply
    12. 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 05, 2020 at 4:58 pm

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

        Reply
    13. 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 05, 2020 at 4:57 pm

        Mexican street corn is the best. Hope you try it

        Reply
    14. 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 05, 2020 at 4:56 pm

        I think so too delicious glad you liked it

        Reply
    15. 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 07, 2020 at 7:48 am

        Hope you try this recipe it’s really yummy!

        Reply
    16. 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 05, 2020 at 4:55 pm

        So easy and delicious!

        Reply

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    A picture of Maggie Unzueta in her kitchen holding a coffee cup.

    iBienvenidos! I'm Maggie. Welcome to my blog! My passion is authentic Mexican food and traveling throughout Mexico to bring you the very BEST in culture and cuisine.

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