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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
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.
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
- 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.
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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Elotes Mexicanos
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
- A good substitute for cotija cheese is parmesan, feta, or romano.
- Not a mayo fan? Substitute with greek yogurt, crema mexicana, or sour cream.
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!!
I know, right? Me too! Grilling season is upon us, and I can’t wait either.