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Mexican Street Corn (Elote) Recipe

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4.3 from 69 reviews

  • Author: Emma
  • Total Time: 13 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

A vibrant and flavorful Mexican Street Corn (Elote) recipe that features toasted corn kernels cooked in a hot skillet, then mixed with creamy mayonnaise, tangy lime juice, and seasoned with chili powder. Topped with salty cotija cheese and fresh cilantro, this quick and easy side dish captures the authentic taste of street food in under 15 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 3 (15.25-ounce) cans corn, drained
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 1–2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder, divided
  • Cotija cheese, for sprinkling
  • Cilantro, roughly chopped, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Heat the Skillet: Place a cast iron skillet over high heat and allow it to heat thoroughly until very hot.
  2. Cook the Corn: Add the drained corn to the hot skillet. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, to toast the kernels and develop a slight char for a smoky flavor.
  3. Add Butter and Salt: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the butter along with kosher salt to taste until the butter melts completely and coats the corn evenly.
  4. Mix with Mayo and Lime: Transfer the corn mixture to a bowl, then stir in the mayonnaise and lime juice thoroughly to form a creamy and tangy base for the dish.
  5. Season with Chili Powder: Add 1 teaspoon of chili powder to the corn mixture and stir well to distribute the spice evenly.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the corn generously with cotija cheese, the remaining chili powder, and chopped cilantro. Serve immediately to enjoy the best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • For extra smokiness, you can char the corn under a broiler before mixing with other ingredients.
  • Adjust lime juice according to your taste preference for acidity.
  • Cotija cheese can be substituted with feta cheese if unavailable.
  • Use fresh corn kernels if preferred, grilling them for authentic flavor.
  • Serve as a delicious side dish for Mexican-themed meals or BBQs.
  • Prep Time: 3 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Mexican

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Find it online: https://therecipeshome.com/mexican-street-corn-elote-recipe/