The Best Homemade Mexican Street Corn Recipe

Savor the bold flavors of homemade Mexican street corn with creamy sauce and smoky charred perfection—but wait, there’s more!

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What You’ll Love About This Recipe

This homemade Mexican street corn is packed with bold flavors and is super easy to make, perfect for your next cookout or snack craving. You’ll love how quick it is to prepare, with just a handful of ingredients you might already have. The creamy, tangy sauce combined with smoky charred corn is a match made in food heaven. Plus, it’s a fun, mess-free way to enjoy a classic street food favorite right at home. Customize it to your taste with extra spices or a squeeze of lime for that perfect zing!

Recipe

grilled corn mexican snack

Mexican street corn, or “elote,” is a beloved snack featuring grilled corn on the cob slathered with a creamy, tangy sauce, sprinkled with cheese, and seasoned with chili powder. This recipe brings the vibrant flavors of street-side vendors to your kitchen.

Ingredients:

  • 4 ears of corn, husks removed
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup sour cream or Mexican crema
  • 1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1 lime, cut into wedges
  • Salt to taste

Instructions:

  1. Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
  2. Grill the corn, turning occasionally, until lightly charred on all sides, about 8-10 minutes.
  3. In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise and sour cream (or crema) until smooth.
  4. Brush the grilled corn with the mayonnaise mixture, coating evenly.
  5. Sprinkle the corn with cotija cheese, chili powder, and cilantro.
  6. Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the corn.

Notes:

For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.

Equipment:

Grill or grill pan, small bowl, brush

Time:

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cooking time: 10 minutes

Cuisine:

Mexican

Serving:

4 servings

Nutrition

1 serving of Homemade Mexican Street Corn provides a balance of flavors and nutrients.

NutrientAmount per serving
Calories220 kcal
Protein6 g
Fat12 g
Carbohydrates25 g
Fiber3 g
Sugar5 g
Sodium320 mg

What To Serve With It

I love serving my Mexican street corn with juicy grilled meats like carne asada or chicken—they bring out the smoky, tangy flavors so well. A fresh, crisp salad with lime dressing is another great choice, balancing the richness of the corn. Trust me, these combos make the meal feel complete without stealing the spotlight from the star dish.

Grilled Meats Pairing

When I think about what to serve with homemade Mexican street corn, grilled meats are the first thing that comes to mind, and it’s not hard to see why. The smoky, charred flavor of grilled steak, chicken, or pork pairs perfectly with the creamy, spicy corn. I love tossing some marinated carne asada on the grill, letting it soak up all those bold flavors while the corn cooks alongside it. Grilled shrimp or chicken skewers are also a hit—they’re quick, flavorful, and balance the richness of the corn. It’s a combo that always feels like a celebration, whether you’re cooking for yourself or a crowd.

Fresh Salad Complements

Fresh salad complements can turn your homemade Mexican street corn into a complete meal, adding brightness and balance to the table. I love pairing it with a crisp jicama slaw—tossed with lime, chili, and cilantro—for a revitalizing crunch. A simple avocado and tomato salad with red onion and lime dressing also works wonders, cutting through the corn’s richness. If I’m craving something heartier, I’ll add a black bean and corn salad with a tangy vinaigrette. These salads not only bring color to your plate but also let the flavors shine without overpowering the star of the show—your delicious street corn!

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