Grilled Elote Mexicano | Mexican Street Corn Recipe

This Elote Mexicano is the most delicious way to enjoy corn you will ever have the privilege of eating! This easy, authentic Mexican street corn recipe combines incredible flavors for a taste you will never forget and continue to crave.

One year on my birthday, Kevin and I went to a Mexican restaurant that everyone in our suburban Chicago town loved. In fact, I’m pretty sure I’ve written about this restaurant before {HERE} because the food and the flavors from that restaurant have influenced my true love of Mexican food. It clearly did the same thing for so many other since the line was often down the street and they did not take reservations.

This first visit was the first time I ever tasted Elote Mexicano, also known as Mexican Street Corn. To say it was delicious is a complete understatement. It was out of this world outstanding. Ever since then, I’ve wanted to make Elote Mexicano at home and ever since then, I was dragging my feet on doing so. I figured there was no way i could get it to taste anywhere near as good as it did at that restaurant.

But guess what? I finally made it last summer for family and it was amazing! I have no idea what took me so long to try. And yet, then I let another year pass by before getting the actual recipe up here on the blog. But it’s here now! I’m ready to share my Elotes Mexicanos AKA Mexican Street Corn recipe with all of you, and it is a keeper!

What is Elote Mexicano?

The word Elote literally means corn in Spanish. Elote Mexicano basically means Mexican Corn, and when most people order it in a restaurant, they are asking for Mexican Street Corn. Elote Mexicano is corn that’s been grilled and smothered with a mixture of mayonnaise (or crema Mexicana), chili powder, lime juice and topped with cilantro and cotija cheese.

What’s in my Elote Mexicano | Mexican Street Corn Recipe?

Now, there are some variations with Elote that have become popular such as using paprika, garlic or swapping out the mayo for another ingredient. My Elote Mexicano is a mix of the very traditional ingredients with a few more savory adds.

First, i combine mayonnaise and sour cream in this recipe. I just believe the general flavor is better. Too much mayo can get a little sweet for me and I find that the sour cream and mayo really helps to make the flavor more robust.

Second, I use chili powder in my recipe but I also use a tad of paprika, garlic powder and Tajin, which is a Mexican spice that’s unbelievably good.

Also, instead of using just lime juice, I use lime zest too. But that’s it. This short list of ingredients makes my Mexican Street Corn recipe incredible. Incurable enough that Kevin prefer mine over ordering from any of the restaurants in Grand Rapids.

What do I eat Elotes Mexicanos with?

Since Elote Mexicano is often considered a side dish (although I could eat it as a main dish), you might be looking for some delicious options to pair it with. Here’s a few options I love:

• Tequila Lime Flank Steak (Seriously, one of the best recipes on my website.) – Find it {HERE}
• Grilled Sweet Potato Steaks with Chimichurri {HERE} – Perfect for an appetizers for dinner kind of night.
• Spicy Watermelon Margaritas {HERE} – These were inspired by that same restaurant.
• Easy Shrimp Salad {HERE} – Simple and easy recipe full of flavor!

Thank you so much for stopping by today, friends! I hope you love my Elote Mexicano recipe! If this is your first time having Mexican Street Corn, or your 50th, please let me know if you enjoyed it! Happy eating!

Elote Mexicano | Mexican Street Corn Recipe

Grilled Elote Mexicano is a delicious way to enjoy your summer corn! It's full of flavor and Mexican Street Corn will be your new favorite way to enjoy it!

5 from 8 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: Mexican

Keyword: Elote Mexicano, Elotes Mexicanos, Mexican street corn recipe

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Servings: 6 servings

Author: Rachel

Equipment

• Grill

Ingredients

• 6-8 ears of corn on the cob
• 1/2 cup Mayonnaise
• 3/4 cup sour cream
• Zest of 1 lime
• 2 1/2 Tbsp. lime juice
• 1 Tbsp. Tajin
• 2 tsp. chili powder
• 2 tsp. garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp. paprika
• 1/3 cup cotija cheese
• 1/3 cup cilantro

Instructions

• Shuck and clean corn and heat the grill on a medium flame.
• Add the corn to the grill and heat through for about 10-15 minutes.
• Combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, zest, lime juice, garlic powder, chili powder, Tajin and paprika in a bowl. Mix well and refrigerate until needed.
• Once the corn is fully cooked, use a basting brush and brush the ears of corn with the crema.
• Sprinkle on cotija cheese and cilantro. Use a little extra chili powder or Tajin too! Serve immediately.