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Authentic Grilled Elote Recipe Easy Flavorful Mexican Street Corn Ideas

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This authentic grilled elote recipe delivers smoky, creamy, tangy, and spicy Mexican street corn flavors. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for summer BBQs or casual get-togethers.

Ingredients

Scale
  • Fresh ears of corn (with husks intact; choose firm, plump kernels)
  • ½ cup mayonnaise (full-fat preferred for creaminess)
  • ¾ cup cotija cheese, crumbled (fresh, crumbly cheese recommended)
  • Juice of 1 large lime
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder (ancho or chipotle powder recommended)
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
  • Salt to taste (kosher or sea salt recommended)
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 375°F / 190°C), about 10 minutes.
  2. Gently peel back the husks without removing them completely. Remove the silk strands carefully. Then fold the husks back over the corn to trap moisture.
  3. Optional: Soak the ears in cold water for 15 minutes to prevent husks from burning too fast.
  4. Place the corn on the grill, turning every 5 minutes for about 15-20 minutes total until husks blacken and kernels steam and get tender.
  5. Carefully peel back the husks once the corn is cooked using tongs or heat-resistant gloves. Kernels should be slightly charred with grill marks.
  6. In a mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, lime juice, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt until smooth.
  7. Use a brush or spoon to spread the sauce generously over each ear of corn.
  8. Sprinkle crumbled cotija cheese evenly over the coated corn, then dust with chili powder.
  9. Optionally, sprinkle chopped cilantro on top and drizzle melted butter for extra richness.
  10. Serve immediately, best enjoyed hot off the grill with extra lime wedges on the side.

Notes

Soaking the corn husks before grilling helps prevent burning and keeps kernels juicy. Use fresh cotija cheese for best flavor and texture. The sauce can be prepared a day ahead and spread just before serving. For a vegan version, substitute mayonnaise with vegan mayo or mashed avocado and use nutritional yeast instead of cheese. If no grill is available, roast corn in a 425°F oven for 20-25 minutes or use a broiler.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled elote, Mexican street corn, grilled corn, elote recipe, summer BBQ, cotija cheese, chili powder, lime, creamy corn

Find it online: https://grubella.com/authentic-grilled-elote-recipe-easy-flavorful-mexican-street-corn-ideas/