Mexican Street Corn

The first time I tried one of Mexico’s most iconic street food dishes, it was love at first bite. The combination of sweet, smoky, tangy, and spicy flavors melted in my mouth in a symphony of deliciousness and I was instantly hooked.

Mexican street corn is just that tasty. Lucky for us all, it’s incredibly easy to remake at home.

When I took that initial bite into my first-ever elotes (the official name for Mexican street corn) I never would have guessed that mayonnaise was a key ingredient. After all, mayonnaise and I have never been the best of friends. This dish may have changed that for me (at least a little) because it was so darn good that I didn’t care what it was made with. Nothing could have changed my mind about elotes.

This dreamy dish starts with fresh ears of corn that are grilled to perfection, then brushed with a mixture of mayonnaise, sour cream, and spices.

The corn is topped with a sprinkle of queso fresco, chili powder, and fresh lime juice, then served on a platter. It’s beyond easy to whip up and insanely delicious. Get ready to fall in love.

Serve it with some Steak Tacos, Salmon Tostadas, or Black Bean and Zucchini Tacos for an easy, healthy meal.

What You’ll Need

Here is a breakdown of the basic ingredients you’ll need to make this Mexican street corn recipe.

• Fresh Corn: When corn is in season, I always opt for fresh ears of corn for the best flavor.
• Mayonnaise: It might sound crazy, but just trust me on this. Mayonnaise is essential to getting that rich and tangy flavor that melts right in your mouth.
• Sour Cream: While traditional Mexican elotes are made with Mexican crema, I usually just use sour cream from the grocery store because it’s easier to find.
• Spices: You’ll need salt, pepper, and garlic powder to mix into the mayo mixture, as well as chili powder or Tajin to sprinkle on top for a smoky flavor.
• Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice adds a beautiful citrus flavor that brightens up the whole dish and completes it.
• Queso Fresco: You can use crumbled queso fresco or cotija to enhance the flavor profile and add a deeper depth of richness to the corn. If you can’t find either of these, you could try using feta cheese instead.

Recipe Tips and Variations

Here are some of my favorite recipe tips and ways to switch up this dish:

• For added flavor and a beautiful pop of color, garnish this dish with lime wedges and fresh chopped herbs. Cilantro, parsley, and chives would all work great.
• If corn isn’t in season where you live, you can make a skillet version of Mexican street corn using canned or frozen corn instead.
• Want to turn this dish into a salad? Follow this recipe for my Healthy Mexican Street Corn Salad and enjoy an equally delicious summer dish.
• If you want to make this dish a little spicier, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mayonnaise mixture before brushing it onto the corn. Tajin or chili piquín is also a popular addition.
• You can make vegan Mexican street corn by omitting the sour cream and queso fresco and using veganaise in place of mayonnaise.
• Make sure to let the grilled corn cool for a few minutes before coating it with your mixture, as it will be very hot straight off the grill.

What to Serve with Mexican Street Corn

You can serve elotes with any of your favorite Tex-Mex or Mexican dishes. Because I choose to grill my corn, I love serving this dish with grilled meats and veggies to keep things nice and easy.

This is a dish that’s most often served during the summer months, so I typically pair it with other bright and flavorful dishes. Not sure what to cook up?

Here are some of my favorite dishes to serve with Mexican street corn:

• Slow Cooker Jalapeno Chicken Tacos – I love pairing elotes with some fresh and flavorful tacos like these spicy chicken tacos.
• One Pot Cajun Chicken Burrito Bowls – If you like burrito bowls, you’re going to love this flavor-packed recipe with all your favorite toppings.
• Citrus Marinated Carne Asada – This juicy beef flavored with lime juice, orange juice, and fresh cilantro is bursting with flavor in every bite.
• Black Bean Tacos – If you’re looking for another easy main dish to pair with your street corn, these tasty bean tacos are delish.