Grilled street corn with chili-lime mayo and cotija
Mexican Elote
Prep Time
10 min
Cook Time
10 min
Total Time
20 min
Servings
6
6 ears
Difficulty
Easy
Cost
Budget
$
Recipe at a Glance
Authentic Mexican elote — grilled corn on the cob slathered with chili-lime crema, cotija cheese, and a dusting of tajin.
Cuisine: Mexican
Category: Side Dish
Difficulty: Easy
Cost: $
Dietary: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Quick Summary
20 min total time|6 servings|Easy difficulty
Authentic Mexican elote — grilled corn on the cob slathered with chili-lime crema, cotija cheese, and a dusting of tajin.
MexicanVegetarianGluten-Free
Sarah Chen
(Updated )
Elote is the ultimate Mexican street food. Ears of corn are grilled until charred and smoky, then slathered in a tangy, spicy mayo mixture, rolled in crumbled cotija cheese, and dusted with chili powder and a squeeze of lime.
Every bite is a flavor explosion of smoky, creamy, salty, spicy, and tangy. Once you try authentic elote, plain buttered corn will never quite satisfy again.
Ingredients
- 6 ears corn, husked
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese
- 1 tsp chili powder or tajin
- 2 limes, cut into wedges
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- 1
Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Grill corn, turning occasionally, until charred on all sides, about 8–10 minutes.
- 2
Mix mayonnaise with a squeeze of lime juice and a pinch of chili powder.
- 3
Brush or spread the mayo mixture all over each grilled ear of corn.
- 4
Roll the coated corn in crumbled cotija cheese, pressing gently to adhere.
- 5
Dust with extra chili powder or tajin, sprinkle with cilantro, and serve with lime wedges.
Serving Suggestions
Ways to Serve This Dish
Serve with warm corn tortillas and fresh lime wedges
Top with crumbled queso fresco and sliced avocado
Pair with a side of Mexican rice and refried beans
Substitutions
Cotija cheeseFeta cheese
The best widely available substitute.
MayonnaiseMexican crema or sour cream
Thinner but equally authentic.
Chili powderTajin or ancho chili powder
Tajin is the most authentic option.
Tips & Storage
Pro Tips
No grill? Broil the corn on a sheet pan for 10 minutes, turning every few minutes.
Insert wooden sticks into the ends for easy handling at a party.
Tajin seasoning (available at most grocery stores) is the most authentic option.
Storage
Best served immediately. Leftovers are fine for 1 day but the topping softens.
Reheating
Reheat on a grill or in the oven. Re-apply toppings fresh if possible.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (1 ear) · 6 servings
Calories200
LowModerateHigh
A light, low-calorie option · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet
Protein10g
Carbohydrates24g
Fat6g
Fiber3g
Sugar6g
Sodium360mg
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is cotija cheese?
- Cotija is a dry, salty, crumbly Mexican cheese. Feta is the closest substitute.
- Can I use frozen corn?
- Frozen corn on the cob works. Grill from frozen for a few extra minutes.
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About Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.
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