Mexican Street Corn with Lime and Cotija (Elote)
Charred sweet corn slathered with a creamy lime-chile sauce, showered with salty Cotija and cilantro—this classic elote tastes like a bustling Mexican mercado in every bite.
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In Mexico, elote is the kind of street snack you spot by following the scent of roasting corn and the clink of a vendor’s cooler. Ears of corn are charred over open heat, then dressed quickly—mayo, lime, chile, and cheese—so each bite hits smoky, creamy, tangy, and salty at once. This version brings that stall-side magic to your grill pan, backyard grill, or broiler.
Total Time
22 min
Prep Time
10 min
Cook Time
12 min
Servings
4
Ingredients
Corn
- •4 ears fresh corn, husked
Creamy chile-lime coating
- •1/3 cup mayonnaise
- •2 tbsp Mexican crema (or sour cream)
- •1 garlic clove, finely grated (optional)
- •1 tsp chili powder (or 1/2 tsp ancho chile powder)
- •1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional, for extra grill-like smokiness)
- •1/2 tsp kosher salt, plus more to taste
- •1 lime, zested and juiced (about 2 tbsp juice)
Toppings
- •1/2 cup Cotija cheese, finely crumbled (or feta)
- •2 tbsp cilantro, finely chopped
- •1/4 tsp cayenne or chile de árbol powder (optional, for heat)
- •Lime wedges, for serving
Instructions
- 1
Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. If using a broiler, set it to high and position a rack about 6 inches from the heat.
- 2
Cook the corn, turning occasionally, until lightly charred in spots and tender-crisp, 8–12 minutes on a grill/grill pan (or 10–14 minutes under the broiler, turning every 3–4 minutes).
- 3
While the corn cooks, mix mayonnaise, crema, garlic (if using), chili powder, smoked paprika (if using), salt, lime zest, and lime juice in a bowl until smooth.
- 4
When the corn is hot, brush or spoon the sauce all over each ear, rotating to coat evenly.
- 5
Roll or sprinkle generously with Cotija, then finish with cilantro and a pinch of cayenne or chile de árbol powder if you like it spicy.
- 6
Serve immediately with lime wedges for extra brightness.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
Nutrition calculated automatically from ingredients.