If you’ve ever visited a Mexican market, street fair, or food truck, you’ve likely encountered Elote, a beloved Mexican street food that turns simple corn on the cob into a mouthwatering treat. Known for its smoky, creamy, tangy, and spicy flavors, Elote is the perfect snack or side dish that combines fresh ingredients to create a bold and unforgettable taste experience. Whether you’re enjoying it at a festival or preparing it at home for a summer BBQ, Elote is sure to impress.
Here’s everything you need to know about Elote, including the recipe, tips, and how to make it just like they do in Mexico.
What is Elote?
Elote (pronounced “eh-LOH-teh”) is the Spanish word for corn on the cob, but it’s also the name of a popular Mexican street food made with grilled corn slathered in a rich, creamy mixture and topped with chili powder, cheese, and fresh lime. It’s a flavorful and savory snack that’s as fun to eat as it is delicious.
Typically, Elote is sold by street vendors all over Mexico, especially during festivals and at busy city intersections. The vendors grill the corn over an open flame to add a smoky char and then coat it with mayonnaise, sour cream (or Mexican crema), crumbled cheese (usually Cotija), chili powder, and fresh lime. The combination of these ingredients creates an irresistible balance of flavors: smoky, spicy, tangy, creamy, and a little bit salty.
Why You’ll Love Elote
- Bold, Flavorful Experience: The smoky, tangy, spicy, and creamy combination of ingredients makes Elote a sensory delight.
- Customizable: You can adjust the amount of chili powder, cheese, and lime to suit your taste preferences.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you're grilling for a summer cookout, hosting a taco night, or making a festive treat for a holiday, Elote adds excitement and flavor to any event.
- Easy to Make: You don’t need to be a professional chef to make Elote—just a few simple ingredients and a grill or stovetop will do the trick.
Ingredients for Elote (Mexican Street Corn)
To make Elote, you don’t need many ingredients—just some fresh corn on the cob and a handful of flavorful toppings. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 4 ears of fresh corn on the cob (husks and silk removed)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (or Mexican crema for a richer flavor)
- 1/2 cup sour cream (or you can use more Mexican crema)
- 1/2 cup Cotija cheese, crumbled (or you can substitute with Parmesan cheese)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (or more, depending on your spice preference)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for extra smokiness)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice (plus extra lime wedges for serving)
- Pinch of salt
- Cilantro (optional, for garnish)
