How to Make the Best Street Corn (Elote)
About this recipe
Elote, or Mexican street corn, is a beloved snack that brings together the sweet crunch of corn with creamy, tangy, and spicy toppings. In this video, Smokin' & Grillin' with AB shows us how to make the best elote right at home, making it accessible for everyone, even beginners.
With just a few simple ingredients and quick steps, you can recreate this popular street food without chasing down a vendor. This version is packed with flavor and perfect for summer barbecues or as a tasty side dish.
Ingredient notes
- 4-6 ears of corn, preferably fresh for best flavor.
- 1 cup of Cotija cheese, which adds a salty and creamy element to the dish.
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise, a common ingredient for that creamy texture.
- 1 tablespoon chili powder, adjust to taste for spiciness.
- 1 tablespoon Tajin powder, which adds a zesty kick and is a great complement to the corn.
- 4-6 wooden sticks, used to hold the corn for easy eating.
- 1/2 cup Parkay butter, melted for drizzling over the corn.
- 2 limes, served on the side for squeezing over the corn.
Tips from Smokin' & Grillin with AB’s video
- Boil the corn for exactly 5 minutes to ensure it's cooked but still crisp.
- Let the corn cool slightly before inserting the wooden sticks to avoid burns.
- Spread the mayonnaise evenly to ensure every bite is creamy and flavorful.
- Drizzle the melted butter quickly over the cheese to help it stick, and then add the chili and Tajin powders to taste.
- For a different presentation, you can cut the corn off the cob and mix it with the toppings for a unique twist.
Good to know
- How long does it take to make elote?
- The total time to make elote is about 20 minutes.
- What can I use instead of Cotija cheese?
- The recipe specifically calls for Cotija cheese, but you could try other crumbly cheeses if needed.
- How many servings does this recipe yield?
- This recipe yields 4-6 servings.
- Can I adjust the spice level of the elote?
- Yes, you can adjust the amount of chili powder and Tajin powder to suit your taste.
No life story here — the video and the recipe are the whole point. All credit to Smokin' & Grillin with AB: watch the original on YouTube.
The recipe
Ingredients
Steps
- 1
Boil the corn in water for 5 minutes.
- 2
Strain the corn and let it cool.
- 3
Insert a wooden stick into each ear of corn.
- 4
Spread mayonnaise evenly over the corn.
- 5
Sprinkle Cotija cheese generously on top of the mayonnaise.
- 6
Drizzle melted Parkay butter over the cheese.
- 7
Sprinkle chili powder over the corn to taste.
- 8
Sprinkle Tajin powder over the corn to taste.
- 9
Serve with lime wedges on the side.
Heads up — we had to guess a little:
- Estimated mayonnaise quantity based on typical elote recipes.
- Estimated chili powder and Tajin quantities based on common usage in elote recipes.
- Estimated Parkay butter quantity based on typical elote recipes.
Credit where it’s due: this recipe was transcribed from Smokin' & Grillin with AB’s original video on YouTube. Follow them there — it’s their dish.
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