Elotes Mexicanos

If you love Mexican Street Corn, then this recipe for Elotes Mexicanos is going to be right up your alley!

Our Elotes Mexicanos are a flavorful twist on grilled Mexican Street corn that are perfect for your summer backyard parties!

This recipe for maiz mexicano, or mouthwatering grilled corn is a delightful mixture of smoky, sweet, tangy, and savory flavors that will take your taste buds right to the bustling streets of Mexico City.

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Why You Will Love Elotes Mexicanos

Have you ever been to Mexico City? I have been to Mexico quite a few times, but I have only been to Mexico City once - and 11 years later, I am STILL thinking about that amazing trip!

If you love authentic Mexican corn, you will find that it is quite easy to recreate the tasty staple of Mexican food in your own home! Our Elotes Mexicanos, often referred to as Elote Preparado or Elotes Preparados Mexicanos - prepared corn or prepared Mexican corn - is also commonly known in the US as a street corn recipe, is super tasty and pretty simple to make!

So you can stop searching for that famous Google search of elote mexicano near me for your elote corn fix! 

If you haven't had elote preparado Mexicano, then you are in for a real treat! Elotes have a rich history and cultural significance in Mexico, and for good reason! THEY ARE DELICIOUS!

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Take a look at our EASY SIDE DISH RECIPES and then check out our entire FOOD INDEX for even more recipe ideas!

Tips and Tricks for Making Elotes Mexicanos 

Imagine sinking your teeth into a perfectly cooked ear of corn, smothered in a creamy, somewhat combination of Mexican crema mixture. Now imagine it sprinkled with moist, crumbly cotija cheese, and accented with a burst of fresh lime juice and cilantro.

Whether you are planning a backyard barbecue, or just making a Mexican-themed dinner at home, our elote con queso is going to bring your meal to a whole new level!

Tips and Tricks for Making Elotes Mexicanos 

Imagine sinking your teeth into a perfectly cooked ear of corn, smothered in a creamy, somewhat combination of Mexican crema mixture. Now imagine it sprinkled with moist, crumbly cotija cheese, and accented with a burst of fresh lime juice and cilantro.

Elotes are not just a delicious snack; these recipes represent a sense of family, community and heritage in Mexico. Elote con queso y mayonesa are often sold at local markets, fairs, and street corners, bringing people together to savor the vibrant flavors while they are busy bustling about!

You can even find variations like chile con queso mexicano and traditional elote in a cup in some places. 

How to Make Elotes Mexicanos

Whether you are planning a backyard barbecue, or just making a Mexican-themed dinner at home, our elote con queso is going to bring your meal to a whole new level! 

Here are the ingredients that you will need to make our Elotes Mexicanos

4 ears of corn on the cob, with the husk removed - Using fresh and high quality corn is super important, as the flavors really need to shine through!

The corn, cheese and crema are the key to this delicious recipe! Make sure that you choose fresh sweet ears of corn.

• Look for bright green husks and make sure to avoid corn with wilted or yellowed husks.

• Check for moist silk by peeling back a small section of the husk and inspect the silk strands. They should be moist, indicating that the corn was recently harvested.

½ cup cotija cheese - Cotija cheese is often referred to as queso cotija - if you aren't a Spanish speaker, keep this in mind!

⅓ cup of Mexican crema - A bit like sour cream, Mexican Crema, or queso fresco, is a tangy and slightly sweet condiment that adds richness to our elotes locos.

⅓ cup of mayonnaise - It doesn't matter which brand you use, you can even use a plant based mayo for vegans.

1 lime, juiced - Lime juice adds a citrusy element and vibrant tang that balances the flavors in every bite.

2 tablespoon of cilantro, chopped

1 teaspoon of tajin seasoning - Tajin is a blend of chili powder, lime, and salt and a common seasoning that is used for adding a hint of heat and tang to Mexican Street Corn.

Please keep in mind that all of the exact amounts for each ingredient for our Elotes Mexicanos are listed in the printable recipe card at the end of this post!

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Instructions for how to make our Elotes Mexicanos

Once you've selected your fresh ears of corn, it's time to remove the husks and silk! Hold the ears of corn upright and take the corn by the top, where the husk meets the stem.

The peel back the husks, like so: starting at the top, peel back the husks in a downward motion. With the husks removed, you'll see the silk on the corn. Remove the silk strands and then rinse the corn.

First we are going to begin making this elote recipe by bringing a pot of water to a boil. Boil the corn for about 5 minutes, or until they are tender. 

In a bowl, prepare the Mexican Crema, mayonnaise, and lime juice. Mix these ingredients together until they are well combined and then set it aside.

Go ahead and chop the cilantro while you are finishing waiting for the corn to boil, then set it aside.

When the ears of corn are fully cooked, remove them from the pot, and give it a few minutes so the corn cool down enough to handle. 

Once the corn has cooled a minute - just wait til the steam stops - brush the Mexican crema mixture over the corn.

Finally, you are going to add a generous helping of cotija cheese, then sprinkle your Elotes Mexicanos with tajin seasoning and as much cilantro as you like.

If you want to GRILL your Mexican Street Corn

Grilling the corn infuses it with a delightful smoky flavor and imparts a beautiful charred exterior. 

• Step 1: Preheat the grill: Heat the grill to medium-high heat.
• Step 2: Place the corn on the grill: Carefully place the prepared corn directly on the grill grates.
• Step 3: Grill the corn: Cook the corn for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally, until the kernels are tender and charred in spots. Adjust the cooking time based on your desired level of charring.
• Step 4: Remove from the grill: Using tongs, transfer the grilled corn to a serving platter.

Grilling corn actually delivers a smoky flavor and it adds a nice touch of char. It requires access to a grill and may take longer compared to boiling, but you might prefer it!

Choosing between boiling and grilling depends on your personal preferences and what type of cooking equipment that you available. Both methods work great, but the boiling method is quick and convenient, while grilling adds a smoky dimension to the corn's flavor. 

Variations for your Mexican Street Corn

While cotija cheese, Tajin seasoning, and cilantro are classic toppings for elotes, feel free to explore other variations and additional toppings to personalize your creation. Here are some ideas to inspire your culinary creativity:

• Chipotle Mayo: Add a smoky and spicy twist by drizzling chipotle mayo over the coated corn.
• Lime Zest: Grate some fresh lime zest over the elotes to enhance the citrusy notes.
• Chopped Jalapenos: For those who crave extra heat, sprinkle some chopped jalapenos on top.
• Smoked Paprika: Dust a pinch of smoked paprika for a subtle smoky flavor.
• Crispy Bacon Bits: Crumble crispy bacon bits over the elotes for a delightful savory crunch.

The possibilities are endless when it comes to customizing your elotes with additional toppings. Let your taste buds be your guide and experiment with flavors that resonate with your palate.

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To print this Elotes Mexicanos Recipe, simply click the printable recipe card below!

I know that many people still like to print out recipes and keep them in a recipe binder, or simply have the printed recipe sitting in front of them when it comes time to cook! 

Sometimes it is just easier to go off a recipe when it is printed right in front of you. Who wants to swipe their screen on their phone or tablet when their hands are greasy? So I love offering this option as well!