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Mexican Street Corn (Elote) Recipe

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4.1 from 5 reviews

This Mexican Street Corn recipe is a quick and flavorful dish featuring golden sautéed corn mixed with creamy mayonnaise, tangy lime juice, and a spicy kick of chili powder, topped with crumbly cotija cheese and fresh cilantro. Perfect as a side or snack, it brings the classic street food taste to your kitchen in just 13 minutes.

  • Total Time: 13 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

Corn

  • 3 (15.25-ounce) cans corn, drained
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • Kosher salt, to taste

Sauce and Toppings

  • 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 1-2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder, divided
  • Cotija cheese, for sprinkling
  • Cilantro, roughly chopped, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Heat the skillet: Preheat a cast iron skillet over high heat until very hot to ensure the corn cooks evenly and begins to brown.
  2. Cook the corn: Add the drained corn to the skillet and sauté for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This process helps to slightly char the corn, developing its sweet, smoky flavor.
  3. Add butter and salt: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the butter and kosher salt until the butter is fully melted and coats the corn evenly.
  4. Mix with mayonnaise and lime juice: Transfer the corn to a bowl, then add the mayonnaise and lime juice. Add 1 teaspoon of chili powder and mix thoroughly to ensure all kernels are well coated and flavorful.
  5. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle the corn with cotija cheese, remaining chili powder, and chopped cilantro. Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.

Notes

  • For extra smoky flavor, you can grill the corn instead of sautéing.
  • Adjust lime juice and chili powder quantities to taste, depending on your preference for tanginess and heat.
  • Using fresh corn will enhance the flavor but canned corn makes this recipe quicker and convenient.
  • Cotija cheese can be substituted with feta cheese for a similar salty tang.
  • This dish is best served fresh; leftovers can be stored but the texture may change.
  • Author: Daisy
  • Prep Time: 3 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Mexican