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Elote Recipe

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4.4 from 24 reviews

This Elote recipe features classic Mexican street corn grilled to perfection and topped with a flavorful chipotle mayonnaise, crumbled cotija cheese, fresh cilantro, and a sprinkle of chipotle chili powder. Served with lime wedges for a tangy finish, this dish is a delicious and easy appetizer or side perfect for summer barbecues or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

For the Corn

  • 4 ears corn, shucked

For the Toppings

  • ⅓ cup chipotle mayonnaise (store bought or homemade)
  • ¼ cup crumbled cotija cheese
  • ¼ cup minced fresh cilantro
  • 1 tablespoon chipotle chili powder (or regular chili powder)
  • 1 lime, quartered

Instructions

  1. Preheat the grill: Heat the grill to medium-high heat to prepare for cooking the corn.
  2. Grill the corn: Place the shucked corn cobs directly on the grill grates and cook, turning frequently, until the corn is slightly charred on all sides. This should take about 8 minutes.
  3. Spread chipotle mayonnaise: Using the back of a spoon or a pastry brush, evenly coat each grilled ear of corn with the chipotle mayonnaise, ensuring full coverage for maximum flavor.
  4. Add toppings: Sprinkle the cotija cheese, minced fresh cilantro, and chipotle chili powder evenly over the coated corn while the mayo is still sticky, so the toppings adhere well.
  5. Serve with lime: Arrange the prepared elote on a serving platter with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the corn, adding a fresh citrusy brightness to each bite.

Notes

  • If chipotle mayonnaise is not available, mix regular mayonnaise with chipotle powder and a squeeze of lime juice as a quick substitute.
  • You can use regular chili powder if chipotle chili powder is not accessible, but adjust quantity to taste for spiciness.
  • Grilling can also be done on a stovetop grill pan if an outdoor grill is unavailable.
  • To prepare ahead, grill the corn and keep toppings separate; assemble just before serving to maintain freshness.
  • For a vegetarian dish, make sure mayonnaise is egg-free or substitute with vegan mayonnaise.