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Elote, or Mexican street corn, is fresh grilled corn topped with a creamy Mexican crema, crumbled Cotija cheese, chipotle chili powder, parsley, and lime juice. It’s a simple, smoky, tangy summer side dish that’s easy to prepare and loved by all.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 ears corn, husked and all silk removed
  • Olive oil (for brushing)
  • 1–2 teaspoons chipotle chili powder (divided)
  • ¼–⅓ cup Cotija cheese, crumbled
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • Sea salt (for sprinkling)
  • 2 limes, juiced (for topping)
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon sour cream
  • ½ lime, juiced (for crema)
  • ⅛ teaspoon chipotle chili powder (for crema)
  • ⅛ teaspoon salt (for crema)

Instructions

  1. Place each corn ear on a piece of aluminum foil. Brush all sides with olive oil and sprinkle lightly with sea salt. Wrap the foil tightly around each ear.
  2. Preheat grill to medium heat. Place foil-wrapped corn ears on the grill. Close the lid and cook for 15–20 minutes, turning frequently to cook evenly and avoid burning the foil. The corn is done when a fork pierces kernels easily.
  3. While the corn cooks, whisk together the crema by combining heavy cream, sour cream, ½ lime juice, ⅛ teaspoon chipotle chili powder, and ⅛ teaspoon salt until smooth.
  4. Carefully unwrap foil from each ear, watching for hot steam.
  5. Brush each ear lightly with the prepared crema sauce.
  6. Sprinkle each corn with chipotle chili powder, crumbled Cotija cheese, chopped fresh parsley, and squeeze lime juice over the top.
  7. Serve immediately while warm.

Notes

Keep the grill heat moderate to avoid scorching the foil and burning the corn before it’s cooked through., Use store-bought Mexican crema as a shortcut if preferred., Turn corn often during grilling for even cooking and to prevent burning., Butter can be used instead of olive oil for a richer flavor when wrapping corn., Leftover Mexican cream sauce keeps well refrigerated for 3–4 days and pairs well with other dishes.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://gingerbaking.com/mexican-street-corn/