Perfect Grilled Elote: 7 Steps

Nothing screams summer quite like the smoky char of grilled corn. And when you transform that simple ear into a vibrant, flavor-packed grilled elote, it becomes pure magic! I remember the first time I tried authentic Mexican street corn – it was a revelation. All those creamy, tangy, spicy notes dancing with the sweet corn. It’s a dish that instantly transports me to a sunny afternoon, full of joy and good food. This recipe is my way of bringing that feeling right into your backyard. Clara Kohn, the heart behind 911Recipes, shares my belief that delicious food doesn’t need to be complicated. She’s all about creating recipes that are easy to follow and bursting with flavor, just like this one. Get ready to fall in love with this amazing grilled elote!

• It’s incredibly easy to make.
• You get amazing flavor in just minutes.
• It’s a perfect, crowd-pleasing side dish.
• This flavorful corn is great for BBQs and parties.
• It’s a simple corn recipe even beginners can master.

Clara Kohn, founder of 911Recipes, built her site on a simple idea: good food should be accessible to everyone. She knows firsthand how busy life can get. That’s why she’s dedicated to sharing recipes that are both easy and incredibly tasty. Her passion shines through in every dish, and this grilled elote is no exception. Clara’s approach emphasizes using simple ingredients to create unforgettable flavors, making cooking feel less like a chore and more like a joy. You can trust her experience to guide you to a delicious result.

Let’s get our kitchen ready for some serious flavor! Making this vibrant grilled elote is a breeze when you have all your ingredients prepped. We’ll start with four beautiful ears of corn, making sure they’re husked. Then, we’ll need two tablespoons of good olive oil to help them get that perfect char on the grill. For that irresistible creamy coating, we’ll mix up half a cup of mayonnaise. The star cheese, cotija, comes in at a quarter cup, crumbled. Don’t forget two tablespoons of fresh cilantro, chopped up nice and fine, and one tablespoon of zesty lime juice. A quarter teaspoon of chili powder is key for a little kick, plus a bit more for dusting. And of course, a pinch of salt to taste will make everything sing. It’s a simple list for an explosion of taste!

Cotija cheese is a salty, crumbly Mexican cheese that’s perfect for elote. If you can’t find it at your local store, don’t worry! Feta cheese makes a fantastic substitute. Just crumble it up the same way. The chili powder adds a lovely warmth; I like using a standard chili powder, but feel free to experiment. Want more heat? Add a pinch of cayenne. Less heat? Use smoked paprika. And remember, the recipe calls for a quarter teaspoon of chili powder in the mix, plus more for dusting, but you can totally adjust this to your liking. Same goes for the lime juice – add a little more if you love that tangy brightness!

Ready to create some magic? Making this grilled elote is so much fun. It’s a simple process that yields incredible results. We’ll get the grill hot and the corn cooking. Then, we’ll whip up that creamy, zesty topping. Finally, we’ll bring it all together for a dish that’s bursting with flavor. This easy corn recipe is perfect for any summer gathering. Follow these steps, and you’ll be enjoying delicious grilled corn in no time.

First things first, let’s get that grill fired up! Preheat your grill to a nice medium-high heat. While it’s warming up, brush your corn ears all over with olive oil. This helps prevent sticking and gives us those lovely charred bits. Place the oiled corn directly on the hot grill grates. Let them cook for about 10 to 12 minutes. You’ll want to turn them every few minutes. This ensures they cook evenly and get those beautiful grill marks all around. We’re looking for tender kernels and a nice, smoky char. That char is where the real flavor lives!

While your corn is getting its grill on, let’s make the creamy topping. In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, crumbled cotija cheese, chopped cilantro, lime juice, and chili powder. Give it a good stir until it’s all combined into a luscious spread. Once your corn is perfectly grilled and has those lovely char marks, take it off the heat. Now, grab a knife or a spoon and spread that amazing mayonnaise mixture all over each ear of corn. Don’t be shy! Finally, sprinkle a little extra chili powder over the top for color and a touch more spice. Add a pinch of salt if you think it needs it. Serve immediately!

Making the perfect grilled elote is all about a few simple tricks. For that extra smoky flavor that really makes this mexican street corn sing, don’t be afraid of a good char on the corn. Those dark, almost black spots are packed with taste! I love grilling mine until the kernels are visibly toasted. It really elevates the whole dish. It’s also super important to serve this grilled elote right away. The creamy topping is divine when it’s warm and melty, and the corn is at its most tender. Trust me, your guests will be raving about it!

This grilled elote is best enjoyed piping hot, straight off the grill. Arrange the colorful ears on a platter. A little extra sprinkle of cotija cheese or cilantro on top adds a lovely finishing touch. It looks beautiful and tastes even better. It’s the perfect side for any barbecue or summer meal.

Frequently Asked Questions About Grilled Elote

Got questions about making this amazing mexican street corn? I’ve got answers! It’s such a versatile dish, and I want you to feel totally confident making it. Let’s dive into some common queries.

Can I make grilled elote indoors?

You sure can! If grilling outside isn’t an option, you can achieve a similar char on a stovetop grill pan or even under your oven’s broiler. Just keep a close eye on it to prevent burning. It’s a great way to still enjoy this easy corn recipe any time!

What if I don’t have a grill?

No grill, no problem! You can boil or steam the corn until tender, then carefully char the kernels in a hot skillet with a little oil. It won’t have that smoky grill flavor, but it will still be delicious!

How spicy is this mexican street corn?

The spice level is pretty mild with just a quarter teaspoon of chili powder. You can easily adjust it! Add more chili powder for a bigger kick, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper if you like it hot. Taste as you go!

Here’s a general idea of what you’re getting with each delicious ear of grilled elote. Keep in mind these numbers are approximate and can change based on your specific ingredients. A serving (one ear) typically has around 250-300 calories. You’ll find about 20-25g of fat, with 5-7g being saturated. It also provides roughly 15-20g of carbohydrates and 5-7g of protein. These values are a helpful guide for enjoying this flavorful corn responsibly! For more detailed information on corn nutrition, you can refer to resources like the USDA FoodData Central.

I’ve shared my love for this grilled elote, and now I can’t wait to hear about yours! Did you try it? How did it turn out? Please leave a comment below and share your experience. Rate this recipe if you loved it! Your feedback means the world to me and our 911Recipes family.

Perfect Grilled Elote: 7 Steps

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• Author: clarakohn
• Total Time: 22 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Learn how to make delicious grilled elote, a popular Mexican street corn. This recipe guides you through grilling corn to perfection, adding flavorful toppings, and presenting a vibrant dish that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s easy, fun, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser!

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Ingredients

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• 4 ears of corn, husked
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup crumbled cotija cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1/4 teaspoon chili powder, plus more for dusting
• Salt to taste

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Instructions

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
2. Brush the corn with olive oil and grill for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until tender and lightly charred.
3. While the corn is grilling, mix together the mayonnaise, cotija cheese, cilantro, lime juice, and chili powder in a small bowl.
4. Once the corn is grilled, spread the mayonnaise mixture evenly over each ear.
5. Sprinkle with a little extra chili powder and salt to taste.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious grilled elote!

Notes

• For an extra smoky flavor, grill the corn until it has nice char marks.
• If you can’t find cotija cheese, feta cheese is a good substitute.
• Feel free to adjust the amount of chili powder and lime juice to your preference.
• This dish is best served fresh off the grill.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 ear of corn
• Calories: Approximately 250-300
• Sugar: Approximately 5-8g
• Sodium: Approximately 300-500mg
• Fat: Approximately 20-25g
• Saturated Fat: Approximately 5-7g
• Unsaturated Fat: Approximately 15-18g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: Approximately 15-20g
• Fiber: Approximately 3-5g
• Protein: Approximately 5-7g
• Cholesterol: Approximately 20-30mg