Elote-Inspired Grilled Corn

If you’re anything like me, you love discovering new ways to enjoy your favorite foods. Lately, my family and I have been obsessing over a version of elote that I’ve been making almost every night. It’s a delicious twist on the traditional Mexican street corn, and I just have to share it with you all!

What is Elote?

Elote, a popular Mexican street food, is typically made with grilled corn on the cob slathered in mayonnaise, sprinkled with Cotija cheese, dusted with chili powder, and finished with a squeeze of lime juice. It’s a perfect blend of smoky, creamy, tangy, and spicy flavors that is an irresistible treat.

My Elote-Inspired Recipe

While traditional elote is delicious, I decided to make it a little lighter using ingredients that I usually have on hand. This version features a mix of plain Greek yogurt and mayonnaise. I use queso fresco instead of Cotija cheese because it’s easier to find but either work well in this recipe. The result? A lighter, tangier take on the classic that’s just as flavorful!

Tender vs Dry Corn

Fresh corn on the cob in summer is such a treat. It can be sweet and juicy if made right. But if not, it could easily turn out soggy and mushy or dry and leathery. So what’s the trick? It’s to steam cook the corn until tender so it’s crisp and juicy. When ever possible peel your corn and steam in a steamer basket for 5-10 minutes until the color of the corn turns from milky to a slightly opaque brighter yellow color. You can also use a microwave to steam the corn while still in the husk which is my favorite quick trick to perfectly steamed corn.

For this recipe we want to keep the husk on the corn so we’re going to use a microwave to steam the corn. For 2-3 ears of corn, microwave three times for 2:22 (it’s faster to push the same button and hit start 😊 ) turn the corn between cooking times so it cooks evenly. If you’re cooking 4 or 5 ears of corn, microwave three times for 3:33 each, turning between cooking times.

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Elote-Inspired Grilled Corn

A lighter, tangier version of the classic creamy, smoky, salty grilled corn.

Ingredients

• 4 ears of corn
• 2 tbsp butter
• ½ tsp salt
• 2 tbsp plain greek yogurt
• 2 tbsp mayonnaise
• ½ cup crumbled queso fresco or cotija cheese
• 1 tsp Tajin, chili powder or Everything But The Elote seasoning from Trader Joe's
• 2 tbsp cilantro, chopped
• 1 lime

Instructions

1. Microwave all 4 ears of corn while still in the husk, three times for 3 minutes 33 seconds each time. Move the corn in the middle to the outside and turn each ear of corn about ⅓ of the way around so they cook evenly. Repeat moving and turning the corn between cooking times.

2. Let your corn cool for 5 minutes. Peel the corn by pulling the husk back into 3 equal pieces but keep the husk attached to the ear of corn. Remove the hairs from the husk. You can leave the husk pulled straight back or tie it in a knot.

3. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the corn, turning occasionally, until the corn has a few grill marks on it, about 2-4 minutes.

4. This step is optional but delicious and highly recommended. Butter and salt each ear of corn.

5. In a small bowl, mix the plain Greek yogurt and mayonnaise until well combined.

6. Once the corn is grilled, brush each ear with the yogurt-mayo mixture while still hot.

7. Sprinkle the crumbled queso fresco evenly over the yogurt-mayo-coated corn. Then, sprinkle the chili powder, Tajín or Everything But The Elote seasoning for that extra kick.

8. Squeeze lime juice over the top and sprinkle with chopped cilantro, if using.

Recipe Video

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This elote-inspired grilled corn is the perfect side dish for any summer BBQ or weeknight dinner. The combination of Greek yogurt and mayonnaise adds a delightful tangy creaminess, while queso fresco offers a mild, slightly salty flavor that complements the smoky corn beautifully. And the best part? It’s super easy to make but looks stunning!

Give this recipe a try and let me know what you think! If you have any variations or tweaks, I’d love to hear about them. Happy grilling! 😊