Mexican Corn on the Cob (also called Mexican Street Corn and Elote Corn) is a favorite street food in Mexico that's easy to make at home on your grill. Grill sweet corn on the cob is coated with butter and grilled until it gets a lovely char, then slathered with chili mayo and finished with fresh cilantro, crumbled cotija cheese, a sprinkle of smoked paprika and a squeeze of lime. Serve it in this classic way or mix things up: cut the corn kernels from the cob and serve it as a Mexican Street Corn Salad!
When you mention the word 'Spork' to people who live in Bend, Oregon, they swoon. "Oh, have you tried their Spicy Fried Chicken? **groan** It's amazing!" "But, the Chilaquiles, they're my favorite - so authentic, with crema and cotija." And then there's the Hoisin Pork Belly Sando, the Pork Carnitas Tacos, the Coconut Green Curry Bowl, the Lomo Saltado, the Grilled Mexican Street Corn (Mexican Corn on the Cob). All of these dishes fall into one category, street food - the delicious foods you'll find from street vendors all around the world. Thus "global street food," Spork’s tagline.
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Mexican Corn on the Cob Ingredients
Corn on the Cob: with husks pulled back and silks removed
Butter: salted butter
Chili Powder: use hot or mild chili powder to manage the level of spice
Mayonnaise: ideally good quality, full fat mayonnaise
Fresh Cilantro: use fresh parsley for those who don't care for cilantro
Cotija Cheese: or crumbled Queso Fresco or even crumbled feta cheese if that's what you have on hand
Smoked Paprika: or chipotle chile powder (a smoky spice made with only smoked and dried chipotle peppers ground into a fine powder)
Lime Wedges: for serving, optional
FAQ
Corn should be cooked over medium-high heat on a charcoal or gas grill until tender and lightly charred.
Mexican Street Corn (elote) is sold as street food from stationary and mobile street carts in several regions of Mexico.
Cotija cheese is the traditional cheese served on Mexican corn on the cob.
No, Cotija and queso fresco are not the same, though both cheeses are typically crumbled not shredded for serving. Cotija is saltier, drier and more firm than Queso fresco which has a mild flavor and moist texture.
How I got this recipe from a NY Times reviewed restaurant
We first tried Spork's food when we were looking for a house in Bend, Oregon. Back then, we were handed these mouthwatering morsels through the window of an Airstream trailer, often at some Summer event's outdoor food court. It seemed like magic that they could conjure such magnificent flavors from such a tiny kitchen, but that was part of the charm.
So when we first saw the Spork logo and a message "coming soon" on the glass door of a building on Newport Avenue, we were: #1, thrilled, and #2, scared. Could they transition to a full blown restaurant and maintain their mojo?
The answer: a resounding "Yes!"
A few weeks ago we had several ears of corn in our CSA share, so I decided to try making Mexican corn on the cob at home. My muse, Spork's Grilled Sweet Corn of course. After 2 attempts, I wasn't satisfied. Something was missing. What to do?
When all else fails, ask.
Hi there,I'm a Bend local and love your food! My husband and I were so excited to see your name on the door of your new restaurant on Newport and then it seemed like it took forever before we could eat there. We were afraid that the magic of the Airstream environment might be lost, but NO! your food is still awesome and we love the vibe in the restaurant.I have a food blog - https://pinchandswirl.com/ - and I'd love to do a post raving about Spork. But I need a recipe. Would you be willing to share your fabulous grilled Mexican street corn recipe with me (and my readers)? I'd so appreciate it!Best regards,Marissa
Reply:
Heya Marissa thanks for getting in touch …
There isn't really a recipe for that dish … and it's one of those dishes that you can make however you'd like, really. Grilled corn + butter + mayo + cotija + whatever else you feel like … is how it's done in Mexico … spice the mayo with things … squeeze lime juice… salt … chili powder … fresh cilantro … you know? There's a hundred variations … some people grill the corn with the husk on … some don't …
For us … grill corn lightly (husk off), butter, lime, chili mayo, sea salt, cotija cheese, smoked paprika and cilantro … EAT! 🙂
cheers … let us know if you have other questions … 🙂
Chris
Just when I thought I couldn't love this restaurant any more.
Chili mayo - that was it!
So make this at home to wow your friends and family, but don't miss a meal at Spork should you find yourself in Bend, Oregon.
Recipe Pairings and Suggestions
You can also make this into a meal by turning it into Mexican Street Corn Salad (make delicious Corn Stock with the bare cobs) and topping with Grilled Shrimp - start with chips and Mango Avocado Salsa! It's also perfect paired with Carne Asada or Carne Asada Tacos and Creamy Cucumber Salad. Make Green Chile Chicken Enchiladas (with homemade Green Enchilada Sauce) and/or White Chicken Chili for a large group. Or use just the grilling method to riff on this delicious Corn Salad!
Recipe Video
Mexican Corn on the Cob
Ingredients
- 4 ears fresh corn on the cob husks pulled back and silks removed
- 2 tablespoons cold butter
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 ounces crumbled cotija cheese
- smoked paprika to taste
- 1 lime cut into wedges
Instructions
- Preheat grill to medium-high.
- Rub ears of corn with cold butter (easier to coat the raw ears of corn evenly)
- Grill corn for 15 to 20 minutes, until tender, turning a couple of times to char evenly.
- Meanwhile, in a small bowl whisk chili powder into mayonnaise and set aside.
- Transfer corn to a serving platter and slather each cob evenly with chili mayonnaise. Sprinkle cotija, cilantro, and smoked paprika over cobs. Serve with lime wedges.
Notes
- Use parmesan cheese, queso fresco, or feta if you can't find cotija cheese at your local grocery store.
- If you'd rather skip the mayonnaise, use Mexican crema or sour cream instead.
Not sure what I love more, this corn on the cob or the salad version (with shrimp!!). Both look amazing. SO awesome you got in touch with the restaurant and even more awesome that they wrote you back with (rough) details. Can't wait to try it. 🙂 ~Valentina
Thank you, Valentina! I think you'll love it.
That was very nice of them. Sounds like a wonderful restaurant in so many ways. Elote is great but it’s hard to eat!!!
haha...it is a bit of a challenge to eat in public, all the more reason to make it at home! 😉
Love the story and the non-recipe recipe! It reminded me of the section in old Bon Appetit magazines where you asked for restaurant recipes and they tried to get them. Beautiful and easy side dish Marissa, thanks for sharing!
Thanks so much, Paula! I remember those no-recipe recipes in BA Mag - that's where I came up with our favorite Mediterranean Egg Salad.
Is there any sub we could use for the mayo? Me and my mom despise mayo lol.
haha...it's true, not everyone is a mayo lover. 😉 You can absolutely use sour cream or Mexican crema instead!
I tried this recipe and it was so tasty! I only need to adjust the chili because I'm not into spicy foods. Overall, this is really great recipe!
I'm so glad you enjoyed it, Cristina! So sweet of you to come back and let me know!
We made this for a family gathering last night and it was so good. Thanks for sharing the recipe!
I love to hear that, Susan! Thank you for coming back to let me know!
Yumm! Love Mexican Street Corn! This looks soo good, Marissa!
Thank you, my friend! It's one of my favorite summer time foods!
YES YES YES YES YES. I love grilled corn almost too much. This looks like an absolutely perfect specimen.
You and me too! Almost too much....almost... 🙂
This. Is. GOLD!!! I just saw this in your round up. I've seen a gazillion Mexican corns but THIS is a proper one! Don't you love restaurants that share their secret recipes? Pinning! I can't lose this, I actually HAVE corn and was searching for a Mexican recipe!! (PS I was thinking of making my mayo with pureed chipotle in adobo...)
Hi Nagi! YES to the chipotle!!!
That does sound great, doesn't it!?
That would give it some excellent kick, Nagi! So yummy!
Hi Marissa! I doubled the recipe and added an 8 oz, can of baby clams with the liquor. It really added to the flavor! We had it with your corn and homemade flour tortillas (and will be having it again!). This would be good to serve in chilled martini glasses for a summer party! BTW, eat it with a spoon so you get a good mix in every bite!
Hi Marissa! Just the other day my husband and I were talking about Mexican corn. My only problem is, where we are I can't get cojita cheese - any suggestions for a substitute? Appreciate it! I just picked up everything I need for Mexican seafood cocktails and this corn would go great with them!
Hi Dorothy - Either feta or mozarella will work just fine! Mexican seafood cocktails? Tell me more... 🙂
Hi Marissa! I first had this in a hole-in-the wall joint in MI. Combine 1-1/2 c. clamato juice, 1/4 c. catsup, 1/4 c. fresh lime juice, Tabasco to taste, a good pinch of salt, 1/2 c. finely chopped onion and 1/4 c. chopped cilantro (or parsley). Gently fold in 1 avocado cut into small cubes, 1/2 pound crab meat and 1/2 pound shelled and deveined shrimp. I can't take credit for the recipe - I found it somewhere on the internet. It is really, really good!
That sounds so good, Dorothy! I'm definitely going to try it...
Hi Marissa! I neglected to add "cooked" to the shrimp description. Do try this! We are having it with your corn recipe tonight.
Got it! Can't wait to try it Dorothy!
So amazing! I grated parmesan instead of cotija!
So glad you enjoyed! Thanks, Kelley!
Mmmm.... looks SO good Marissa! How I would love to have such a place next door. Corn is one of my favorite foods, so simple and perfect. Will make this one soon. PS: you have a typo, `cojita´
Thank you for catching that Paula! Confession: I've been spelling that wrong forever! I thought it was pronounced co-hee-ta. 🙂
How fantastic does this recipe look! Mexican corn is huge here and we love it smothered with all of those spicy, tangy flavours and creamy cheese and mayo. Good on you for getting the recipe instructions! 😀
I've always loved just butter and salt on corn (still do), but it's fun to have something this decadent once in awhile!