Elote Is the Zesty Grilled Corn You'll Want to Eat All Summer

Learn how to make this Mexican street-food favorite.

What is elote?

Meet elote, (eh-LOW-teh) the spicy grilled corn-on-the-cob made famous by Mexican street-food vendors. And it just might become your new favorite way to kick up grilled corn this summer. I'll show you how to make elote and share top elote recipes for you to try at home.

Mexican Grilled Corn
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How to Make Elote

Mexican Corn on the Cob (Elote)

Prep 10 min. | Cook 10 min. | Ready in 20 min

Take a fresh ear of corn, grill until sweet and smoky with a slight char to caramelize the kernels, then slather in melted butter and creamy mayonnaise (!!), sprinkle with cotija cheese and a big squeeze of lime. Dust with chili powder if you want to bring the heat, then stand there and eat it hot and fresh off the grill. It's a total sensory experience, and one you'll want on heavy rotation all summer. Watch the video below to see Chef John make elote:

More Ways to Make Elote

Like any dish made popular by the people, there's no one and only way to make it. Here's how others are doing up their elote.

Allrecipes home cook Muy Bueno cuts off the corn kernels to make Mexican Corn in a Cup (Elote en Vaso), for a street corn salad version. She says, "Anytime I visit El Paso or Mexico, the craving of elote en vaso steps into high gear." The video shows you how to make it:

If you can't get to your grill, try this recipe for Air Fryer Corn on the Cob, submitted by Soup Loving Nicole:

air fryer elote mexican corn on the cob
Soup Loving Nicole

For this zesty Elote Salad recipe, you'll combine kernels of grilled corn with homemade chile-lime mayonnaise, cotija cheese, cilantro, and scallions to make a big batch. A perfect addition to any BBQ or grilling potluck:

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