Spicy Elote Street Corn with Smoky Chili Mayo

This recipe is a copycat version of famous street corn with a twist, featuring spicy elote street corn served with smoky chili mayo. Ideal for a weekend cookout or tailgate party, it's perfect for those who love Tex-Mex flavors and street food classics.

Time: Prep: 10 minutes - Cook: 8-10 minutes - Total: 15-20 minutes

Servings: 2

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Tex-Mex, Street Food

Allergens

Dairy (Cotija Cheese), Egg (Mayonnaise)

Ingredients

4 ears of fresh corn, husks removed
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon chili powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 teaspoons ancho chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
Juice of 1 lime
1/4 cup crumbled cotija cheese
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro
2 green onions, thinly sliced

Instructions

Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium high heat.
In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, ancho chili powder, ground cumin, and lime juice. Set aside.
Brush each ear of corn with melted butter, then sprinkle with chili powder, salt, and pepper.
Grill the corn for 8 10 minutes, turning every few minutes to ensure even cooking, until charred and tender. Remove from heat.
Slather each ear of corn with the smoky chili mayo, then top with cotija cheese, cilantro, and green onions. Serve immediately.

Chef’s Insight

To achieve the perfect balance of flavors, be sure to season each ear of corn individually before grilling, and adjust the amount of chili powder, salt, and pepper to your taste preference.

Notes

For the best results, use freshly grilled corn and make the smoky chili mayo fresh.

Substitutions

For dairy-free or egg-free options, substitute the cotija cheese with nutritional yeast and the mayonnaise with a dairy-free or vegan alternative.

Alternative Preparations

This recipe can also be prepared in the oven by roasting the corn at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, turning every few minutes until charred and tender.

Alternative Methods

If you don't have access to a grill or grill pan, you can also cook the corn on a stovetop in a skillet with a bit of oil, turning frequently to achieve the desired charring and tenderness.

Best Storage Practice

Store all ingredients separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The grilled corn should be served immediately for the best taste and texture.

Shelf Life

Fresh corn has a shelf life of 3-5 days when stored properly. Other ingredients can be stored for up to a month, depending on their nature.

Plating Tips

Arrange the grilled corn ears on a wooden board or platter, with the smoky chili mayo and additional toppings placed in small bowls alongside. Use garnishes like lime wedges and extra green onions for added visual appeal.

Nutrition Facts

Per serving (1 ear of corn): 250 calories, 16g fat, 3g protein, 32g carbohydrates, 4g fiber, 870mg sodium.