Corn: Four fresh ears of corn are the star, providing a naturally sweet and juicy base that becomes incredibly flavorful once grilled and charred.

Mayonnaise: A quarter cup of good quality mayonnaise forms the creamy, rich coating that helps all the other toppings adhere and adds a decadent texture.

Cotija cheese: A quarter cup of crumbled Cotija cheese delivers that signature salty, tangy, and slightly pungent flavor that is quintessential to Mexican street corn.

Chili powder: One teaspoon of chili powder offers a mild, smoky heat and a vibrant color, enhancing the overall profile without overpowering the corn’s natural sweetness.

Cilantro: One tablespoon of freshly chopped cilantro provides a burst of fresh, herbaceous flavor and a beautiful green garnish that brightens the dish.

Lime: One whole lime, cut into wedges, is essential for a final squeeze of bright, zesty acidity that cuts through the richness and elevates all the other flavors.

Achieving the perfect char on your corn is crucial for authentic Mexican street corn. To do this, ensure your grill is preheated to a medium-high heat. While grilling, rotate the ears frequently – every couple of minutes – to ensure even cooking and develop those beautiful, smoky charred spots without burning the corn completely. You’re looking for kernels that are tender-crisp and possess a lovely golden-brown hue with some darker, caramelized patches.

For an extra layer of flavor and moisture, consider brushing the corn with a light coating of melted unsalted butter or a neutral oil (like canola or avocado oil) before placing them on the grill. This helps prevent sticking and promotes a more even char. Once the corn is perfectly grilled and still piping hot off the flames, that’s the ideal moment to brush it generously with the mayonnaise. The heat from the corn helps to slightly melt and adhere the mayonnaise, creating a perfect base for the cheese and spices. Don’t be shy with the application; a thick, even coating is what you’re aiming for to create that iconic creamy texture.

If you don’t have an outdoor grill, you can replicate similar results using a grill pan on your stovetop or by roasting the corn in the oven. For a grill pan, ensure it’s smoking hot before adding the corn, rotating often. For oven roasting, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), lightly oil the corn, and roast directly on a baking sheet or foil for about 15-20 minutes, turning halfway, until tender and slightly browned.

• Corn – Substitute with frozen corn kernels: While fresh corn is always preferred for its texture and sweetness, high-quality frozen corn kernels can be a great alternative, especially off-season. Simply thaw them, then roast in a hot skillet or oven until slightly charred to mimic the grilled flavor of fresh ears.

• Mayonnaise – Substitute with Greek yogurt: For a lighter and tangier option, plain Greek yogurt can beautifully replace mayonnaise. It offers a similar creamy texture and a delightful tang, along with the added benefit of more protein and less fat, making your Elote a slightly healthier treat.

• Cotija cheese – Substitute with feta cheese: If authentic Cotija cheese is hard to find, crumbly feta cheese is an excellent stand-in. It shares a similar salty, tangy, and crumbly texture, providing a very comparable flavor profile that works wonderfully with the other ingredients.

• Chili powder – Substitute with smoked paprika and a pinch of cayenne pepper: To capture the smoky warmth and a touch of heat, a combination of smoked paprika (for depth and color) and a small amount of cayenne pepper (for spiciness) can effectively replace standard chili powder. Adjust the cayenne to your desired heat level.

• Cilantro – Substitute with parsley: For those who are not fond of cilantro’s distinct flavor (often described as “soapy”), fresh flat-leaf parsley is a fantastic alternative. It offers a fresh, herbaceous green note without the polarizing taste, ensuring everyone can enjoy this delicious dish.

• Lime – Substitute with lemon: In a pinch, lemon wedges can be used instead of lime wedges. While the flavor profile is slightly different, lemon provides a similar bright, acidic, and citrusy zing that is crucial for balancing the rich and spicy elements of the Elote.

• **Cooling:** Always allow the grilled corn to cool completely to room temperature before attempting to store it. Storing warm corn can create condensation, leading to soggy corn and a potential breeding ground for bacteria.
• **Wrapping for Refrigeration:** For short-term storage, individually wrap each ear of corn tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. This helps to seal in its smoky flavor and prevent it from drying out or absorbing unwanted odors from other foods in the refrigerator.
• **Airtight Container:** Once wrapped, place the corn in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. This adds an extra layer of protection, keeping your corn fresh for longer.
• **Refrigeration Duration:** Stored properly in the refrigerator, your Mexican street corn will remain delicious for up to 3-4 days. It’s best enjoyed within this timeframe for optimal taste and texture.
• **Preparing for Freezing (Important!):** If you plan to freeze the corn, it’s crucial to remove the cotija cheese and fresh cilantro beforehand. These ingredients do not freeze well; cheese can become crumbly or lose its texture, and cilantro can become limp and discolored. You can add fresh cheese and cilantro when reheating the frozen corn.
• **Wrapping for Freezing:** For freezing, wrap each ear of corn tightly first in plastic wrap, then follow with a layer of aluminum foil. This double-wrapping method is essential to prevent freezer burn, which can compromise the corn’s texture and flavor.
• **Freezer-Safe Storage:** Place the double-wrapped corn in a heavy-duty freezer-safe bag or container. Label it clearly with the date of freezing so you can easily keep track of its freshness.
• **Freezing Duration:** Frozen corn can be stored for up to 2-3 months. While it may still be safe to eat beyond this, the quality (texture and flavor) might start to degrade.
• **Thawing and Reheating Frozen Corn:** When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw the frozen corn in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat it on the grill, in the oven at 350°F (175°C), or using your preferred method until it’s thoroughly warmed through.
• **Adding Fresh Toppings:** After reheating, brush with fresh mayonnaise, sprinkle generously with newly crumbled cotija cheese, chili powder, and chopped cilantro, and serve with fresh lime wedges for that perfect finish.

• **Oven Method (Recommended for Best Quality):** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). To retain moisture and prevent drying, wrap each ear of corn individually in aluminum foil. Place them on a baking sheet and heat for approximately 15 minutes, or until the corn is warmed through to the center. This method helps maintain a good texture.
• **Microwave Method (Quickest Option):** For a faster reheating solution, the microwave works well. Place the corn on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat on high for 1-2 minutes, flipping halfway through, ensuring it heats evenly without becoming tough. Be careful not to overcook.
• **Grill Method (For Added Char and Flavor):** If you want to revive that smoky, charred flavor, reheating on the grill is an excellent choice. Preheat your grill to medium heat. Place the corn directly on the grates, turning occasionally for about 5 minutes until it’s heated through and develops a slight refresh of char.
• **Stovetop Skillet Method:** For a convenient stovetop option, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of olive oil or butter to the pan. Place the corn in the skillet and turn it frequently for about 5-7 minutes until it’s thoroughly warmed. This can also add a nice, light sear.
• **Air Fryer Method (Crispy Finish):** An air fryer can provide a surprisingly good result. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the corn in the air fryer basket in a single layer if possible. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, giving the basket a shake halfway through to ensure even heating and a slightly crispy exterior.
• **Re-Garnish:** Regardless of the reheating method, always remember to re-brush with fresh mayonnaise and sprinkle with additional cotija cheese, chili powder, and cilantro for that vibrant, just-made taste. Don’t forget a fresh squeeze of lime!

• Grill: An outdoor grill (charcoal or gas) is ideal for imparting that authentic smoky flavor and beautiful char to the corn kernels.

• Tongs: Long-handled tongs are indispensable for safely and efficiently rotating the corn on the hot grill, ensuring even cooking and charring.

• Basting brush: A silicone basting brush is perfect for evenly applying the creamy mayonnaise mixture onto the hot corn cobs, ensuring full coverage.

• Measuring cups and spoons: Essential for accurately measuring the mayonnaise, cotija cheese, chili powder, and other ingredients to maintain the recipe’s balance.

• Sharp knife: A good quality knife is needed for chopping fresh cilantro and neatly cutting limes into perfect wedges for serving.

• Cutting board: Provides a stable and safe surface for all your chopping and cutting tasks, protecting your countertops and ensuring precision.

• Serving platter: A large serving platter or tray is ideal for beautifully presenting the finished grilled corn, making it easy to serve and share.

• Small mixing bowls: Useful for preparing the mayonnaise mixture, holding the crumbled cheese, and combining chili powder with other spices if you’re creating a custom blend.

**Preheat the grill in advance**: Get your grill up to temperature while you’re gathering and preparing the corn and other toppings. This ensures the grill is ready to cook as soon as you are.

**Opt for pre-crumbled cheese**: Purchase pre-crumbled cotija cheese (or feta) to bypass the step of crumbling it yourself, saving valuable prep time.

**Prep ingredients ahead of time**: Chop the cilantro and cut the lime into wedges hours or even a day before you plan to grill. Store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator.

**Utilize a silicone brush for quick application**: A wide silicone basting brush makes applying the mayonnaise swiftly and evenly across the hot corn cobs a breeze.

**Grill multiple ears simultaneously**: Maximize your grilling space by cooking all the corn ears at once. This significantly reduces overall cooking time compared to grilling in batches.