Mexican Street Corn Skillet, inspired by the beloved Elote from Mexican street vendors, transforms the bold flavors of grilled corn into a creamy, cheesy, and spicy skillet dish. Bursting with roasted corn, lime, chili, and cotija cheese, it’s the perfect side for tacos, grilled meats, or even as a dip with tortilla chips.
Ingredients
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4 cups corn kernels (fresh or frozen, thawed)
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2 tablespoons unsalted butter
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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¼ cup mayonnaise
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¼ cup sour cream or Mexican crema
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½ teaspoon chili powder
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¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
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1 jalapeño, finely chopped (optional for heat)
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Juice of 1 lime
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⅓ cup crumbled cotija cheese (or feta if unavailable)
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2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
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Salt and black pepper to taste
Cooking Time
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Prep time: 10 minutes
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Cook time: 15 minutes
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Total time: 25 minutes
Serving
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Serves 4
Instructions
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Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
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Add corn and cook for 7–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the kernels are lightly charred.
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Reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic and chopped jalapeño, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant.
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In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, sour cream, chili powder, smoked paprika, lime juice, salt, and black pepper.
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Add the mixture to the skillet and stir to coat the corn evenly.
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Remove from heat and sprinkle crumbled cotija cheese and cilantro over the top.
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Serve warm with extra lime wedges for squeezing.
Nutrition (per serving)
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Calories: 280
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Protein: 6g
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Fat: 18g
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Carbohydrates: 28g
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Fiber: 3g
Tips
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If you prefer a smoky flavor, use grilled corn cut off the cob instead of pan-toasted corn.
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For extra spice, add a dash of cayenne pepper or a drizzle of hot sauce.
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This dish can double as a dip—serve it with tortilla chips or toasted bread.
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Sprinkle extra cheese and cilantro before serving for color and flavor.
This Mexican Street Corn Skillet captures the warmth and zest of traditional Elote in a simple pan dish — creamy, tangy, and irresistibly good with every bite.
