Vegan Elote (Mexican Street Corn)

This recipe is for a Mexican street corn known as Elote. It’s a very popular treat at markets, fairs, and festivals. This vegan recipe tastes just as creamy, zesty, and flavorful as the original.

What is Mexican Street Corn?

Mexican street corn, or Elote, is what I like to call, “party corn”.

It’s essentially a corn cob cooked in anyway you see fit, dressed in a creamy mixture, and topped with lime, Cotija, and chile seasoning. The most popular chile seasoning I know that’s used for this corn is called Tajin.

If you don’t know what Tajin is, or don’t already have a bottle of it in your kitchen, then listen up.

This. Stuff. Is. Legendary.

I put Tajin on literally everything. It’s not spicy at all like you may think.

This chile seasoning is a flavorful mild chile lime salt that brightens up the flavor of anything you put it on. It’s great on cucumbers, mango, and watermelon. It’s hard to think of something where it wouldn’t be amazing.

In my opinion, it’s truly what bring this Mexican street corn over the top. It’s a must.

Most grocery stores sell it, (we found ours at Fred Meyers in the produce area) and it’s only a couple of dollars a bottle. Here’s a link to an online source if you’d rather do that.

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Does it matter which corn I use?

Traditionally, Elote is made with white corn. I’ve used both white and yellow corn in this recipe, and either one is fine.

I imagine colored corn would be fine too, and even pretty to look at!

Use whatever you have on hand, and it most convenient for you I say.

Also, you have the option of grilling or boiling your corn. I like to use a little bit of both since boiling the corn is so much quicker, and makes the kernels juicier.

Start with boiling, and then grill finishing the corn for a couple minutes to make it crispy.

If you’ve got time on your hands, than there’s no reason why you can’t grill these start to finish.

It’s all up to you!

The BEST Toppings for Elote

This is where people love to get wild!

I’ve seen many different toppings on Elote. Tajin aside, there are some other great things you can be rolling your corn in.

Great toppings for Elote

– Crushed up chips (Takis, tortilla chips, potato chips)

– Vegan cheeses (feta, queso fresco, cotija, parmesean)

– Fresh herbs (cilantro, green onions, parsley)

Basically, you don’t have to feel limited at all when it comes to your Elote. Mexican street corn is supposed to be fun, happy, party food, so let your creative taste buds run wild!

Can’t find vegan dairy replacements?

I know that many of you live in areas where your vegan options are pretty limited.

Generally, I try to make my recipes very inclusive in a sense that you can make your own vegan staples from home.

I plan on having recipes for things like homemade vegan mayonnaise and sour cream in the future. I just haven’t gotten to it yet. But having made both of these at home before, I can tell you it’s pretty easy.

If you’re making everything from scratch, there are plenty of good recipes out there for vegan alternatives.

Start by looking for a vegan mayonnaise recipe. Next, try finding a vegan feta or Cotija cheese recipe. These will usually utilize ingredients like tofu or nuts.

Hopefully those will be a bit easier for you to find.

How will you top your Mexican street corn?

Where was the first time you had Elote? Will this be your first bite?

Let me know if there are any toppings you love to put on your Elote that I’ve missed here. Do you prefer to grill your corn? Let me know in the comments below!

Overall, I love Elote because it makes a great (slightly indulgent) snack, and can be ready in less than 15 minutes. It’s filling, satisfying, and cheap!

Be sure to snap a picture of how your Elote turn out and tag @alderspirit. Use #alderspirit in the description so I can see what your up to. I love to look at your creations!

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