Mexican Elote-Inspired Grilled Corn with Chili-Lime Aioli

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Grilled corn on the cob slathered with a creamy chili-lime aioli, sprinkled with cotija cheese and fresh cilantro for a smoky street snack. This mexican-inspired street food (vegetarian) ready in about 22 minutes pairs fresh corn on the cob, husked, mayonnaise, lime juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.3 (9 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 425°F). Brush 4 ears of husked corn with 2 tbsp vegetable oil evenly to prevent sticking.
  2. Step 2: Place the corn on the grill and cook for 10-12 minutes, turning every 2-3 minutes, until the kernels are tender and have charred spots for smoky flavor.
  3. Step 3: While the corn grills, stir together 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 2 tbsp lime juice, 1 tsp chili powder, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper in a small bowl until smooth.
  4. Step 4: Remove the grilled corn from heat and use a brush or spoon to slather the chili-lime aioli over each ear while still warm.
  5. Step 5: Sprinkle 1/3 cup crumbled cotija cheese and 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro evenly over the coated corn.
  6. Step 6: Serve immediately for a flavorful, smoky street-food style treat with creamy, tangy, and spicy notes.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Mexican Elote-Inspired Grilled Corn with Chili-Lime Aioli take to make?

Total time is about 22 minutes (10 min prep + 12 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Mexican Elote-Inspired Grilled Corn with Chili-Lime Aioli?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep fresh corn on the cob, husked from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Mexican Elote-Inspired Grilled Corn with Chili-Lime Aioli?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Mexican Elote-Inspired Grilled Corn with Chili-Lime Aioli for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Mexican Elote-Inspired Grilled Corn with Chili-Lime Aioli vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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