Both elote and Mexican street corn are popular Mexican street foods that are quite similar. They both consist of grilled corn on the cob that is topped with creamy and spicy ingredients like mayonnaise, cotija cheese, chili powder and lime juice. However, there are some key differences between elote and Mexican street corn in terms of ingredients, preparation methods and origins.
What is Elote?
Elote refers to grilled or boiled corn on the cob that is simply topped with butter, mayonnaise, cotija cheese, chili powder and lime juice. It is a popular street food that is sold by street vendors all over Mexico.
Some key things to know about elote:
- The word “elote” means corn in Spanish.
- Elote originated from Mexican indigenous cultures who ate corn on the cob simply dressed with salt and lime.
- Today, elote is grilled or boiled corn rubbed with mayonnaise, rolled in cotija cheese and topped with chili powder and lime.
- It is served on a stick for easy eating as a street food.
- Elote is available from street vendors year-round in Mexico.
So in summary, elote refers to the simple preparation of grilled or boiled corn on the cob seasoned with just a few basic ingredients to create a creamy, spicy and tangy street food.
What is Mexican Street Corn?
Mexican street corn, also sometimes called esquites, refers to grilled or boiled corn kernels mixed with creamy and spicy ingredients. It is inspired by elote but uses corn kernels instead of on the cob.
Some key things to know about Mexican street corn:
- It consists of grilled or boiled corn kernels mixed with ingredients like mayonnaise, Cotija or feta cheese, chili powder, lime juice and cilantro.
- Other additions can include diced onion, garlic powder, cayenne pepper or Tajin seasoning.
- The mixture of corn kernels and creamy/spicy ingredients is served in a bowl or cup.
- Mexican street corn is commonly served as a snack or appetizer in Mexico and Mexican-style restaurants.
- It was likely inspired by elote and adapted into a kernel version for easier eating.
In summary, Mexican street corn takes the flavors of elote and adapts them into a corn kernel version that is served in bowls or cups rather than on the cob.
Differences Between Elote and Mexican Street Corn
While elote and Mexican street corn share similarities in ingredients and flavor profiles, there are some key differences between the two:
Main Ingredients
| Elote | Corn on the cob |
|---|---|
| Mexican Street Corn | Corn kernels |
The main differentiator is that elote uses grilled corn on the cob while Mexican street corn uses loose grilled corn kernels.
Preparation
Elote is grilled or boiled corn on the cob that is then topped with ingredients. Mexican street corn mixes loose grilled corn kernels with other ingredients.
Serving Style
| Elote | Served on a stick |
|---|---|
| Mexican Street Corn | Served in a cup or bowl |
Elote is served on a stick for easy on-the-go eating. Mexican street corn is served in individual servings cups or bowls with spoons or forks.
Origin
Elote originated from Mexican indigenous cultures while Mexican street corn is a more modern adaptation likely inspired by elote.
Similarities Between Elote and Mexican Street Corn
While they have some key differences, elote and Mexican street corn do share some similarities including:
Flavor Profile
Both are topped with a mixture of ingredients like mayonnaise, Cotija or feta cheese, chili powder, lime juice and cilantro to create a creamy, spicy and tangy flavor.
Street Food Style
They are both popular Mexican street foods often sold by street vendors.
Grilled Corn
Both use grilled corn, either on the cob or kernels, as the star ingredient.
Unique Ingredients
Beyond the core ingredients they share, elote and Mexican street corn each have some unique ingredients that are commonly added.
Unique Elote Ingredients
- Butter – Often rubbed on the corn before other toppings.
- Wooden skewer – Used to serve the elote on a stick.
Unique Mexican Street Corn Ingredients
- Onion – Finely chopped white, red or green onion.
- Garlic powder – Added for extra flavor.
- Tajin or other chile-lime seasoning – For a tangy kick.
These unique extra ingredients help distinguish elote and Mexican street corn from each other.
Making Elote vs. Mexican Street Corn at Home
Both elote and Mexican street corn can be made at home with just a few simple ingredients.
How to Make Elote
Making elote at home is easy if you follow these steps:
- Grill corn on the cob until tender and lightly charred.
- Brush grilled corn with mayonnaise and butter.
- Sprinkle with Cotija cheese.
- Dust with chili powder and squeeze lime juice over the corn.
- Insert a skewer and serve immediately.
How to Make Mexican Street Corn
To make Mexican street corn at home:
- Grill corn kernels until lightly charred.
- Mix grilled corn with mayonnaise, Cotija cheese, chili powder, lime juice and cilantro.
- For more flavor, add diced onion, minced garlic, cayenne and Tajin.
- Spoon into serving bowls and top with extra Cotija cheese.
- Garnish with lime wedges and serve.
The char and smoky flavors from grilling the corn is key to getting authentic flavor for both dishes.
Where to Enjoy Elote and Mexican Street Corn
For authentic versions of both elote and Mexican street corn, your best bet is to visit Mexico where street vendors sell them day and night. But you can also find both dishes at Mexican restaurants and food trucks in the United States and internationally.
Mexico
In Mexico, elote and esquites sellers known as eloteros are a common sight on streets and parks especially at night. Elote carts are iconic for their larges grills piled high with corn on the cob. For the most authentic experience, head to cities like Mexico City, Guadalajara, Oaxaca or Guanajuato where you’ll find vendors on many street corners.
United States
In areas with large Mexican-American populations like California, Texas, Arizona and New Mexico, you can find Mexican restaurants selling excellent versions of elote and Mexican street corn. Look for restaurants specializing in Mexican street foods or carts at festivals and farmers markets. Los Angeles in particular is famous for its elote vendors and Mexican street corn.
International
As Mexican cuisine has spread around the world, so too have elote and Mexican street corn. Find them at upscale Mexican restaurants or casual taquerias and street food stalls in cities ranging from London to Tokyo. The flavors translate universally outside of Mexico.
Nutrition Comparison
When comparing the nutrition of elote versus Mexican street corn, elote tends to be slightly higher in calories while Mexican street corn provides more fiber from the corn kernels. However, they are both relatively high calorie options:
| Nutrition Facts | Elote (1 cob) | Mexican Street Corn (1 cup) |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 330 | 260 |
| Fat | 24g | 14g |
| Protein | 8g | 7g |
| Fiber | 4g | 6g |
| Carbs | 32g | 38g |
So while both make for an indulgent treat, Mexican street corn may be slightly better nutritionally thanks to more fiber from the corn. But overall, both elote and Mexican street corn are high calorie options best enjoyed in moderation.
Cost Comparison
When it comes to cost, elote and Mexican street corn are typically affordable street food options but elote on the cob tends to be slightly cheaper.
| Type | Typical Price |
|---|---|
| Elote | $1-$3 per cob |
| Mexican Street Corn | $3-$5 per cup |
The reason elote is generally cheaper comes down to it using the entire corn on the cob versus just kernels. Given you need 3-4 cobs of corn to produce 1 cup of kernels, elote creates less food waste.
However, at restaurants, pricing can vary greatly based on the locale. In Mexico, both can be found for under $1 from street vendors. At U.S. restaurants, expect to pay $3-$8 for either.
Popularity and Trends
Both elote and Mexican street corn have exploded in popularity in recent years. However, elote has long been a staple while Mexican street corn is the newer trendy adaptation.
Some key trends:
Elote
- Has been popular Mexican street food for centuries.
- Experiencing new widespread fame internationally.
- Now appearing on menus from fine dining restaurants to baseball stadiums.
- Unavailable seasonally in some regions until local corn harvests.
Mexican Street Corn
- Created more recently likely inspired by elote.
- Rising fast in popularity in the U.S. and globally.
- Being adapted into chips, dips, salads and other new forms.
- Easy to makeKernel-based version means available year-round.
So while elote has history, Mexican street corn is having a new moment in the spotlight internationally. Both are hot trends for Mexican cuisine lovers.
Cultural Importance
Both elote and Mexican street corn hold cultural significance in Mexican cuisine but elote has even deeper roots going back centuries.
Elote
- Goes back to indigenous Mesoamerican cultures like Aztecs.
- Remains a symbol of Mexican street food culture.
- Serving methods and ingredients reflect Mexico’s culinary history.
- Eloteros represent community gathering spots for families.
Mexican Street Corn
- Modern adaptation of classic elote flavor profile.
- Shows influence of Mexican-American fusion cuisine.
- Popular for gatherings, parties, festivals worldwide.
- Symbol of pride in Mexican ingredients and flavors.
While perhaps less historic, Mexican street corn also celebrates Mexican culture in a more contemporary way.
Conclusion
Elote and Mexican street corn are two takes on the classic Mexican combination of grilled corn, creamy sauces, tangy cheese, and spicy chili peppers. While elote comes from ancient origins, Mexican street corn is a more modern adaptation focused on kernels. Both remain icons of Mexican street food culture both within Mexico and internationally. Whether you prefer the classic elote on a stick or the fresh flavor bowl of Mexican street corn, both offer an indulgent celebration of Mexican flavors.