Vegan Elotes Recipe – Mexican Special

Vegan Elotes is a plant-based twist on the classic Mexican street corn, also known as elote. Traditionally, elotes are grilled corn on the cob slathered in creamy cheese, mayonnaise, and spices. This vegan version uses dairy-free ingredients to create a similarly indulgent and flavorful treat, perfect for summer barbecues or as a delicious side dish at any meal.

  • Prep Time15 min
  • Cook Time15 min
  • Total Time30 min

Vegan Elotes Ingredients:

  • 4 ears of corn, husked and cleaned
  • 1/4 cup vegan mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup nutritional yeast (for a cheesy flavor)
  • 2 tbsp lime juice (about 1 lime)
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish, optional)
  • Lime wedges (for serving, optional)

Prepare the Corn:

1

Preheat Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.

2

Grill Corn: Place the husked corn on the grill and cook, turning occasionally, until the kernels are charred and tender, about 10-15 minutes.

Make the Vegan Sauce:

3

Combine Ingredients: In a bowl, mix together the vegan mayonnaise, nutritional yeast, lime juice, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined.

Coat the Corn:

4

Apply Sauce: Once the corn is grilled, remove it from the grill and brush or spread the vegan sauce evenly over the hot corn.

Garnish and Serve:

5

Add Garnish: Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro over the top, if using.

6

Serve: Serve the elotes with lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of flavor.

Recipe Notes:

Nutritional Yeast: Nutritional yeast provides a cheesy flavor without dairy. Adjust the amount based on your taste preference.

Vegan Mayonnaise: Choose a high-quality vegan mayonnaise for the best texture and flavor. You can also make your own if preferred.

Spice Level: Adjust the chili powder and smoked paprika to your taste. For more heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Grilling Tips: Make sure the grill is hot before adding the corn to ensure a nice char. You can also use a grill pan if grilling isn’t an option.

Variation: For added flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of vegan feta cheese or vegan Parmesan on top.