Elote-ally Shocked: This Vegan Mexican Street Corn Will Make You Question Everything You Knew About Plant-Based Cuisine

Imagine biting into a juicy ear of corn that’s charred to perfection and coated in a creamy, tangy sauce with a hint of smokiness and spice. That’s exactly what you’ll get with this vegan Mexican street corn recipe—an irresistible twist on the classic elite that’s perfect for any summer gathering or cozy weeknight meal.

The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and bold flavors. Traditionally, Mexican street corn is grilled and topped with a zesty combination of mayonnaise, cheese, and spices. Here, we’ve taken the same concept and made it completely plant-based without sacrificing any of the taste.

This image shows grilled corn being topped with a generous spread of chili mayo, then sprinkled with vegan parmesan, ancho chili powder, and freshly chopped cilantro for a vibrant, flavorful finish.

The corn gets a delicious char on the grill, then it’s generously coated with a creamy vegan dressing, sprinkled with fresh lime juice, cilantro, and a dash of chili powder.

Perfect for BBQs with Honey Gochujang Sauce, this vegan Mexican street corn brings a touch of festive flair to any meal. The contrast of crispy, smoky corn with the rich, tangy sauce is nothing short of magical.

So fire up the grill, and let’s make your next meal a fiesta!

Why I Love This Recipe?

  • The blend of vegan mayo, lime, and spices creates a creamy, tangy topping that perfectly complements the smoky grilled corn.
  • It’s a crowd-pleaser that works beautifully for outdoor gatherings and summer parties.
  • Adjust the spice level and toppings to fit your preferences or dietary needs.
  • With just a few ingredients and a grill, you can whip up this delicious side in no time.
This image shows a platter of vegan Mexican street corn, grilled to perfection and topped with a creamy cashew-based chili sauce, vegan parmesan, and fresh cilantro, ready to be served as a delicious plant-based appetizer.

Vegan Mexican Street Corn

A vibrant vegan twist on Mexican street corn, this dish features grilled corn slathered with a creamy cashew-based sauce, zesty lime juice, and smoky chili powder. Topped with fresh cilantro and nutritional yeast, it’s a flavorful and satisfying plant-based treat.
Prep Time 12 minutes
Cook Time 16 minutes
Total Time 28 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 4 people
Calories 242 kcal

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Tongs
  • Whisk or Spoon
  • Grill or Grill Pan
  • Small Food Processor or Blender

Ingredients
  

Elote

  • ½ tsp ancho chili powder
  • 2 tbsp chopped cilantro
  • ¼ tsp chipotle powder, optional
  • 4 ears corn, removed from the husk
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • cup vegan mayonnaise
  • 1 tbsp lime juice
  • Pinch salt

Vegan parmesan

  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • 2 tbsp nutritional yeast
  • ½ cup raw cashews
  • ½ tsp salt

Instructions
 

  • Blend cashews, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, and salt in a small food processor or blender until the mixture resembles grated parmesan.
    This image shows cashews, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, and salt being blended in a small food processor to create a grated vegan parmesan topping for the grilled corn.
  • Mix mayo, ancho chili powder, garlic, lime juice, optional chipotle powder, and salt in a bowl until smooth.
    This image shows vegan mayonnaise, lime juice, ancho chili powder, minced garlic, and optional chipotle powder being whisked together in a mixing bowl to form a creamy and spicy sauce for the grilled corn.
  • Grill the corn on medium-high heat or in a grill pan, turning to cook evenly and develop grill marks, about 4 minutes per side.
    This image shows vegan mayonnaise, lime juice, ancho chili powder, minced garlic, and optional chipotle powder being whisked together in a mixing bowl to form a creamy and spicy sauce for the grilled corn.
  • Top the grilled corn with chili mayo, and then sprinkle with vegan parmesan, ancho chili powder, and cilantro.
    This image shows grilled corn being topped with a generous spread of chili mayo, then sprinkled with vegan parmesan, ancho chili powder, and freshly chopped cilantro for a vibrant, flavorful finish.

Notes

  • This Vegan Mexican Street Corn features char-grilled corn topped with a zesty chili mayo, vegan parmesan, and a sprinkle of ancho chili powder and cilantro.
  • It’s a delicious, plant-based twist on the classic street food favorite, bursting with flavor.

Nutrition Info:

NutritionValue
Calories242 kcal
Carbohydrates6 g
Protein8 g
Sugar6 g

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Archie Johnson

Hi! I’m Archie Johnson

Archie Johnson is a San Diego-born home cook who turns her kitchen into a playground of flavors. With a passion for California's vibrant food scene and a knack for creating delicious, approachable recipes, she's on a mission to show that great cooking is about joy, not perfection.

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