Elote Recipe
Make Mexican street corn (elote) at home in minutes! Smothered in crema, cotija, chili, and lime, this elote recipe is perfect for parties, barbecues, or a cozy family dinner. Its bold flavors and creamy texture make it a standout dish that everyone will love. Enjoy the vibrant taste of Mexico with this easy-to-follow recipe that brings authentic street food right to your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With just 15 minutes of prep and cook time, you can whip up this delicious dish in no time.
- Bursting with Flavor: The combination of creamy dressing, zesty lime, and cotija cheese provides an unforgettable taste experience.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve it as an appetizer, side dish, or snack—it’s perfect for any occasion!
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with nutrients from fresh corn and cilantro, this recipe is both tasty and wholesome.
- Customizable: Feel free to adjust the spices or toppings to suit your personal taste.
Tools and Preparation
Before starting your elote recipe, gather the necessary tools to ensure a smooth cooking process. Having everything ready will help you focus on creating a delicious dish.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Grill
- Mixing bowl
- Brush for spreading dressing
- Knife (for cutting cilantro)
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Grill: Provides that delicious charred flavor essential for authentic elote.
- Mixing bowl: Allows you to easily combine all dressing ingredients without mess.
- Brush for spreading dressing: Ensures even coverage of the crema on each ear of corn for maximum flavor.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
– 4 corn on the cob (shucked)
– ⅓ cup sour cream
– ⅓ cup mayonnaise
– 1 clove of garlic (crushed)
– Zest of one lime
– ½ teaspoon chili powder
– ½ teaspoon paprika (can be mild or smoky)
– ¼ cup chopped cilantro (not packed)
– ½ cup cotija cheese
– Lime wedges to serve
How to Make Elote Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Crema Dressing
- In a bowl, mix together the Mexican crema dressing ingredients.
- Combine ⅓ cup sour cream, ⅓ cup mayonnaise, 1 peeled and crushed garlic clove, zest from 1 lime, ½ teaspoon chili powder, ½ teaspoon paprika, and about half of your ¼ cup chopped cilantro (⅛ cup).
Step 2: Grill the Corn
- Preheat your grill to high heat.
- Grill the 4 sweet corn on the cob without husks, turning regularly for about 10 minutes until they begin to char.
Step 3: Apply the Dressing
- Remove the corn from the grill.
- Brush the crema dressing all over each ear of corn until fully coated.
Step 4: Finish and Serve
- Sprinkle ½ cup cotija cheese over the top.
- Squeeze juice from 1 lime over each ear and add your remaining cilantro.
- Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side!
How to Serve Elote Recipe
Elote is best enjoyed fresh off the grill, but there are many creative ways to serve this delicious Mexican street corn. Whether as an appetizer, snack, or side dish, elote can be paired with various foods and drinks to enhance your dining experience.
With Fresh Lime Wedges
- Squeeze fresh lime juice over the elote just before eating for an extra zesty kick.
As a Topping for Tacos
- Chop the grilled corn and add it as a topping on your favorite tacos for added flavor and texture.
On a Bed of Greens
- Serve elote over a bed of mixed greens to create a refreshing salad that balances the richness of the crema.
Paired with Grilled Meats
- Elote complements grilled chicken, steak, or fish perfectly, adding a burst of flavor to your main course.
Alongside Spicy Dishes
- The creamy and spicy nature of elote makes it a great side for spicy dishes like enchiladas or spicy salsa.
How to Perfect Elote Recipe
Perfecting your elote recipe involves attention to detail and some handy tips. Follow these suggestions for an unforgettable corn experience.
- Use Fresh Corn: Select the freshest sweet corn available for the best flavor and texture.
- Grill Until Charred: Grill the corn until it’s nicely charred; this adds a smoky flavor that enhances the overall taste.
- Adjust Seasoning: Feel free to tweak the chili powder and paprika levels to suit your spice preference.
- Experiment with Cheeses: While cotija is traditional, try using feta or queso fresco for different flavor profiles.
- Add Extra Toppings: Consider garnishing with avocado slices or jalapeños for additional freshness and heat.
Best Side Dishes for Elote Recipe
Elote pairs beautifully with many side dishes, making it versatile enough for any meal. Here are some excellent options to consider:
-
Mexican Rice
A flavorful rice dish cooked with tomatoes and spices that complements elote’s richness. -
Black Beans
Protein-packed black beans seasoned with cumin provide a hearty contrast to the sweet corn. -
Guacamole
Creamy guacamole adds a delightful creaminess that pairs well with the bold flavors of elote. -
Chips and Salsa
Crispy tortilla chips served with fresh salsa make for an excellent crunchy side. -
Grilled Vegetables
Seasonal veggies like zucchini and bell peppers grilled alongside your corn offer vibrant colors and flavors. -
Quesadillas
Cheesy quesadillas filled with chicken or veggies are satisfying companions to elote’s creamy goodness.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making the perfect elote recipe can be tricky if you’re not aware of common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to avoid for a delightful Mexican street corn experience.
- Skipping the Grilling Step: Don’t underestimate the importance of grilling. This step adds that smoky flavor crucial for authentic elote. Always grill until you see char marks.
- Forgetting to Season Properly: A bland crema is a missed opportunity. Make sure to adjust your seasonings, especially chili powder and lime juice, to enhance the flavor.
- Using the Wrong Cheese: Cotija cheese is key in an elote recipe. If you substitute it with another cheese, you might lose that unique taste. Stick with cotija for the best results.
- Not Using Fresh Ingredients: Fresh corn is essential for great taste. Avoid using frozen or canned corn as they won’t deliver the same sweetness and texture.
- Overcomplicating the Toppings: While toppings are important, too many can overpower the dish. Keep it simple with cotija, cilantro, and lime for a perfect balance.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover elote in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Ensure it’s completely cooled before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
Freezing Elote Recipe
- You can freeze elote for up to 2 months.
- Wrap each ear of corn tightly in plastic wrap before placing it in a freezer bag.
Reheating Elote Recipe
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place wrapped corn in foil on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: Place corn on a plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat on high for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently.
- Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, turning occasionally until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making an elote recipe that may help you during your cooking journey.
What is Elote?
Elote is a traditional Mexican street food made from grilled corn on the cob slathered in creamy sauces and topped with cheese and spices.
Can I use frozen corn for this Elote Recipe?
While fresh corn is preferred, you can use frozen corn if necessary. Just make sure it’s thoroughly thawed before grilling.
How do I make my Elote spicier?
To add more heat to your elote recipe, increase the amount of chili powder or sprinkle some cayenne pepper over the top before serving.
What can I substitute for Cotija cheese?
If you can’t find cotija cheese, feta or Parmesan can work as substitutes, but they will not replicate the exact flavor.
Final Thoughts
This elote recipe brings vibrant flavors and textures that everyone will love. It’s perfect as an appetizer or snack and is easily customizable with your favorite toppings. Try adding avocado or hot sauce for extra flair!
Elote Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Elevate your culinary experience with this easy Elote Recipe, a delightful tribute to traditional Mexican street corn. Perfectly grilled corn on the cob is generously coated in a creamy mixture of sour cream and mayonnaise, infused with zesty lime, garlic, and spices. Topped with crumbled cotija cheese and fresh cilantro, this dish bursts with vibrant flavors that will impress your guests at barbecues or family dinners.
Ingredients
- 4 ears of corn (shucked)
- ⅓ cup sour cream
- ⅓ cup mayonnaise
- 1 clove garlic (crushed)
- Zest of 1 lime
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro
- ½ cup cotija cheese
- Lime wedges for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the crema dressing by mixing sour cream, mayonnaise, crushed garlic, lime zest, chili powder, paprika, and half the cilantro in a bowl.
- Preheat your grill to high heat and grill the shucked corn for about 10 minutes until charred, turning occasionally.
- Remove the corn from the grill and brush the crema dressing generously over each ear.
- Sprinkle cotija cheese on top and finish with a squeeze of fresh lime juice and remaining cilantro.
- Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ear of corn (about 130g)
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: Use fresh corn for optimal flavor. Feel free to adjust spice levels based on preference. For variations, try adding avocado slices or jalapeños for extra flair.
