Make Mexican street corn (elote) at home in minutes! Smothered in crema, cotija, chili, and lime, this Elote Recipe delivers bold flavors that everyone loves. Perfect for summer barbecues, game nights, or any casual gathering, this dish not only satisfies your taste buds but also makes a stunning presentation. The combination of creamy toppings and charred corn creates a delightful contrast that is irresistible.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With just 15 minutes from start to finish, you can whip up this delicious treat in no time.
- Flavor: The unique blend of crema, cotija cheese, and spices gives the elote an unforgettable taste.
- Versatile Serving: Enjoy it as an appetizer, side dish, or even a snack—perfect for any occasion.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone loves this Mexican street food classic; it’s sure to impress your guests.
- Simple Ingredients: Made with easily accessible ingredients that you may already have in your kitchen.
Tools and Preparation
To create the perfect elote, you’ll need a few essential tools. Make sure you have everything ready before you start cooking.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Grill
- Mixing bowl
- Basting brush
- Knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Grill: The key to achieving that signature charred flavor in the corn.
- Mixing bowl: Essential for combining all the crema dressing ingredients evenly.
- Basting brush: Helps apply the creamy dressing smoothly over the grilled corn.
- Knife: Necessary for shucking corn and chopping cilantro efficiently.
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 Creamy Dressing
In a bowl, mix together the Mexican crema dressing ingredients. Combine:
1. ⅓ cup sour cream
2. ⅓ cup mayonnaise
3. 1 peeled and crushed garlic clove (or 1 teaspoon garlic paste)
4. Lime zest from 1 lime
5. ½ teaspoon chili powder
6. ½ teaspoon paprika
7. ⅛ cup chopped cilantro (about half of your ¼ cup)
Step 2: Grill the Corn
Grill the sweet corn without the husks on high heat. Turn regularly for about 10 minutes until they begin to char.
Step 3: Brush with Crema Dressing
Take the grilled corn off the grill and brush with the crema dressing all over.
Step 4: Add Toppings and Serve
Finally, sprinkle with:
1. ½ cup cotija cheese
2. Lime juice from 1 lime
3. The remaining chopped cilantro over the top.
Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side!
How to Serve Elote Recipe
Elote, or Mexican street corn, is a vibrant dish that can add excitement to any meal. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or enjoying a cozy dinner at home, here are some creative ways to serve your elote.
As an Appetizer
- Serve elote on small skewers for easy handling at parties.
- Pair it with a refreshing salsa or guacamole for added flavor.
With Lime Wedges
- Offer lime wedges alongside the elote for guests to squeeze over the corn.
- This enhances the fresh taste and balances the richness of the crema.
Topped with Hot Sauce
- Provide a variety of hot sauces for spice lovers.
- Allow guests to customize their heat levels, adding fun to the meal.
Alongside Grilled Meats
- Serve elote as a side dish with grilled chicken, steak, or fish.
- The smoky flavors of grilled meats complement the sweetness of the corn perfectly.
How to Perfect Elote Recipe
To achieve the best results with your elote recipe, keep these tips in mind:
- Use Fresh Corn: Choose sweet, fresh corn on the cob for optimal flavor and texture.
- Grill Until Charred: Make sure to grill the corn until it has a nice char for added smokiness.
- Customize Your Seasoning: Adjust chili powder and paprika according to your spice preference.
- Serve Immediately: Enjoy elote right off the grill while it’s warm and creamy for the best experience.
Best Side Dishes for Elote Recipe
Elote pairs well with various side dishes that enhance its bold flavors. Here are some excellent options:
- Mexican Rice: Fluffy rice cooked with tomatoes and spices complements the richness of elote.
- Black Beans: Seasoned black beans provide protein and balance out the meal nicely.
- Guacamole: Creamy avocado dip adds freshness and creaminess alongside spicy flavors.
- Grilled Vegetables: A mix of seasonal veggies grilled enhances both color and taste on your plate.
- Chips and Salsa: Crunchy tortilla chips paired with zesty salsa make for an irresistible snack combo.
- Cilantro Lime Quinoa: This light dish mirrors the flavors in elote while adding a nutritious twist.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making this elote recipe, it’s important to be aware of common pitfalls that can affect the final dish. Here are some mistakes to avoid:
- Using frozen corn: Fresh corn delivers the best flavor and texture. Always use fresh corn on the cob for this elote recipe.
- Not seasoning adequately: Skipping spices or lime juice can lead to bland flavors. Be sure to mix in enough chili powder and lime for a bold taste.
- Overcooking the corn: Cooking the corn too long can make it tough. Grill the corn until just charred, about 10 minutes, for optimal tenderness.
- Neglecting crema balance: Too much or too little crema can overpower or underwhelm the dish. Follow the recipe measurements closely for a perfect blend.
- Skipping the cheese: Cotija cheese is essential for authenticity. Don’t leave it out, as it adds crucial flavor and texture to your elote.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover elote in an airtight container.
- It can last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Elote Recipe
- For freezing, wrap individual servings tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
- Frozen elote can be stored for up to 2 months.
Reheating Elote Recipe
- Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and reheat wrapped in foil for about 15-20 minutes.
- Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently.
- Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally until hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions regarding this delicious elote recipe.
How do I choose the best corn for my Elote Recipe?
Look for bright green husks without brown spots. The kernels should feel plump and firm when you squeeze them.
Can I make Elote Recipe without mayonnaise?
Yes! You can substitute Greek yogurt or additional sour cream if you prefer a lighter option.
What can I serve with Elote?
This elote recipe pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, tacos, or as a stand-alone appetizer at gatherings.
How spicy is this Elote Recipe?
The spice level is adjustable based on how much chili powder you use. Start with less if you’re sensitive to heat.
Final Thoughts
This elote recipe is not only quick and easy but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it by adding your favorite spices or toppings. Whether you’re enjoying it at a summer BBQ or as a cozy snack at home, this dish is sure to impress everyone at your table!
Elote Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Make your gatherings unforgettable with this easy and delicious Elote Recipe, a classic Mexican street corn dish that brings bold flavors to your table in just 15 minutes. Grilled to perfection, each ear of corn is slathered in a creamy dressing made from sour cream and mayonnaise, topped with crumbled cotija cheese, zesty lime juice, and a sprinkle of chili powder. This vibrant dish not only pleases the palate but also makes for a stunning presentation, making it ideal for summer barbecues, game nights, or casual dinners. Whether served as an appetizer or a side dish alongside grilled meats, this elote is sure to impress your guests and elevate any meal.
Ingredients
- 4 corn on the cob (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
Instructions
- Prepare the creamy dressing by mixing sour cream, mayonnaise, crushed garlic, lime zest, chili powder, paprika, and half the cilantro in a bowl.
- Grill the shucked corn over high heat for about 10 minutes until charred, turning regularly.
- Brush the grilled corn generously with the creamy dressing.
- Top with cotija cheese and remaining cilantro before serving with lime wedges.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer/Side Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ear of elote (approx. 157g)
- Calories: 202
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 354mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 8mg
Keywords: For added spice, adjust the amount of chili powder to suit your taste. Consider adding hot sauce on the side for guests who enjoy extra heat. Fresh corn on the cob yields the best flavor; avoid frozen options.
