Elote Recipe

Make Mexican street corn (elote) at home in minutes! This elote recipe is perfect for summer barbecues, family gatherings, or simply as a delicious snack. The combination of creamy dressing, zesty lime, and savory cotija cheese creates a bold flavor that everyone loves. Plus, it’s easy to prepare and can be served on the side or as an appetizer.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Make: This elote recipe takes only 15 minutes from start to finish, making it an ideal choice for busy days.
• Bursting with Flavor: The blend of crema, cotija cheese, and spices gives each bite a mouthwatering taste.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it as a side dish at a barbecue or as an appetizer at your next gathering.
• Easily Customizable: Adjust the spice levels by adding more chili powder or paprika to suit your taste.
• Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh corn and herbs brings vibrant flavors and textures to the dish.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools will make preparing this elote recipe a breeze. Here are some essential items you’ll need.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Grill
• Mixing bowl
• Brush for spreading crema
• Tongs

Importance of Each Tool

• Grill: A grill adds that perfect char and smoky flavor to the corn, enhancing the overall taste.
• Mixing bowl: A good mixing bowl allows you to easily combine all ingredients for the crema dressing without making a mess.
• Brush for spreading crema: Using a brush ensures an even coating of the creamy dressing on each ear of corn.
• Tongs: Tongs are essential for safely turning corn on the grill without burning your hands.

Ingredients

Make Mexican street corn (elote) at home in minutes! Smothered in crema, cotija, chili, and lime for a bold flavor everyone loves.

For the Corn

• 4 corn on the cob (shucked)

For the Crema Dressing

• 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)

For Topping

• 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 ingredients for the crema dressing:
1. Combine ⅓ cup sour cream and ⅓ cup mayonnaise.
2. Add 1 crushed garlic clove (or 1 teaspoon garlic paste).
3. Stir in lime zest from 1 lime, ½ teaspoon chili powder, ½ teaspoon paprika, and ⅛ cup chopped cilantro (about half of your ¼ cup).

Step 2: Grill the Corn

Grill 4 shucked sweet corn over high heat:
* Turn them regularly for about 10 minutes until they begin to char.

Step 3: Apply Crema

Once grilled:
1. Remove the corn from the grill.
2. Brush all sides with your prepared crema dressing.

Step 4: Finish with Toppings

Complete your elote:
1. Sprinkle with ½ cup cotija cheese.
2. Squeeze lime juice from 1 lime over everything.
3. Top with your remaining cilantro and serve immediately!

How to Serve Elote Recipe

Elote is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways. Whether you want to enjoy it as a snack or as part of a meal, these serving suggestions will enhance your elote experience.

As a Snack

• Enjoy it fresh off the grill for a quick, delicious treat.
• Pair with drinks like Mexican beer or margaritas for a refreshing combination.

As an Appetizer

• Serve elote on skewers for easy handling at parties.
• Add small portions on appetizer plates alongside other bites to create a festive spread.

As a Side Dish

• Complement grilled meats with elote for an authentic Mexican feast.
• Serve alongside tacos or burritos for a flavorful addition to your Mexican meal.

With Dipping Sauces

• Offer extra crema or lime wedges on the side for guests to customize their elote.
• Try adding spicy salsas to give more heat and flavor variety.

How to Perfect Elote Recipe

Creating the perfect elote requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out amazing every time.

• Choose fresh corn: Fresh corn on the cob provides the best flavor and sweetness. Look for plump kernels with bright green husks.
• Grill over high heat: High heat gives the corn that signature charred flavor. Don’t rush this step; turn regularly for even cooking.
• Use quality cheese: Cotija cheese adds authentic flavor. If unavailable, feta can be a good substitute, but aim for crumbly varieties.
• Adjust spice levels: Customize the chili powder according to your preference. Feel free to add more for extra heat or less if you prefer mild flavors.

Best Side Dishes for Elote Recipe

Elote pairs wonderfully with several side dishes that complement its bold flavors. Here are some delicious options to consider.

1. Mexican Rice: Fluffy rice seasoned with spices and herbs enhances any meal, providing great texture alongside elote.
2. Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans make an excellent partner, adding protein and richness to your plate.
3. Guacamole: Fresh guacamole not only tastes great but also adds creaminess and healthy fats, balancing the spiciness of elote.
4. Pico de Gallo: This fresh salsa brings brightness and acidity, making it a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of elote.
5. Chips and Salsa: Crunchy tortilla chips paired with zesty salsa offer a delightful snack option before or after enjoying elote.
6. Grilled Vegetables: A mix of seasonal vegetables grilled alongside your corn can create a colorful and nutritious side dish ensemble.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making this elote recipe, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Overcooking the corn: Cooking the corn for too long can result in tough kernels. Aim for about 10 minutes on high heat and turn regularly for even charring.

• Skipping the crema dressing: The crema is what makes this elote recipe stand out! Don’t skip it, as it adds creaminess and flavor.

• Using low-quality cheese: Cotija cheese is essential for authentic flavor. Using a substitute may alter the overall taste. Make sure to find good quality cotija.

• Not seasoning enough: Always taste before serving! Adjust lime juice, chili powder, or paprika to suit your taste preferences for a more flavorful dish.

• Neglecting presentation: Elote is as much about presentation as it is about taste. Garnish with extra cilantro and lime wedges for an appealing look.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Ensure corn is cooled completely before sealing.

Freezing Elote Recipe

• Wrap each ear of corn tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Freeze for up to 2 months.
• For best results, freeze without the crema dressing.

Reheating Elote Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Wrap corn in foil and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm.

• Microwave: Place corn on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat for 1-2 minutes until warm.

• Stovetop: Add a bit of water to a skillet over medium heat. Cover and steam corn for about 5 minutes until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best type of corn for elote?

Fresh sweet corn is ideal for this elote recipe. Look for corn that’s bright yellow with plump kernels for the best flavor and texture.

Can I make elote without grilling?

Yes! You can boil or roast the corn if you don’t have access to a grill. Just ensure you still char it slightly under your broiler or in a hot pan.

How can I customize my elote recipe?

Feel free to add toppings like hot sauce, avocado slices, or even different herbs instead of cilantro. Get creative based on your taste!

Is this elote recipe spicy?

The spiciness depends on how much chili powder you use. You can adjust the amount according to your spice preference or leave it out entirely.

Can I use other cheeses instead of cotija?

While cotija provides an authentic taste, you can experiment with feta or parmesan if needed, but be aware that it will change the flavor profile slightly.

Final Thoughts

This elote recipe brings bold flavors right from Mexican street vendors into your home kitchen. It’s quick to prepare and perfect as an appetizer or side dish at gatherings. Feel free to customize toppings or spice levels according to your preferences—there’s no wrong way to enjoy this delicious treat!

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