Elote Recipe

Make Mexican street corn (elote) at home in minutes! Smothered in crema, cotija, chili, and lime for a bold flavor everyone loves. This elote recipe is perfect for gatherings, barbecues, or as a delicious snack. The combination of creamy sauce, tangy lime, and the crunch of charred corn creates an unforgettable taste that will impress your friends and family.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This elote recipe can be prepared in just 15 minutes, making it a hassle-free option for any occasion.
• Bursting with Flavor: The combination of spices and creamy toppings delivers a punch of flavor that elevates simple corn on the cob to gourmet status.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it as an appetizer, side dish, or snack; this recipe fits seamlessly into any meal plan.
• Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh corn and simple ingredients ensures that you are serving a dish that is not only tasty but also healthy.
• Crowd-Pleaser: The rich flavors appeal to both kids and adults alike, making it a guaranteed hit at your next gathering.

Tools and Preparation

Preparing this elote recipe requires minimal tools but ensures you have everything ready for a smooth cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Grill
• Mixing bowl
• Brush for applying crema
• Knife for chopping

Importance of Each Tool

• Grill: Essential for achieving the perfect char on your corn, enhancing its natural sweetness.
• Mixing bowl: Allows you to easily combine all crema dressing ingredients without mess.
• Brush for applying crema: Ensures even coverage of the creamy dressing on the corn for maximum flavor.
• Knife for chopping: Necessary for preparing fresh cilantro and other ingredients quickly.

Ingredients

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 Toppings

• ½ cup cotija cheese
• Lime wedges to serve

How to Make Elote Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Crema Dressing

1. In a bowl, mix together the Mexican crema dressing ingredients. Combine ⅓ cup sour cream, ⅓ cup mayonnaise, 1 peeled and crushed garlic clove, 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

1. Grill the sweet corn without the husks over high heat.
2. Turn regularly for about 10 minutes until they begin to char.

Step 3: Apply the Crema Dressing

1. Remove the corn from the grill and brush with the crema dressing all over.

Step 4: Add Toppings and Serve

1. Sprinkle with cotija cheese and drizzle lime juice from 1 lime over each ear of corn.
2. Top with your remaining cilantro and serve immediately!

How to Serve Elote Recipe

Serving elote can elevate your dining experience and bring a taste of Mexico to your table. This delicious Mexican street corn is versatile and perfect for various occasions.

As an Appetizer

• Serve warm elote on skewers for easy eating. This makes it a fun starter for parties or gatherings.

With a Side of Lime Wedges

• Offering lime wedges allows guests to customize their flavor. A squeeze of fresh lime can enhance the corn’s sweetness beautifully.

Accompanying Grilled Meats

• Pair elote with grilled chicken or steak during BBQs. The rich flavors complement each other perfectly, making a delightful meal.

As Part of a Fiesta Platter

• Include elote in a platter with salsa, guacamole, and tortilla chips. It creates an inviting spread for friends and family.

How to Perfect Elote Recipe

To achieve the best elote, keep these tips in mind. They will help you create the perfect balance of flavors and textures.

• Choose Fresh Corn: Fresh sweet corn will give the best flavor and texture. Look for bright green husks and plump kernels.

• Grill Until Charred: Ensure you grill the corn until it has char marks. This adds a smoky depth that enhances the overall taste.

• Mix Your Crema Well: Properly blending the sour cream and mayonnaise ensures an even coating on your corn.

• Add More Cilantro: For those who love cilantro, don’t be shy! Extra chopped cilantro adds freshness that complements the dish.

Best Side Dishes for Elote Recipe

Elote pairs wonderfully with many side dishes, enhancing your meal’s enjoyment. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Mexican Rice: Fluffy rice seasoned with tomatoes and spices provides a filling base to your meal.

2. Black Beans: Savory black beans add protein and pair well with the creamy texture of elote.

3. Guacamole: Creamy avocado dip with lime juice adds richness and balances the flavors of elote perfectly.

4. Pico de Gallo: Fresh tomato salsa gives a burst of freshness that complements the rich crema on your corn.

5. Chips & Salsa: Crunchy tortilla chips served with zesty salsa make for a classic appetizer alongside elote.

6. Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal veggies like zucchini or bell peppers add color and nutrition to your plate.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making the perfect elote recipe can be simple, but there are common pitfalls that can ruin this delicious dish. Here are some mistakes to avoid:

• Using old corn: Fresh corn is key for the best flavor and texture. Always choose corn that feels firm and has bright green husks.
• Skipping the grilling step: Grilling adds a smoky flavor that’s essential for authentic elote. Don’t skip this step; it enhances the overall taste.
• Overloading on toppings: While toppings are important, too much can overwhelm the corn. Stick to recommended amounts for the best balance of flavors.
• Not letting flavors meld: If you rush mixing the crema ingredients, the flavors won’t blend well. Allow them to sit for a few minutes before applying to the corn.
• Ignoring lime juice: Lime juice is crucial for adding acidity and brightness. Don’t forget to squeeze fresh lime over your elote before serving!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• item Store leftover elote in an airtight container.
• item It lasts up to 3 days in the fridge.

Freezing Elote Recipe

• item Elote can be frozen, but it’s best to freeze without toppings.
• item Use a freezer-safe container or wrap tightly in plastic wrap; it keeps well for up to 2 months.

Reheating Elote Recipe

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake wrapped in foil for about 15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power in short intervals, checking often until heated through.
• Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over low heat, turning occasionally until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making and enjoying this elote recipe.

What is an Elote Recipe?

Elote refers to Mexican street corn typically grilled and topped with creamy dressing, cheese, spices, and lime.

Can I make the Elote Recipe vegan?

Yes! Substitute mayonnaise with vegan mayo and use a plant-based sour cream alternative for a vegan version.

How can I customize my Elote Recipe?

Feel free to add extra spices like cayenne pepper or switch cotija cheese for feta for different flavor profiles!

What do I serve with Elote?

Elote pairs beautifully with grilled meats, tacos, or as part of a summer barbecue spread.

Final Thoughts

This elote recipe is not only quick and easy but also brings vibrant flavors that everyone loves. You can customize it with different toppings or spices based on your preferences. Give this delightful recipe a try at your next gathering!