Elote Recipe

Make Mexican street corn (elote) at home in minutes! This Elote Recipe features sweet, charred corn smothered in creamy dressing, savory cotija cheese, and a zesty kick of lime. Perfect for summer barbecues, casual gatherings, or as a delightful side dish, this recipe brings bold flavors to your table that everyone will love. The combination of textures and tastes makes elote a standout choice for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe takes just 15 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
• Flavorful: The blend of creamy sour cream, tangy lime, and savory cotija cheese creates an irresistible taste sensation.
• Versatile Side Dish: Whether you’re serving it at a barbecue or as part of a festive meal, elote complements various dishes beautifully.
• Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh corn and herbs enhances the flavors, ensuring that every bite is delicious.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Its unique flavor profile and vibrant presentation make it a hit with both kids and adults alike.

Tools and Preparation

To create your elote masterpiece, you’ll need some essential tools and equipment. Having the right items on hand simplifies the process and ensures great results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Grill
• Mixing bowl
• Brush for spreading crema
• Knife
• Zester

Importance of Each Tool

• Grill: The grill gives the corn that signature charred flavor that makes elote irresistible.
• Mixing bowl: A sturdy mixing bowl allows you to easily combine all the crema ingredients without spills.
• Brush for spreading crema: A brush helps evenly coat the corn with the creamy dressing for maximum flavor in every bite.

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)

Toppings

• 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:
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)

Mix until smooth and set aside.

Step 2: Grill the Corn

Grill 4 sweet corn without the husks on a grill over high heat.
Turn regularly for about 10 minutes until they begin to char.

Step 3: Coat with Crema Dressing

Take the corn off the grill and brush with the crema dressing all over until well coated.

Step 4: Finish with Toppings

Finally, sprinkle with:
1. ½ cup cotija cheese
2. Lime juice from 1 lime
3. Your remaining cilantro over the top, then serve immediately!

Enjoy this delectable Elote Recipe, perfect for any warm-weather gathering!

How to Serve Elote Recipe

Elote is a delicious and vibrant dish that brings the flavors of Mexican street food right to your home. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your elote experience.

As a Snack

• Perfect for sharing while watching a game or movie.
• Serve with toothpicks for easy eating.

As a Side Dish

• A fantastic accompaniment to grilled meats.
• Pairs well with tacos or burritos for a complete meal.

In Tacos

• Chop elote and add it to your favorite taco filling.
• Adds a unique twist to traditional taco recipes.

On a Salad

• Use elote as a topping on green salads.
• Provides a burst of flavor and texture in every bite.

How to Perfect Elote Recipe

To ensure your elote recipe turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Choose fresh corn: Fresh, sweet corn will yield the best flavor. Look for ears with bright green husks and plump kernels.
• Grill properly: Ensure your grill is hot before adding the corn. This helps achieve that desired char and smoky flavor.
• Customize the crema: Feel free to adjust the spices in your crema. Adding more lime zest or chili can enhance the boldness.
• Use high-quality cotija: Authentic cotija cheese adds depth. Crumbled pieces provide better coverage over the corn.

Best Side Dishes for Elote Recipe

Elote pairs beautifully with various side dishes, making it versatile for any meal. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Black Bean Salad: This refreshing salad combines black beans, corn, bell peppers, and avocado for a protein-packed side.
2. Guacamole: Creamy and rich, guacamole is perfect for dipping alongside your elote.
3. Mexican Rice: Flavored with tomatoes and spices, this rice dish complements the bold flavors of elote wonderfully.
4. Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables grilled alongside your corn enhance the outdoor cooking experience.
5. Chips and Salsa: A classic snack that pairs well with elote; choose fresh salsa for extra freshness.
6. Cilantro Lime Quinoa: A healthy alternative that adds nuttiness and pairs nicely with the flavors of elote.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making a perfect elote recipe is easier than it seems, but there are some common pitfalls to watch out for.

• flavoring: Skipping seasoning in the crema can lead to bland corn. Always taste as you go and adjust the spices accordingly.
• Ignoring grilling time: Overcooking or undercooking can ruin the texture. Aim for a nice char by grilling for about 10 minutes, turning regularly.
• Not using fresh ingredients: Using old or canned corn will affect the taste. Fresh sweet corn is key for the best elote experience.
• Skipping the cotija: Forgetting the cheese can make your dish less authentic. Always sprinkle a generous amount of cotija on top before serving.
• Neglecting lime juice: Omitting lime juice diminishes flavor depth. Squeeze fresh lime over the elote right before serving for that extra zing.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover elote in an airtight container.
• It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Elote Recipe

• Freezing is not recommended as it affects texture.
• If you must freeze, wrap tightly and use within 2 months.

Reheating Elote Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat wrapped in foil for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual servings on medium power for about 1-2 minutes.
• Stovetop: Place in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding this delicious elote recipe.

What is an elote recipe?

An elote recipe features grilled corn on the cob smothered in a creamy sauce, spices, and cheese, typically enjoyed as a popular Mexican street food.

How can I customize my elote recipe?

You can customize your elote recipe by adding ingredients like avocado, bacon bits, or different types of cheese to enhance flavor and texture.

Can I make an elote recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the crema and grill the corn ahead of time. Just store them separately and assemble just before serving.

What should I serve with my elote?

This elote recipe pairs well with grilled meats, tacos, or as part of a festive appetizer spread.

Final Thoughts

This easy elote recipe brings vibrant flavors that everyone loves. It’s perfect as an appetizer or side dish at gatherings. Feel free to get creative with toppings or seasonings to match your taste preferences!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Elote Recipe

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• Author: Saphira
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Elevate your summer gatherings with this easy Elote Recipe, a delightful take on traditional Mexican street corn. In just 15 minutes, you can enjoy sweet, charred corn on the cob slathered in a creamy dressing made from sour cream and mayonnaise, topped with savory cotija cheese and a zesty lime kick. This vibrant dish is not only quick to prepare but also versatile enough to serve as an appetizer or side dish at barbecues and casual get-togethers. The combination of flavors and textures ensures that every bite is a delicious experience, making it a favorite among both kids and adults alike.

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Ingredients

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• 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

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Instructions

1. In a mixing bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, crushed garlic, lime zest, chili powder, paprika, and half of the chopped cilantro. Mix until smooth.
2. Preheat your grill to high heat. Grill the shucked corn for about 10 minutes, turning regularly until charred.
3. Remove corn from the grill and brush generously with the crema dressing.
4. Top with crumbled cotija cheese, squeeze fresh lime juice over the top, sprinkle remaining cilantro, and serve immediately.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 260mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 10mg