Indulge in the rich flavors of elote, a popular Mexican street food that features grilled corn slathered in creamy sauce, tangy lime, and a sprinkle of cheese. This elote corn recipe is not only simple to prepare but also brings a burst of freshness and spice to your table. Whether served as a side dish or a snack, elote is sure to impress your family and friends with its delightful taste and vibrant presentation.
Ingredients
– 4 ears of corn, husked
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 1/4 cup sour cream
– 1/2 cup cotija cheese, crumbled
– 1 lime, juiced
– 2 teaspoons chili powder
– 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
– Salt to taste
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe serves 4 people. Preparation time is about 10 minutes, and cooking time is approximately 15 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving contains approximately 280 calories, 18g of fat, 24g of carbohydrates, and 6g of protein. This is based on a serving size of one ear of corn with toppings.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
2. Husk the corn and remove all silk.
3. Place the corn directly on the grill.
4. Grill the corn for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally until charred.
5. While corn is grilling, mix mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, and a pinch of salt in a bowl.
6. Once the corn is grilled, remove it from the heat.
7. Slather the creamy mixture over each ear of corn.
8. Sprinkle cotija cheese generously on top.
9. Dust with chili powder for an extra kick.
10. Top with chopped cilantro before serving.
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a healthier option. Additionally, feta cheese can be used in place of cotija for a different flavor profile.
Serving and Pairings
Elote pairs beautifully with grilled meats, tacos, or as a side dish for summer barbecues. It can also be enjoyed as a standalone snack with a refreshing drink.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover elote in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, place it in the microwave for a short time or warm it on the grill for a few minutes. Freezing is not recommended as it may alter the texture.
Cooking Mistakes
– Don’t skip the grilling; char adds flavor.
– Avoid boiling the corn; it waters down the taste.
– Don’t overcook the corn; aim for a tender-crisp texture.
– Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
– Don’t forget to season after grilling; it enhances the taste.
Helpful Tips
– For extra flavor, add garlic powder to the creamy mixture.
– Lime zest can elevate the lime flavor.
– Serve immediately for the best texture and taste.
– Adjust chili powder based on your spice preference.
FAQs
Can I make elote in the oven?
Yes, you can bake the corn in the oven at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through. This method works well if you don’t have a grill.
What can I use instead of cotija cheese?
Feta cheese is a good substitute for cotija as it has a similar crumbly texture and salty flavor.
Can I prepare elote ahead of time?
You can grill the corn ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just add the toppings before serving to keep them fresh.
Is elote gluten-free?
Yes, elote is naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for those with gluten sensitivities.
How spicy is elote?
The spiciness of elote can vary based on the amount of chili powder you use. Adjust it to your heat preference for a milder or spicier version.
Conclusion
This elote corn recipe brings a taste of Mexican street food to your home, combining simplicity with bold flavors. Perfect for gatherings or a quick snack, it’s a dish that everyone will love. Enjoy the delightful combination of creamy, cheesy, and spicy elements that make elote truly special.
Elote Corn
Ingredients
- 4 ears of corn husked
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup cotija cheese crumbled
- 1 lime juiced
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro chopped
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Husk the corn and remove all silk.
- Place the corn directly on the grill.
- Grill the corn for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally until charred.
- While corn is grilling, mix mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, and a pinch of salt in a bowl.
- Once the corn is grilled, remove it from the heat.
- Slather the creamy mixture over each ear of corn.
- Sprinkle cotija cheese generously on top.
- Dust with chili powder for an extra kick.
- Top with chopped cilantro before serving.