Elote, or Mexican street corn, is a delightful dish that combines sweet, juicy corn with creamy toppings and zesty spices. This guide will walk you through the ingredients, cooking methods, and tips to create the perfect elote at home. Whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ or simply craving a tasty snack, this recipe is sure to impress!
Ingredients
To make elote for 8 ears of corn, you will need the following ingredients:
- 8 ears of corn (preferably fresh and sweet)
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup Mexican crema (or sour cream for a lighter option)
- 1 cup crumbled Cotija cheese (or feta cheese as a substitute)
- 2 tablespoons chili powder (or Tajín for extra tang)
- 2 limes, cut into wedges
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)
- Salt, to taste
- Optional: Hot sauce for added heat
Grocery List
When shopping for your elote ingredients, consider the following:
- Fresh sweet corn (8 ears)
- Mayonnaise
- Mexican crema or sour cream
- Cotija cheese (or feta)
- Chili powder or Tajín
- Limes
- Fresh cilantro
- Salt
- Hot sauce (optional)
Cooking Instructions
Follow these steps to prepare your elote:
1. Prepare the Corn
- Grilling Method: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Husk the corn and remove all silk. Grill the corn directly on the grill grates for about 10 minutes, turning occasionally until charred.
- Boiling Method: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add husked corn and cook for about 5–7 minutes until tender. For added flavor, you can brush with melted butter after boiling.
2. Make the Sauce
In a bowl, combine:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup Mexican crema (or sour cream)
Mix well until smooth.
3. Assemble the Elote
Once the corn is cooked:
- Brush each ear generously with the mayo mixture.
- Sprinkle with crumbled Cotija cheese and chili powder.
- Add chopped cilantro on top.
4. Serve
Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the top. For an extra kick, offer hot sauce to drizzle on.
Cooking Time
The total cooking time is approximately 20–25 minutes, including preparation and cooking.
Nutritional Information
Here’s an approximate breakdown per serving (1 ear of corn):
- Calories: 250–300 kcal
- Total Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
- Sodium: 350mg
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 5g
- Protein: 6g
(Note: Nutritional values may vary based on specific brands and quantities used.)
Tips and Notes
- Choosing Corn: Fresh sweet corn is key for the best flavor. Look for bright green husks and plump kernels.
- Cheese Alternatives: If Cotija is unavailable, crumbled feta works well but will change the flavor slightly.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chili powder based on your heat preference. Tajín adds a nice citrusy note if you prefer it over chili powder.
Join Our Kitchen Companion Membership!
For more delicious recipes like this one, join our Kitchen Companion membership! Enjoy exclusive access to mouth-watering recipes, cooking tips, and culinary inspiration delivered straight to your inbox.
Elote is not just a dish; it’s an experience filled with vibrant flavors that transport you straight to the streets of Mexico. Enjoy making this delightful treat at home!
