Easy Elotes Recipe for Delicious Street Corn

Hi there! If you’re a fan of Mexican cuisine, then you’re in for a treat with this easy elotes recipe. Elotes, also known as Mexican street corn, is a popular and incredibly tasty snack that combines the flavors of grilled corn with a creamy mayo sauce, chili powder, cheese, and lime. It’s a mouthwatering combination that will leave you craving for more!

Grilled elotes are a staple of Mexican street food culture, where vendors sell these delicious snacks to locals and tourists alike. The smoky flavors of the grilled corn, paired with the creamy and tangy toppings, create a delightful experience for your taste buds.

If you’re ready to embark on a culinary adventure and make your own elotes at home, then you’ve come to the right place. This easy elotes recipe will guide you through the step-by-step process, ensuring that you achieve authentic flavors and a satisfying end result. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this Mexican street corn masterpiece!

Key Takeaways:

Elotes, also known as Mexican street corn, is a delicious and popular snack.
Grilled elotes combine the flavors of smoky corn with creamy mayo sauce, cheese, chili powder, and lime.
This easy elotes recipe will guide you through the process of making this mouthwatering treat at home.
Elotes are a must-try for corn lovers and fans of Mexican cuisine.
Get ready to indulge in the rich and satisfying flavors of authentic elotes!

What is Elote?

Elote, which means “corn cob” in Spanish, is a traditional Mexican street food that has gained popularity worldwide. This mouthwatering dish features grilled corn on the cob slathered in a creamy mayo sauce and topped with flavorful ingredients such as chili powder, cheese, and lime. It perfectly captures the essence of Mexican street corn and is adored for its irresistible combination of sweet and savory flavors.

Elote is a beloved snack that can be found being sold by street vendors throughout Mexico. It is served on wooden sticks, making it convenient to eat while on the go. The creamy mayo sauce adds a rich and indulgent element that complements the smoky flavor of the grilled corn. The chili powder provides a subtle heat, while the cheese adds a satisfying tanginess. Finally, a squeeze of fresh lime juice brings a refreshing brightness to each bite.

“Elote is the epitome of Mexican street food, offering a tantalizing blend of flavors and textures. It’s a true crowd-pleaser that embodies the vibrant and diverse culinary traditions of Mexico.”

Authentic Elote Experience

To truly savor the authentic elote experience, we recommend seeking out street vendors or Mexican restaurants known for their traditional preparations. While it’s possible to make elote at home, enjoying it in its cultural context adds an extra layer of authenticity and enjoyment to the experience.

Elote is not just a snack, but a culinary delight that represents the rich and flavorful traditions of Mexican cuisine. Its combination of smoky corn, creamy sauce, and bold toppings makes it an irresistible treat for anyone who appreciates the unique flavors and textures of Mexican street food.

Next, I’ll guide you through the step-by-step process of making elote at home. You’ll soon be able to recreate the mouthwatering flavors of this popular Mexican street food in your own kitchen.

How to Make Elote

Making elote is quick and easy. Follow these simple steps to create a mouthwatering dish of Mexican street corn:

Cook the corn: Start by cooking the corn on the stove, grill, or in an instant pot. If using the stove, boil the corn in salted water until tender.
Grill the corn: Once the corn is cooked, brush it with melted butter and grill until slightly charred. This adds a smoky flavor to the corn.
Prepare the creamy sauce: In a bowl, mix together mayonnaise and Mexican crema to create a lusciously creamy sauce.
Spread the sauce: Once the corn is grilled, spread a thin layer of the creamy sauce over the cooked corn cobs.
Add the toppings: Sprinkle generously with crumbled cotija cheese and chili powder. These toppings add a tangy and spicy kick to the elote.
Garnish and serve: Garnish the elote with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice. This adds a refreshing and aromatic touch. Enjoy the elote immediately as a delicious snack or side dish.

That’s it! With these simple steps, you can easily make elote at home and savor the authentic flavors of Mexican street corn.

Ingredients for Elote

To make elote, you will need the following ingredients:

Corn on the cob
Mayonnaise
Mexican crema or sour cream
Cotija cheese
Chili powder
Lime
Cilantro

Optionally, you can add melted butter and hot pepper sauce for extra flavor. These ingredients come together to create the perfect blend of creamy, tangy, and savory flavors that define elote.

Here’s a visual representation of the ingredients:

Ingredients	Image
Corn on the cob
Mayonnaise
Mexican crema or sour cream
Cotija cheese
Chili powder
Lime
Cilantro

Tips for Serving Elote

When it comes to serving elote, there are various options and creative ways to present this delicious Mexican street corn dish. Whether you prefer to enjoy it on the cob or in a cup, there’s a serving suggestion for everyone. Here are some tips and variations to enhance your elote experience:

Serving Elote on the Cob

One traditional way to serve elote is on the cob, making it an easy and convenient finger food. To make it more enjoyable, consider skewering the cooked corn with a wooden stick or popsicle stick, allowing for mess-free eating. This method is perfect for outdoor gatherings or barbecues.

Serving Elote in Esquites

If you prefer your corn off the cob, you can make esquites – a delectable Mexican corn salad. Cut the cooked corn kernels off the cob and mix them with the elote toppings, such as mayo, cheese, and chili powder. Serve the esquites in individual cups or bowls, creating a visually appealing and easy-to-eat presentation. This option is ideal for parties or potlucks where guests can help themselves to a serving.

Variations of Elote

While the classic elote recipe is already delicious on its own, you can experiment with different toppings and variations to add your own twist. Here are a few ideas:

Try using different types of cheese like queso fresco, feta, or Monterey Jack for a unique flavor profile.
Spice up your elote with additional spices or seasonings such as paprika, cayenne pepper, or Tajín for a hint of heat.
Add extra layers of flavor with sauces like hot sauce, chipotle mayo, or crema Mexicana.

Get creative and let your taste buds guide you as you explore new combinations and variations of elote. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or venture into new territory, elote is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed on its own or as a complement to your favorite Mexican-inspired meal.

Make-Ahead and Freezing Instructions

Preparing elote in advance can be a time-saving strategy, allowing you to enjoy this delicious dish whenever you crave it. Here are some make-ahead and freezing instructions to help you plan your elote prep:

To make elote ahead of time:

Cook the corn: Boil the corn in salted water or grill it until tender.
Allow the corn to cool: Once cooked, let the corn cool completely.
Store in the fridge: Cover the corn and store it in the refrigerator.
Prepare the toppings separately: Mix the mayo sauce, chili powder, cheese, and lime juice ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge.
When ready to serve: Brush the corn with melted butter and grill until charred.
Spread the toppings: Spread the mayo sauce mixture over the grilled corn and sprinkle with the prepared toppings.
Enjoy immediately: Serve and enjoy the elote while it’s fresh and flavorful!

If you want to freeze elote for later use:

Blanch the corn: Blanch the corn in boiling water for a few minutes.
Cool the corn: Allow the corn to cool completely.
Transfer to a freezer-safe container: Place the corn in a freezer-safe container, ensuring it is tightly sealed.
Store in the freezer: Keep the container in the freezer until ready to use.
Thaw overnight: Prior to serving, thaw the corn overnight in the refrigerator.
Grill and add toppings: Follow the grilling instructions mentioned earlier and add the toppings as desired.
Savor the flavors: Indulge in the deliciousness of your frozen and grilled elote!

By following these make-ahead and freezing instructions, you can conveniently prepare elote in advance and enjoy it whenever the craving strikes. Whether you choose to store it in the fridge or freezer, you’ll be able to savor the flavors of grilled corn smothered in that irresistible mayo sauce, chili powder, cheese, and lime. So go ahead and plan ahead, and never be too far from a delightful elote experience!

Serving Size and Nutrition Facts

When it comes to enjoying elote, it’s essential to understand the serving size and nutrition facts to make informed choices about this delicious snack. This elote recipe yields 4 servings, but don’t worry if you need to feed a larger crowd – it can easily be multiplied to accommodate your needs.

Now let’s take a closer look at the nutrition facts for each serving of elote:

Nutrient	Amount per serving
Calories	162
Carbohydrates	20g
Protein	6g
Fat	8g

It’s important to note that these nutrition facts may vary slightly depending on the specific ingredients used and any variations in portion size or toppings. However, this gives you a general idea of the nutritional content of elote.

Even though elote is a tasty treat, it’s always a good idea to enjoy it in moderation as part of a balanced diet. With this knowledge, you can make informed decisions about including elote in your meals and snacks.

To better visualize the serving size and nutrition facts, take a look at this mouthwatering image of elote:

Now that you know the serving size and nutrition facts, let’s explore another variation of elote – esquites, a Mexican corn salad.

What is Esquites?

Esquites is a delightful variation of elote that offers a unique twist on the classic Mexican street corn. In this version, the corn is cut off the cob and served in a cup, creating a refreshing and flavorful Mexican corn salad. Esquites can be enjoyed as a side dish, a light meal, or even a snack.

To prepare esquites, cooked corn kernels are mixed with a combination of creamy mayonnaise, tangy lime juice, and a touch of chili powder for a hint of spice. The mixture is then garnished with cheese and other optional toppings to enhance the flavors and textures. Esquites provides a great alternative to elote for those who prefer their corn off the cob or are looking for a more portable option.

Esquites, also known as “elote en vaso” or corn in a cup, is a popular street food in Mexico. It is commonly sold by street vendors, especially during festivals or outdoor gatherings. The combination of the sweet corn kernels, creamy dressing, and savory toppings creates a delicious medley of flavors that will satisfy your cravings for a taste of authentic Mexican cuisine.

Key Ingredients for Esquites:

Cooked corn kernels
Mayonnaise
Lime juice
Chili powder
Cotija cheese
Optional toppings: chopped cilantro, hot sauce, extra lime juice

Esquites can be customized with different toppings based on personal preferences. Some variations include adding diced tomatoes, chopped onions, or jalapenos for an extra kick of flavor. The beauty of esquites lies in its versatility, allowing you to experiment and tailor the salad to your liking.

Whether served as a side dish at a barbecue, enjoyed as a light lunch, or savored as a snack, esquites brings the vibrant flavors of Mexican cuisine to your plate in a refreshing and satisfying way. Give this Mexican corn salad a try, and you’ll discover a new favorite dish that is perfect for any occasion.

How to Make Esquites

Making esquites is a simple and delicious alternative to the traditional elote. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make esquites:

Cook the corn kernels: Start by boiling the corn kernels in salted water until they are tender. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
Prepare the sauce: While the corn is cooking, mix together mayonnaise, lime juice, and chili powder in a separate bowl. This sauce will add a tangy and spicy kick to the esquites.
Mix corn with the sauce: Drain the cooked corn kernels and mix them with the prepared sauce. Toss them well to ensure every kernel is coated evenly.
Add cheese and toppings: Sprinkle cotija cheese over the corn mixture and add optional toppings such as chopped cilantro, hot sauce, or a squeeze of extra lime juice for added flavor.
Serve and enjoy: Esquites can be enjoyed warm or chilled. Serve it as a side dish or a snack in small cups, garnished with a lime wedge for an extra zesty touch.

Esquites is a refreshing and flavorful variation of elote that brings together the creamy, tangy, and spicy flavors in every bite. It’s perfect for summer gatherings, barbecues, or as a delightful treat anytime you crave the taste of Mexican street corn.

Elevate Your Esquites with Unique Toppings

Take your esquites to the next level by experimenting with different toppings. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Crumbled bacon: For a savory twist, top your esquites with crispy crumbled bacon.
Jalapenos: Add a kick of heat by finely chopping fresh jalapenos and sprinkling them over the corn mixture.
Tajin seasoning: Give your esquites a burst of flavor with Tajin, a popular Mexican chili-lime seasoning.
Avocado: Creamy avocado slices or guacamole make a great addition to esquites, adding richness and a hint of freshness.

Get creative and tailor your esquites to suit your taste preferences. The possibilities are endless!

Enjoy the mouthwatering combination of tender corn kernels, creamy sauce, and flavorful toppings with this easy esquites recipe. It’s a crowd-pleasing dish that will transport your taste buds to the vibrant streets of Mexico.

Conclusion

Elotes, also known as Mexican street corn, are a mouthwatering delight that truly captures the essence of authentic Mexican cuisine. Whether enjoyed on the cob at a summer barbecue or in the form of esquites at a festive gathering, elote offers a flavorful experience that will satisfy corn lovers and food enthusiasts alike.

What makes elotes so irresistible is the combination of smoky grilled corn, creamy mayo sauce, and the perfect blend of savory toppings. Each bite is a harmonious medley of flavors, with a hint of heat from the chili powder and a tangy kick from the lime. From the first taste to the last, elote delivers a rich and satisfying culinary experience.

So, why not bring the vibrant flavors of Mexican street food straight to your own kitchen? With this easy elote recipe, you can create this delectable treat in the comfort of your own home. Whether you’re hosting a Mexican-inspired fiesta or simply craving a delicious snack, elote is the perfect choice. So grab some fresh corn, fire up the grill, and get ready to indulge in the irresistible flavors of elote!

FAQ

What is Elote?

Elote is a traditional Mexican street food consisting of grilled corn on the cob slathered in a creamy mayo sauce and garnished with chili powder, cheese, and lime. It is a popular and delicious snack loved for its sweet and savory flavors.

How do you make Elote?

To make Elote, start by cooking the corn, either on the stove, grill, or in an instant pot. Once cooked, brush the corn with melted butter and grill until slightly charred. Mix mayonnaise and Mexican crema together, then spread a thin layer over the cooked corn cobs. Sprinkle generously with cotija cheese and chili powder, and serve garnished with cilantro and a lime wedge.

What ingredients do I need for Elote?

To make Elote, you will need corn on the cob, mayonnaise, Mexican crema or sour cream, cotija cheese, chili powder, lime, and cilantro. Optionally, you can add melted butter and hot pepper sauce for extra flavor.

How should I serve Elote?

Elote can be served on the cob or cut off and served in cups, known as esquites. Traditionally, Elote is skewered with a wooden stick for easy eating. It can be enjoyed as a snack, side dish, or as part of a Mexican-inspired meal. You can also experiment with different toppings and variations to create unique versions of Elote.

Can Elote be made ahead? Can it be frozen?

Yes, you can make Elote ahead by cooking the corn, allowing it to cool, and storing it covered in the fridge. The topping ingredients can also be prepared in advance and stored separately in the fridge. When ready to serve, brush the corn with melted butter and grill until charred. Elote can also be frozen by blanching the corn in boiling water, cooling it, and storing it in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then proceed with grilling and adding the toppings.

What is the serving size and nutritional information for Elote?

This Elote recipe yields 4 servings. Each serving contains approximately 162 calories, 20g of carbohydrates, 6g of protein, and 8g of fat. The nutritional information may vary depending on the specific ingredients used and any variations in portion size or toppings.

What is Esquites?

Esquites is a variation of Elote where the corn is cut off the cob and served in a cup. It is essentially a Mexican corn salad that can be enjoyed as a side dish or a snack. Esquites is made with cooked corn kernels mixed with mayonnaise, lime juice, chili powder, cheese, and other optional toppings.

How do you make Esquites?

To make Esquites, cook the corn kernels in boiling water. Once cooked, mix the corn with mayonnaise, lime juice, chili powder, and cotija cheese. Optional toppings such as cilantro, hot sauce, or extra lime juice can also be added for extra flavor. Esquites can be enjoyed warm or chilled and is a delicious alternative to Elote.