Mexican Street Corn Elote: 5 Steps to Joyful Flavor

Oh, let me tell you about the pure joy of biting into a juicy ear of Mexican Street Corn Elote! There’s something magical about summer gatherings, the sun shining down, and the smoky aroma of grilled corn wafting through the air. This easy recipe brings all those authentic flavors right into your kitchen, transforming any meal into a fiesta! I remember the first time I made this for my friends; we were all sitting outside, laughing and sharing stories, and as soon as that first bite hit our taste buds, it was like a burst of sunshine! The creamy sauce, zesty lime, and that sprinkle of cotija cheese—oh wow, it’s the perfect combination! Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become your go-to side dish for every summer gathering or barbecue. Grab your ingredients, and let’s dive into making some delicious elote that’ll leave everyone asking for seconds!

Ingredients List

• 6 ears of corn, husk left intact
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 tablespoon Sriracha
• 2 tablespoons lime juice, freshly squeezed
• ¼ cup chicken stock
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• ¾ cup cotija cheese, broken down into small chunks
• 2 tablespoons cilantro, finely chopped
• Ground chili powder, to taste

How to Prepare Mexican Street Corn Elote

Alright, let’s get into the fun part—making this delicious Mexican Street Corn Elote! I promise it’s super simple, and I’ll walk you through each step so you’ll be a pro in no time!

Grilling the Corn

First things first, you need to grill that corn! Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. You want it nice and hot, around 400°F (or 200°C) if you’re feeling fancy with your thermometer! Place the ears of corn directly on the grill with the husks still intact. Let them roast for about 10 minutes, turning them occasionally so they char evenly. You’re looking for those husks to get a nice dark, smoky color—don’t worry if they look a bit burnt; that’s all part of the flavor! Once they’re charred to perfection, take them off the grill and let them cool for a few minutes. Trust me, the smell is going to drive you wild!

Preparing the Sauce

While the corn is cooling down, let’s whip up that creamy sauce! In a medium bowl, combine ½ cup of mayonnaise and ½ cup of sour cream. Add in 1 tablespoon of Sriracha for a kick (you can adjust this based on how spicy you like it!), 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lime juice, and ¼ cup of chicken stock. Toss in 1 teaspoon each of salt and black pepper, along with 1 teaspoon of sugar to balance everything out. Mix it all up until it’s smooth and creamy. You want every bite of corn to have that flavorful sauce, so don’t rush this part! Set it aside while you finish up with the corn.

Combining and Sautéing

Now, let’s get that corn off the cob! Once it’s cool enough to handle, shuck the corn and cut the kernels off the cob. I usually find it easier to stand the ear upright in a bowl and slice downwards—just be careful not to slice your fingers! In a large skillet, add the freshly cut corn along with the sauce you just made. Sauté everything over medium-low heat for about 5 minutes, just until it’s warmed through. You want to see those flavors melding together, but don’t overcook it, or the corn will lose its crispness!

Garnishing the Dish

Finally, the fun part—garnishing! Pour the sautéed corn into a serving bowl. Now, sprinkle on about ¾ cup of crumbled cotija cheese (oh, that salty goodness!), and don’t be shy with it! Then add 2 tablespoons of finely chopped cilantro for a fresh touch. Lastly, give it a sprinkle of ground chili powder to taste. You can adjust the amount based on how spicy you like it. And there you have it—your mouthwatering Mexican Street Corn Elote is ready to serve! Enjoy every bite, and don’t forget to share with your friends (or not!).

Nutritional Information

Now, let’s talk numbers! Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for one serving of this scrumptious Mexican Street Corn Elote. Keep in mind, these values can vary slightly based on the exact ingredients you use, but they’re pretty accurate:

• Calories: 299
• Fat: 23g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Cholesterol: 35mg
• Sodium: 816mg
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 8g
• Protein: 7g

This dish is not only delicious but also packed with flavor and a good balance of nutrients, making it a fantastic side for any meal. Enjoy your elote guilt-free!

Tips for Success

Ready to make your Mexican Street Corn Elote even more amazing? Here are my top tips to ensure your elote turns out perfect every time!

Choose the Right Corn

Fresh, sweet corn is key! Look for ears with bright green husks and plump kernels. If you can, buy them on the same day you plan to make the elote for the best flavor. You want that juicy sweetness to shine through!

Adjusting the Spice Level

Don’t be afraid to play with the spice! If you love heat, add more Sriracha or even a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the sauce mixture. Alternatively, if you prefer a milder flavor, start with less and increase it gradually. Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it out!

Make It Creamy

If you like your elote extra creamy, feel free to increase the mayonnaise or sour cream a bit. This will give you that luscious texture that coats the corn beautifully. Just be mindful that it might make the dish richer, so adjust accordingly!

Fresh Herbs for a Flavor Boost

While cilantro is traditional, you can also experiment with fresh parsley or even chives for a different twist. Fresh herbs add brightness and a lovely pop of color. Don’t skip this step, as it really elevates the dish!

Serving Temperature Matters

This elote is delightful warm, but it can also be served at room temperature. If you’re prepping for a gathering, you can make it ahead of time and let it sit out. Just give it a quick stir before serving to redistribute the flavors. Your guests will love it either way!

Garnish Generously

When it comes to toppings, more is more! Don’t hold back on the cotija cheese and chili powder. A generous sprinkle not only looks fantastic but also adds that authentic street food vibe. Plus, who doesn’t love a little extra cheese?

With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to impress your friends and family with your Mexican Street Corn Elote! Happy cooking!

Variations

Now that you’ve mastered the classic Mexican Street Corn Elote, let’s have some fun and explore a few delicious variations! Trust me, these twists will keep your taste buds excited and add a little flair to your gatherings!

Spicy Chipotle Elote

If you’re a fan of smoky flavors, swap out the Sriracha for chipotle mayo! Just mix some chipotle sauce into the mayonnaise for that smoky kick. You can also add some finely chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for an extra layer of flavor. It’s a bold twist that’ll have your friends raving!

Cheesy Garlic Elote

For all the cheese lovers out there, how about adding some garlic? Mix in a couple of minced garlic cloves into the sauce for a delicious garlicky punch. You can even sprinkle some shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese over the top for that melty goodness. Oh, it’s so good!

Herbed Elote

Switch things up by incorporating fresh herbs into your elote! Try mixing in chopped basil or dill for a refreshing twist. These herbs will add a unique flavor profile that’s perfect for summer. Just imagine the bright aroma of fresh herbs mingling with that creamy sauce—yum!

Sweet and Savory Elote

Feeling adventurous? Add a drizzle of honey or agave syrup over the top of your elote after garnishing with cotija cheese. The sweetness complements the savory flavors beautifully and creates a delightful contrast. Your guests will be surprised and delighted by this unexpected combination!

Loaded Elote

Take your elote over the top by loading it up with toppings! Add crispy bacon bits, jalapeños, or even avocado slices for a heartier version. The added textures and flavors will elevate your dish to a whole new level. It’s like a fiesta on a plate!

These variations are just the beginning! Feel free to get creative and make it your own. After all, cooking should always be an adventure! Enjoy exploring these tweaks and let your Mexican Street Corn Elote shine in new and exciting ways!

Serving Suggestions

Now that you’ve got your delicious Mexican Street Corn Elote ready to go, let’s talk about what to serve it with to create the ultimate feast! This dish is so versatile, and it pairs beautifully with a variety of flavors and cuisines. Here are some of my favorite serving suggestions:

Grilled Meats

Elote is a fantastic side dish for any grilled meats! Whether it’s juicy carne asada, marinated chicken, or tender pork chops, the smoky, creamy corn complements the charred flavors perfectly. You can even serve it alongside some spicy grilled shrimp for a seafood twist!

Tacos Galore

Why not make it a taco night? Serve your Mexican Street Corn Elote with a spread of soft or hard-shell tacos. I love pairing it with classic options like beef tacos, chicken tinga, or vegetarian black bean tacos. The combination of flavors will have everyone coming back for more!

Fresh Salads

Need something lighter? Toss together a refreshing green salad with crisp lettuce, diced tomatoes, avocado, and a zesty lime vinaigrette. The brightness of the salad will balance the richness of the elote beautifully, creating a well-rounded meal.

Spicy Salsa and Chips

Serve a bowl of your favorite salsa or pico de gallo alongside tortilla chips for some extra crunch. The fresh flavors of the salsa will add a nice contrast to the creamy elote, and it’s perfect for snacking while you wait for the main course!

Mexican Rice or Cilantro Lime Rice

A side of fluffy Mexican rice or cilantro lime rice makes for a hearty addition to your meal. The rice absorbs all those delicious flavors and rounds out the plate nicely. Plus, it’s great for soaking up any extra sauce from the elote!

Classic Refried Beans

Don’t forget about refried beans! They’re a staple in Mexican cuisine and pair wonderfully with elote. Creamy, savory beans will complement the sweet corn, making for a satisfying combination that’s sure to please everyone.

With these serving suggestions, your Mexican Street Corn Elote will shine as part of a delightful, mouthwatering meal. Enjoy the flavors, and don’t forget to share the joy with your loved ones!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Alright, so you’ve made this amazing Mexican Street Corn Elote and there are some leftovers (if you’re lucky!). Here’s how to store and reheat it so you can enjoy that deliciousness again!

Storing Leftovers

First things first, let your elote cool down to room temperature before you put it away. Once it’s cooled, transfer any leftovers into an airtight container. It’s best to store it in the fridge, where it’ll stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. Just be sure to keep it sealed up tight to prevent it from drying out or absorbing other flavors from the fridge!

Reheating

When you’re ready to enjoy your elote again, there are a couple of ways to reheat it, depending on your preference:

• Stovetop: This method is my favorite! Just add the elote to a skillet over medium-low heat. Stir it gently until it’s warmed through, which should take about 5 minutes. If it seems a little dry, you can add a splash of chicken stock or a bit of water to help it along.
• Microwave: If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too! Place your elote in a microwave-safe bowl and cover it with a damp paper towel to keep it moist. Heat it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until it’s hot. Just be careful not to overheat it, or it might dry out!

And there you have it—easy storage and reheating instructions to keep your Mexican Street Corn Elote as tasty as the first time you made it! Enjoy every bite!

FAQ Section

Q1: What is Mexican Street Corn Elote?
Mexican Street Corn Elote is a delicious traditional dish made from grilled corn on the cob, slathered in a creamy sauce made of mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, and spices, then topped with cotija cheese and fresh herbs. It’s a popular street food in Mexico that brings vibrant flavors to any meal!

Q2: Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh corn?
While fresh corn gives you that authentic taste and texture, you can definitely use frozen corn in a pinch! Just be sure to thaw it completely and drain any excess moisture before sautéing with the sauce. It might not have the same grilled flavor, but it’s still delicious!

Q3: How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
If you’re looking for a dairy-free version of Mexican Street Corn Elote, you can substitute the mayonnaise and sour cream with vegan alternatives. There are plenty of great dairy-free mayo and yogurt options available now. Just be sure to check the labels for any hidden ingredients!

Q4: What can I serve with Mexican Street Corn Elote?
Mexican Street Corn Elote pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, tacos, or even a fresh salad. It’s a versatile side dish that complements many flavors, making it a fantastic addition to any summer gathering or barbecue.

Q5: How do I store leftovers of Mexican Street Corn Elote?
To store leftovers, let your elote cool down to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. It should keep well for about 3 to 4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave!

For more recipes follow me in page Pinterest.

Print