Elote Recipe

Name: Mexican Street Corn (Elote)
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 4 ears of corn on the cob (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

Published: June 3, 2025

by Victoria

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick Preparation: This elote recipe only takes 15 minutes from start to finish, allowing you to whip up a tasty side dish in no time.
Bursting with Flavor: The combination of sour cream, lime, and spices gives this Mexican street corn its signature tangy and savory flavor.
Versatile Dish: Serve it as an appetizer, snack, or side dish for any meal. It pairs well with grilled meats and fresh salads.
Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone loves elotes! It’s a fun and interactive dish that gets people excited about food.
Customizable Options: Feel free to adjust the spice levels or add toppings like hot sauce for extra heat to suit your taste.

Tools and Preparation

To make this elote recipe seamlessly, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment makes preparation easier and ensures excellent results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Grill
Mixing bowl
Basting brush
Knife

Importance of Each Tool

Grill: A grill gives the corn that perfect smoky char that elevates the flavor of this elote recipe.
Mixing bowl: This allows you to blend all the crema dressing ingredients together smoothly.
Basting brush: Use this tool to evenly coat the grilled corn with the creamy dressing for maximum flavor.
Knife: You’ll need a sharp knife for easily shucking the corn and cutting lime wedges.

Ingredients

Ingredients:
– 4 corn on the cob (shucked)
– 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)
– ½ cup cotija cheese
– Lime wedges to serve

For Garnish

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Elote Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Crema Dressing

In a mixing bowl, combine the following ingredients:
1. ⅓ cup sour cream
2. ⅓ cup mayonnaise
3. 1 crushed garlic clove (or 1 tsp garlic paste)
4. Zest of one lime
5. ½ teaspoon chili powder
6. ½ teaspoon paprika
7. ¼ cup chopped cilantro (reserve half for garnish)

Mix everything until smooth and set aside.

Step 2: Grill the Corn

Take your shucked corn on the cob and place it directly on a preheated grill over high heat.
* Turn regularly for about 10 minutes until they begin to char slightly.

Step 3: Dress the Corn

Once grilled, remove the corn from heat.
* Brush each ear generously with the crema dressing you prepared in step one.

Step 4: Add Toppings and Serve

Sprinkle each ear of corn with:
1. ½ cup cotija cheese
2. The juice of one lime
3. The remaining cilantro

Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of freshness!

How to Serve Elote Recipe

Serving elote is an enjoyable experience that allows you to customize each ear of corn to your liking. This dish is perfect for summer gatherings or casual meals, and it pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides and drinks.

Classic Mexican Style

Lime wedges – Fresh lime juice enhances the flavors and adds zest.
Chili powder – A sprinkle of extra chili powder can ramp up the heat.
Additional cilantro – Garnish with more chopped cilantro for a fresh touch.

With Dips

Guacamole – The creaminess of guacamole complements the spiciness of elote perfectly.
Salsa – A fresh tomato salsa can add a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors.
Hot sauce – Drizzling your favorite hot sauce can give your elote an extra kick.

As Part of a Meal

Tacos – Pairing elote with tacos makes for a festive meal.
Grilled meats – Serve alongside grilled chicken or steak for a hearty option.

How to Perfect Elote Recipe

Mastering the art of elote requires attention to detail. Follow these tips to ensure your elote recipe is top-notch every time.

Use fresh corn – Freshly picked corn has the best flavor and sweetness.
Choose quality cheese – Cotija cheese adds authentic flavor; consider using freshly crumbled.
Adjust spice levels – Tailor the chili and paprika according to your taste preference.
Don’t skip grilling – Charring the corn gives it that classic smoky flavor that is essential in authentic elote.
Serve immediately – Elote tastes best fresh off the grill, so serve it right away for maximum enjoyment.

Best Side Dishes for Elote Recipe

Elote pairs well with various side dishes that complement its bold flavors. Here are some excellent options to consider.

Mexican Rice – Fluffy rice cooked with tomatoes and spices adds a nice base for your meal.
Refried Beans – Creamy refried beans provide protein and richness, balancing the dish’s textures.
Chips and Salsa – Crispy tortilla chips served with homemade salsa make for a crunchy appetizer.
Grilled Vegetables – Seasonal veggies grilled alongside elote enhance the meal’s freshness.
Quesadillas – Cheese-filled quesadillas offer a gooey, satisfying bite next to spicy elote.
Ceviche – A light ceviche provides a refreshing contrast, especially on hot days.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making the perfect elote recipe can be tricky. Here are some common mistakes to keep in mind.

Ignoring the corn quality: Always use fresh, sweet corn for the best flavor. Frozen or canned corn won’t provide the same taste and texture.
Overcooking the corn: Grilling corn for too long can lead to tough kernels. Aim for a charred but tender consistency, typically around 10 minutes on high heat.
Skipping the seasoning: The crema dressing is key to an authentic elote recipe. Don’t skimp on spices like chili powder and paprika; they enhance the overall flavor.
Not garnishing enough: Cotija cheese and cilantro add a wonderful texture and flavor. Be generous with these toppings for a truly delicious experience.
Neglecting lime juice: Fresh lime juice brightens up the dish. Be sure to squeeze some over the top right before serving for that extra zing.

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftover elote in an airtight container.
It can stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Elote Recipe

While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze cooked corn.
Wrap individual cobs tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer bag. They can last up to 2 months.

Reheating Elote Recipe

Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and wrap the corn in foil. Heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
Microwave: Place the corn on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel. Microwave for 1-2 minutes, checking regularly.
Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a little butter. Place the corn in the skillet, turning occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an elote recipe?

An elote recipe refers to Mexican street corn, typically grilled and topped with crema, cheese, spices, and lime juice. It’s a popular snack during summer.

Can I make elote without grilling?

Yes, you can boil or roast the corn if grilling isn’t an option. The flavor will differ slightly, but it will still be delicious.

How do I customize my elote recipe?

You can customize your elote by adding different spices or using different types of cheese like feta or Parmesan for varied flavors.

Is an elote recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this elote recipe is naturally gluten-free as it primarily uses corn and dairy ingredients.

Final Thoughts

This elote recipe captures the vibrant flavors of Mexican street food in just 15 minutes! Its creamy dressing and zesty toppings make it perfect as an appetizer or side dish. Feel free to customize with your favorite spices or garnishes to suit your taste preferences. Enjoy making this scrumptious treat at your next summer gathering!