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To make elote, you need these simple ingredients: - 4 ears of fresh corn, husked - 1/2 cup mayonnaise - 1/2 cup sour cream - 1 teaspoon chili powder - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1/4 cup crumbled cotija cheese - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped - 1 lime, juiced - Salt and pepper to taste When picking corn, look for ears that feel heavy and firm. The husks should be bright green and tightly wrapped. Check the silk at the top. It should be golden and moist. Fresh corn makes a big difference in taste. Sweet corn adds flavor and juiciness to your elote. If you're looking for a non-dairy option, I recommend using vegan mayonnaise. You can also try coconut yogurt instead of sour cream. These swaps keep the flavor while catering to different diets. Enjoy the same creamy texture without the dairy. First, gather your fresh corn. You need four ears, all husked. Remove the silky threads. Next, rinse the corn under cold water. This step helps clean any dirt. After that, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This will help the corn cook evenly. While the corn grills, let’s whip up the sauce. In a medium bowl, mix together half a cup of mayonnaise and half a cup of sour cream. Then, add one teaspoon of chili powder and half a teaspoon of smoked paprika. Squeeze in the juice of one lime. Lastly, season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir until everything blends well. Place the husked corn directly on the grill. Cook for about ten to twelve minutes. Turn the corn occasionally so it chars evenly. You want it to be tender with nice grill marks. Once done, take the corn off the grill and let it cool for a few minutes. Now, grab a brush or spatula. Generously coat each ear of corn with the elote sauce. Don’t be shy with the sauce! Finally, sprinkle crumbled cotija cheese and chopped cilantro on top. Serve your elote warm, with extra lime wedges for that zesty kick! To get great char on your corn, grill it over medium-high heat. Turn the corn every few minutes. This helps it cook evenly and get those nice grill marks. Aim for about 10-12 minutes of cooking time. You want the corn to be tender and slightly charred. The char adds a smoky flavor that makes the elote even better. Elote is best served hot right off the grill. Place it on a platter and drizzle the elote sauce over each ear. Sprinkle the cotija cheese and cilantro on top. Serve with lime wedges for that extra zing. You can enjoy elote as a side dish or a tasty snack. It pairs well with grilled meats or tacos. One common mistake is not preheating the grill. This can lead to uneven cooking. Another mistake is overcooking the corn, which makes it tough. Be sure to coat the corn evenly with the sauce. If you skip this step, the flavors won’t mix well. Lastly, don’t forget the lime juice; it brightens the dish and adds freshness. {{image_2}} You can make a tasty vegan version of elote. Swap the mayonnaise and sour cream for vegan mayo and cashew cream. Use a plant-based cheese or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy. The spices and lime juice remain the same. This way, you still get that great taste without animal products. Want to spice things up? Add more chili powder or cayenne pepper to your sauce. You can also mix in some diced jalapeños for a fresh kick. Brush the spicy sauce on the corn after it’s grilled. This will give you that extra heat and flavor that many crave. Try some fun twists inspired by other cuisines. For a Korean flair, add gochujang to your sauce. This adds sweetness and heat. If you want a Mediterranean twist, sprinkle feta cheese and drizzle olive oil on top. These variations keep the spirit of elote while adding new tastes. To keep leftover elote fresh, place it in an airtight container. Make sure the corn cools down first. This will help it stay tasty for up to three days in the fridge. If you want to save the sauce, store it separately. This way, you can enjoy the flavors longer. When you’re ready to eat your leftover elote, reheat it carefully. I recommend using a grill or stovetop. Heat it on low to keep that great char. If you use a microwave, do it quickly to avoid soggy corn. Just a minute or two works well. Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice for extra flavor. If you want to freeze elote, it’s best to do so before adding any toppings. Wrap the cooked corn in plastic wrap or foil. Put it in a freezer bag for the best results. You can store it for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw in the fridge overnight. Then, grill it again and add your favorite toppings. This keeps your elote delicious and fun to eat! Elote is a popular Mexican street food. It features grilled corn on the cob. Vendors often sell it in busy markets. The corn is usually slathered with a creamy sauce. This sauce often mixes mayonnaise and sour cream. Many regions in Mexico have their own style. The word "elote" comes from the Nahuatl word "elotl," meaning corn. Street vendors have served elote for many years. It's a fun snack or side dish, enjoyed by all ages. Yes, you can make elote in the oven! If you don’t have a grill, use your oven. First, preheat the oven to 400°F. Place the husked corn on a baking sheet. Roast for about 25 minutes, turning halfway. This will give you tender corn with some char. Then, follow the same steps for the elote sauce. Coat the corn and add toppings just like you would with grilled corn. The classic toppings for elote are the best! Here are some favorites: - Crumbled cotija cheese - Fresh cilantro, chopped - A squeeze of lime juice - Chili powder or smoked paprika You can also get creative! Try adding hot sauce for heat. Or sprinkle some garlic powder for extra flavor. Enjoy mixing and matching toppings to fit your taste! This blog post covered making delicious elote, from choosing fresh corn to grilling it right. You learned how to make the tasty sauce and add unique twists. We shared tips for perfect grilling and common mistakes to steer clear of. By now, you feel ready to try different variations and store leftovers well. Elote is not just a treat; it’s a fun way to explore flavors. Embrace your love for cooking and enjoy every bite of your homemade elote!

Elote Mexican Street Corn

Elevate your summer gatherings with this Elote Fiesta recipe featuring delicious Mexican street corn! With fresh corn grilled to perfection and slathered in a creamy, zesty sauce, this dish is a crowd-pleaser. Ready in just 25 minutes, it combines the flavors of mayonnaise, sour cream, chili powder, and cotija cheese for a mouthwatering experience. Click to explore this flavorful recipe and make your next BBQ unforgettable!
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Ingredients
  

4 ears of fresh corn, husked

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1/2 cup sour cream

1 teaspoon chili powder

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/4 cup crumbled cotija cheese

1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

1 lime, juiced

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat.

    Place the husked corn directly on the grill and cook for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the corn is tender and slightly charred.

      While the corn is grilling, prepare the elote sauce by combining the mayonnaise, sour cream, chili powder, smoked paprika, lime juice, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl. Mix until well blended.

        Once the corn is cooked, remove it from the grill and let it cool for a couple of minutes.

          Using a brush or a spatula, generously coat each ear of corn with the elote sauce.

            Sprinkle the crumbled cotija cheese and chopped cilantro over the coated corn, ensuring an even distribution.

              Serve immediately with extra lime wedges on the side for added tang if desired.

                Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4