Elote, also known as Mexican street corn, is a beloved and iconic dish in Mexican cuisine. This mouth-watering snack is made by grilling a corn cob and then slathering it with a creamy and tangy mix of mayonnaise, cheese, and spices. It is a popular street food in Mexico and can be found at nearly every corner. However, it's not just a street food, but also a staple dish at family gatherings and celebrations. The combination of flavors and textures in elote is what makes it a crowd-pleaser and a must-try for anyone who loves Mexican food.
Main Ingredients: Mayonnaise, Sour Cream, Feta Cheese, Ancho Chile
This classic elote recipe features grilled corn on the cob slathered in a creamy mixture of mayo, sour cream, and crumbled cotija cheese. The addition of a beer can chicken adds a smoky flavor to the dish and creates a show-stopping centerpiece for your next cookout.
This simple yet delicious recipe calls for seasoning the chicken with a blend of chili powder, garlic, and cumin, then grilling it over a can of beer for a juicy and flavorful result. Serve with a side of elote for the perfect pairing.
If you're looking for a healthier option, this recipe substitutes traditional mayo with Greek yogurt and adds a touch of honey for sweetness. The result is a lighter, but still flavorful, version of elote that pairs perfectly with a beer can chicken.
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Mexican Street Corn Dip (Elote)
Main Ingredients: Corn, Red Onion, Salted Butter, Garlic, Paprika, Chili
This dip takes all the flavors of elote and combines them into a creamy, cheesy, and addictive dip. Serve it alongside your beer can chicken for a delicious and easy appetizer.
For a unique twist on traditional elote, try this recipe that adds a light and refreshing mango salsa to the mix. The sweetness of the mango complements the spiciness of the chili powder and the tanginess of the lime, making for a delicious pairing with grilled beer can chicken.
This recipe takes a different approach by grilling the chicken first and then serving it on a bed of elote. The result is a flavorful and juicy chicken with a creamy and spicy corn topping.
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Elote Corn (Mexican Street Corn)
Main Ingredients: Vegetable Oil, Corn, Mayonnaise, Sour Cream, Garlic
This recipe takes a shortcut by using canned corn instead of fresh, making it a quick and easy side dish for your beer can chicken. The addition of diced jalapenos and a squeeze of lime juice adds a little extra kick to the dish.
This recipe adds a smoky twist by using smoked paprika and smoked gouda cheese in the creamy elote topping. The result is a unique and delicious combination of flavors that pairs perfectly with a smoky beer can chicken.
If you're a fan of spice, this recipe is for you. The chicken is marinated in a blend of chili peppers and hot sauce, then grilled to perfection and served with a side of elote for a fiery and flavorful meal.
This recipe takes a different approach by grilling the corn in foil packets instead of directly on the grill. This method helps the corn steam and become tender, while also adding a smoky flavor. Serve with a tasty beer can chicken for a delicious and easy meal.
This dip combines all the classic flavors of elote with the creaminess of a dip, making it perfect for parties or game day. Serve with some grilled beer can chicken for a crowd-pleasing meal.
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Grilled Mexican Street Corn (Elote)
Main Ingredients: Mayonnaise, Sour Cream, Fresh Lime Juice, Garlic, Salt
This recipe takes a unique spin by adding a layer of shredded cheese to the chicken before grilling, creating a deliciously cheesy and melty topping. Serve with a side of elote for a tasty and filling meal.
This refreshing salad combines all the flavors of elote with the addition of black beans and avocado for a hearty and nutritious meal. Serve with a chilled beer can chicken for a perfect summer dinner.
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Crockpot Mexican Street Corn & Chicken Chowder
Main Ingredients: Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts, Garlic, Chicken
This recipe combines all the flavors of elote with the comfort of a creamy chowder. Simply throw all the ingredients in a crockpot and come back to a delicious and hearty meal. Serve with a side of beer can chicken for a complete and satisfying dinner.
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Mexican Street Corn Salad (Elote Deconstructed)
Main Ingredients: Corn On The Cob, Olive Oil, Red Onion, Green Bell
This deconstructed version of elote adds a fun and unique twist to traditional beer can chicken. Simply grill the corn and chicken separately, then mix all the ingredients together for a flavorful and colorful dish.
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Mexican Street Corn Salad (Elote Salad)
Main Ingredients: Fresh Corn, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Mayonnaise, Sour
This salad takes the classic flavors of elote and turns it into a light and refreshing side dish. The addition of cherry tomatoes and fresh cilantro add a burst of color and flavor to the dish. Serve alongside some grilled beer can chicken for a complete and delicious meal.
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Mexican Street Corn Salad with Black Beans – Elote...
Main Ingredients: Oil, Corn, Black Beans, Smoked Paprika, Sweet Paprika
This hearty salad adds black beans for some extra protein and fiber, making it a perfect side dish for a beer can chicken. The addition of fresh avocado adds a creamy and refreshing element to the dish.
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2 Steps for Elote Mexican Street Corn - Summers
Main Ingredients: Corn, Mayonnaise, Chili Powder, Grated Cotija Cheese
This simple and easy recipe takes only two steps to make delicious elote. Simply grill the corn and mix together a creamy and spicy sauce to slather on top. Serve with a side of beer can chicken for a flavorful and satisfying meal.
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Mexican Street Corn Salsa
Main Ingredients: Corn, Jalapeno, Chili Powder, Salt, Lime, Fresh
This salsa takes all the flavors of elote and turns it into a delicious and versatile condiment. Serve it alongside your beer can chicken for a refreshing and flavorful twist.
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Elote Mexican Street Corn Nachos with Zesty Cheese...
Main Ingredients: Butter, Flour, Milk, Chili Powder, Cumin, Garlic
This fun and unique recipe combines all the flavors of elote with the crunch of nachos for a delicious and satisfying snack. Perfect for game day or a movie night at home, serve this alongside some beer can chicken for a complete and tasty meal.
The History of Elote
The Origins
The origins of elote can be traced back to the indigenous people of Mexico, who have been eating corn for thousands of years. Corn was a staple food in their diet and they had many different ways of preparing it, including boiling, roasting, and grinding it into flour. However, it wasn't until the Spanish conquistadors arrived in Mexico in the 16th century that elote, as we know it today, came into existence. The Spanish introduced dairy products, such as cheese and butter, which were then incorporated into the traditional corn dishes, resulting in the birth of elote.
The Evolution of Elote
Over the centuries, elote has evolved and adapted to the changing times and tastes. In the 1800s, street vendors began selling elote on the streets of Mexico City, making it a popular snack among the working class. As Mexico urbanized, elote became more accessible and affordable, and its popularity spread throughout the country. Today, elote is not only sold on the streets but also in upscale restaurants, where it is often served as an appetizer or side dish.
The Recipe for Authentic Mexican Elote
Ingredients:
4 ears of corn, husks removed
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup sour cream
1/2 cup crumbled queso fresco or feta cheese
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 lime, cut into wedges
Fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions:
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
Grill the corn, turning occasionally, until it is slightly charred, about 10 minutes.
While the corn is grilling, mix together the mayonnaise, sour cream, chili powder, and cayenne pepper in a small bowl.
Remove the corn from the grill and brush the mayonnaise mixture over each ear of corn.
Sprinkle queso fresco or feta cheese on top of the mayonnaise mixture.
Squeeze a lime wedge over each ear of corn and sprinkle with chopped cilantro.
Serve hot and enjoy your authentic Mexican elote!
Final Thoughts
Elote may seem like a simple dish, but its history and evolution make it a rich and culturally significant part of Mexican cuisine. With its bold flavors and satisfying crunch, it's no wonder that elote has become a beloved dish not just in Mexico, but all around the world. So next time you're craving a taste of Mexico, give this authentic elote recipe a try and transport yourself to the bustling streets of Mexico City.