How to make elote or Mexican street corn
Elote is a very popular Mexican food that is growing in popularity in the states. Many want to know how to make elote or Mexican street corn.
Elote is quite simple to make, and it tastes delicious too.
We have a couple of recipes that you can use if you would like to learn how to make elote. First, what exactly is elote?
What is Elote?
Elote means “corn cob” in Spanish. Mexican elote is grilled corn on the cob that is covered in a cream sauce. This cream sauce is made of mayo, and it is garnished with ancho chile powder, cotija cheese, and lime wedge.
This delicious food is very messy but worth every bit. Your hands and face will be covered with juicy corn. The charred corn on the cob is usually grilled, but it can also be steamed or boiled.
It is usually served with a wooden skewer to help with the mess you will make. If you are not a fan of getting messy when you eat, there are also esquites.
Esquites are similar to elote, except this is corn off the cob with a sauce that is much like elote. It is a creamy mayo mix that is served in a cup.
If you hear the word “elotes or esquites,” they are usually sold from street vendors with street carts. In Mexico, this is very common.
Both of these corn side dishes are very delicious. They are great for eating at any time.
Many people have elote as an afternoon or night snack. It is a great summertime side item that can go with burgers, steaks, Southwestern dinners, and more.
Why is it so popular?
One of the main reasons that elote is so popular is that corn is a very versatile crop, and there is a lot. The Mexican elote is very popular street food in Mexico City. There are vendors of elote everywhere.
There are street vendors now in the United States too. They also sell elote, especially during holidays, festivals, parades, and more.
Elote is one of the most authentic Mexican foods. Native tribes all knew that sweet corn was crucial as a crop and can be eaten in many ways. Most of the natives would eat the corn of the cob.
No one was really worried about proper ways to eat corn. They were hungry and on the go. The recipes for elote have been passed down from many generations.
The recipes are more than one hundred years old.
Why is it called Mexican street corn?
Photo Credit: Delish.com
In Spanish, “elote” means corn. It comes from the word “elotitutl.” This word means “tender cob.” In the early days, Latin American culture used this word to tell others that their crops were ready and easy to transport.
Many tribes were on the move in the early days, and this food traveled well and was easy to cook and eat on the go. The corn on the cob treat has grown very popular in the streets of Mexico City and has become a staple in Mexico.
This is why it is called Mexican street corn. There are vendors and stands selling elote all over Mexico.
If you cannot get enough of elote, we have a recipe for you to try and enjoy. Making your elote from scratch is delicious and can save you money.
How do you make an Elote from scratch?
There are several recipes available online, but we found a recipe for elote that is the best.
How To Make Homemade Elote
Ingredients
- 4 Ears of Corn husked
- Two tablespoons Mayonnaise
- Two tablespoons Sour Cream or Mexican Crema
- Garlic
- ½ cup Queso Fresco or Cotija Cheese Crumbles or Parmesan Cheese (If you cannot find cotija cheese, these are alternatives)
- Chili Powder
- Cayenne Pepper
- Cilantro
- Kosher Salt
- 1 Lime Wedge or Lime Juice
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Instructions
- Cook the corn. You can grill the corn or cook it on a stovetop or in an instant pot. If you cook the corn on the stove, take a big pot and fill it with water and salt.
- Bring water to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Add the ears of corn and cook until they are tender—usually about ten minutes.
- Make sure the water is over the top of the corn when you cook them.
- Spread melted butter all over the corn & grill lightly until the corn has a slight char on all of the sides.
- Mix the mayonnaise and Mexican crema, then brush corn with a thin layer of the mayonnaise mixture. This makes the creamy sauce that makes elote so yummy.
- Sprinkle generously with cotija cheese and then desired amount of chili powder.
- Serve garnished with cilantro and a lime wedge on the side. Some recipes call for a squeeze of lime. It is up to you what to use.
Nutrition Facts
- Servings: 4g
- Calories: 648kcal
- Carbs: 82g
- Protein: 24g
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Cholesterol: 87 mg
- Sodium: 1225 mg
Summary
Mexican street corn or elote is a delicious side dish sold from street vendors all over Mexico and now more in the states.
This yummy treat is growing in popularity in the states, and you can see more and more vendors selling it around cities. If you happen to go to Mexico for vacation, work, or see the history, you may see many street corn vendors.
The big cities have many street corn vendors, especially during holidays, festivals, parades, and more. Many of these vendors make their living wages by selling Mexican street corn every day.
The recipe for Mexican street corn is very delicious, and you will love the recipe so much. Elote is not always the healthiest option. However, it is one of the most delightful foods in Mexico.
You will love the elote, but you may have to bring a change of clothes when eating this messy side dish.
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