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Perfectly grilled corn on the cob slathered in a creamy, tangy sauce, then rolled in cotija cheese and sprinkled with chili powder. This classic Mexican street food is the ultimate summer side dish, ready in under 25 minutes.
For 4 servings
Prepare Grill and Toppings
Grill the Corn
Assemble the Elote
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Perfectly grilled corn on the cob slathered in a creamy, tangy sauce, then rolled in cotija cheese and sprinkled with chili powder. This classic Mexican street food is the ultimate summer side dish, ready in under 25 minutes.
This mexican recipe takes 22 minutes to prepare and yields 4 servings. At 437.19 calories per serving with 9.38g of protein, it's a beginner-friendly recipe perfect for side or snack or appetizer.
Garnish and Serve
For a lower-fat option, substitute half of the mayonnaise and crema with plain Greek yogurt. This will add a tangy flavor while reducing calories.
Add a pinch of smoked paprika or chipotle powder to the chili powder for a deeper, smokier flavor profile.
If you don't have a grill, you can boil the corn for 5-7 minutes or roast it in an oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, until tender and lightly browned.
To make esquites (corn in a cup), grill the corn as directed, then slice the kernels off the cob. Mix the kernels with the sauce, cheese, chili powder, and cilantro in a bowl and serve with a spoon.
Corn provides dietary fiber, which is essential for promoting digestive health, regulating blood sugar levels, and helping you feel full and satisfied.
Corn contains beneficial antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin, which are known to support eye health and protect against age-related macular degeneration.
As a source of complex carbohydrates, corn provides a steady release of energy, making it a great choice for fueling your body's activities.
Elote can be part of a balanced diet. The corn itself is a good source of fiber and vitamins. However, the toppings like mayonnaise, crema, and cheese are high in fat and calories. For a healthier version, you can use Greek yogurt and a smaller amount of cheese.
A typical Elote prepared with full-fat ingredients contains approximately 300-400 calories per ear, depending on the size of the corn and the amount of toppings used.
If you can't find Cotija cheese, the best substitutes are crumbled feta cheese for its salty, crumbly texture, or finely grated Parmesan cheese for a similar salty, savory flavor.
Elote is grilled corn served on the cob. Esquites, also known as 'corn in a cup', uses the same ingredients but the corn kernels are sliced off the cob and mixed with the sauce, cheese, and toppings in a cup to be eaten with a spoon.
Elote is best served fresh and hot off the grill. However, you can prepare the components in advance: the creamy sauce can be made and refrigerated, and the cheese can be crumbled. Grill and assemble the corn just before serving for the best texture and flavor.
No, while grilling provides the classic charred flavor, you can also boil the corn for 5-7 minutes or roast it in an oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes until tender.