1 Serving Sides-Elotes 220 calories. Elotes are a popular Mexican street food made with grilled corn on the cob. They are an excellent option for anyone looking for a quick and easy side dish that packs a ton of flavor.
Elotes are typically grilled and then coated in a mixture of spices, cheese, and mayonnaise. They can be served as a snack or a side dish for grilled meats. Elotes are also low in calories, making them a great option for anyone watching their waistline.
In this article, we'll explore some practical tips and strategies for making the perfect elotes. We'll also look at some tasty variations on the classic recipe, so you can mix things up and keep your taste buds happy.
Grilled Elotes with Cotija Cheese and Cilantro
To make this recipe, start by grilling your corn on the cob until it's nicely charred. Then, brush it with mayonnaise, roll it in crumbled cotija cheese, and sprinkle with chopped cilantro. The combination of sweet corn, tangy cheese, and fresh cilantro is irresistible. This recipe is perfect as a side dish for grilled meats, or as a snack on its own. If you can't find cotija cheese, feta or parmesan cheese works just as well. You can also experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the recipe to your liking.
Mexican Street Corn Salad with Avocado
To make the salad, slice grilled corn off the cob and toss it with diced avocado, chopped tomatoes, and a squeeze of lime juice. Season with salt and pepper, and serve with tortilla chips on the side. This salad is light, refreshing, and packed with flavor. It's perfect for a summer barbecue or a quick lunchtime snack. If you're feeling adventurous, you can also add in other ingredients like black beans, red onions, or cilantro to customize the recipe to your liking.
Elotes Tacos with Lime Crema
To make the tacos, start with grilled corn on the cob and slice the kernels off. Toss the kernels with diced red onion, chopped cilantro, and lime juice. Spoon the mixture onto small corn tortillas, and top with a dollop of lime crema (made by combining sour cream and lime juice). These tacos are crunchy, fresh, and packed with flavor. They're perfect for a quick lunch or a summer dinner party. If you're not a fan of cilantro, you can substitute it with other herbs like parsley or basil.
Elotes Dip with Chips
To make the dip, start with grilled corn on the cob and slice the kernels off. Mix the kernels with cream cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, and chili powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This dip is rich, creamy, and spicy. It pairs perfectly with tortilla chips or fresh vegetables, and is sure to be a hit with everyone at the party. If you're not a fan of spicy food, you can dial back on the chili powder or substitute it with other seasonings like paprika or cumin.
Elotes Baked Potato
Start by baking a large potato until it's tender. Then, cut it open and stuff it with grilled corn kernels, chopped bacon, and shredded cheese. Broil until the cheese is melted and bubbly. This recipe is a delicious twist on the classic loaded baked potato. It's perfect for a quick lunch or a comfort food dinner. If you're not a fan of bacon, you can substitute it with other ingredients like diced ham, grilled chicken, or sautéed mushrooms.
Elotes Fritters with Chili Mayo
To make the fritters, start by combining grilled corn kernels with flour, eggs, baking powder, and chopped green onions. Fry in hot oil until golden brown, and serve with a spicy chili mayo dipping sauce (made by combining mayonnaise and chili garlic sauce). These fritters are crunchy, spicy, and packed with flavor. They're perfect for a summer barbecue or a cocktail party. If you're not a fan of spicy food, you can dial back on the chili garlic sauce or substitute it with other seasonings like honey mustard or ranch dressing.
Elotes Stuffed Peppers
Start by grilling bell peppers until they're nicely charred. Then, slice the tops off and remove the seeds and ribs. Stuff the peppers with a mixture of grilled corn kernels, black beans, diced tomatoes, and shredded cheese. Bake in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly. These stuffed peppers are healthy, delicious, and easy to make. They're perfect for a quick dinner or a meal prep. If you're not a fan of bell peppers, you can substitute them with other vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or portobello mushrooms.
Elotes Skillet Nachos
To make the nachos, layer tortilla chips in a cast-iron skillet and top with a mixture of grilled corn kernels, black beans, diced tomatoes, and shredded cheese. Bake in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Top with chopped cilantro and a drizzle of lime juice. These nachos are crunchy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. They're perfect for a movie night or a game day snack. If you're not a fan of black beans, you can substitute them with other ingredients like ground beef, shredded chicken, or refried beans.
Grilled Chicken with Elotes
Start by grilling chicken breasts until they're cooked through. Then, serve them alongside grilled corn on the cob coated in a mixture of spices, cheese, and mayonnaise. This recipe is a delicious, balanced meal that's perfect for a summer dinner or a weeknight meal. If you're not a fan of chicken, you can substitute it with other proteins like steak, shrimp, or tofu.
Elotes Mac and Cheese
To make the mac and cheese, start by cooking elbow pasta until it's al dente. Then, mix in a cheese sauce made with cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, and chili powder. Fold in grilled corn kernels, diced tomatoes, and chopped cilantro. This mac and cheese is cheesy, creamy, and packed with flavor. It's perfect for a comfort food dinner or a potluck party. If you're not a fan of chili powder, you can substitute it with other seasonings like cumin or smoked paprika. You can also add in other ingredients like diced jalapeños, bell peppers, or black beans to customize the recipe to your liking.
Elotes are a versatile dish that can be served in many different ways. Whether you're looking for a quick snack, a side dish for your grilled meats, or a main course, elotes are a delicious and satisfying option. With so many variations on the classic recipe, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
Frequently Asked Questions about Elotes
1. What are Elotes?
Elotes are a popular Mexican street food dish consisting of grilled or boiled corn on the cob, usually coated in mayonnaise, cheese, and spices.
2. How many calories are in one serving of Elotes?
One serving of Elotes typically contains around 220 calories.
3. Are Elotes healthy?
Elotes can be a healthy snack option; corn is a good source of fiber and vitamins, and the mayonnaise and cheese can be substituted for a healthier alternative like Greek yogurt or feta cheese.
4. Can Elotes be made without dairy?
Yes, Elotes can be made without dairy; there are many vegan and non-dairy alternatives to the mayonnaise and cheese, such as cashew-based cream or nutritional yeast.
5. Where can I buy Elotes?
Elotes are commonly sold by street vendors in Mexico and other Latin American countries, and can also be found at many Mexican restaurants. Some grocery stores also sell pre-made Elotes in the frozen food section.