Description
This recipe for Frozen Mexican Street Corn lets you enjoy the vibrant flavors of elote anytime. It is a make-ahead, freezer-friendly version of the classic street food, perfect for meal prepping.
Ingredients
Scale
- 6 ears fresh corn, shucked and kernels removed (about 4-5 cups)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream or Mexican crema
- 1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese, plus more for garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro, plus more for garnish
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder, plus more for garnish
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Melt butter in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add the corn kernels and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender and slightly charred. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
- In a large bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, cotija cheese, lime juice, chopped cilantro, chili powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Mix well.
- Add the cooled corn kernels to the mayonnaise mixture. Stir gently to ensure all corn is evenly coated. Taste and adjust salt as needed.
- Divide the mixture into freezer-safe bags or airtight containers. Press out as much air as possible if using bags.
- Freeze flat for up to 3 months.
- To serve, thaw the frozen street corn in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours. You can also gently warm it in a skillet over low heat until heated through, stirring occasionally.
- Garnish with extra cotija cheese, fresh cilantro, and a sprinkle of chili powder before serving.
Notes
- Ensure the corn is completely cool before mixing with the dairy ingredients to prevent separation when freezing.
- For best results, use fresh corn. If fresh corn is unavailable, you can use frozen corn kernels, but cook them according to package directions before proceeding.
- You can adjust the amount of chili powder and cayenne pepper to your preference for spice.
- This recipe is excellent as a side dish, in tacos, or as a topping for nachos.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop, Freezing
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 30mg