By Elote (Mexican Street Corn) Fritters with Lime Crema is a comfort-food classic made simpler for home cooks. With everyday ingredients and reliable technique, it delivers big flavor with little effort.
Elote (Mexican Street Corn) Fritters with Lime Crema captures the essence of drinks while staying approachable for everyday cooking. The method focuses on maximizing flavor with minimal steps, using common pantry items and fresh ingredients. From the first bite you’ll notice a balance of texture and taste that feels both familiar and exciting. To build depth, we combine proper seasoning with simple techniques: gentle heat for aromatics, accurate measurements, and attention to doneness. Small details—like resting time or layering ingredients—make a noticeable difference in the final dish. This recipe is designed to be flexible. You can swap in seasonal produce, adjust spices to match your preferences, or adapt the base to suit dietary needs. The goal is to keep the spirit of the dish while letting you tailor it to your kitchen. Serving ideas are wide open: pair with a crisp salad, roasted vegetables, warm bread, or your favorite grains. Leftovers store well and often taste even better the next day as flavors settle. That makes the recipe suitable for meal prep and busy schedules. For best results, read the steps once before you start, assemble ingredients, and cook with confidence. Taste as you go, and don’t be afraid to adjust seasoning. With these principles, Elote (Mexican Street Corn) Fritters with Lime Crema becomes a reliable addition to your rotation—crowd-pleasing, practical, and full of flavor.
INGREDIENTS
Esquites (Corn Mixture):
4 large ears fresh corn, shucked (about 4 cups of kernels)
Vegetable oil for brushing the corn
4 tbsp unsalted butter
1/2 cup sweet onion, small dice
1 jalapeño pepper, cored, seeded, and minced
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 tsp chipotle powder (or ancho or guajillo)
1/2 tsp salt
2 cloves garlic, grated
1/2 cup cilantro, chopped (leaves only)
2 tsps lime zest (from 1 large lime)
2 tbsp fresh lime juice
3/4 cup finely crumbled cotija cheese
Lime Crema:
3/4 cup sour cream
1/4 cup mayonnaise
Zest and juice of 1 lime
1 clove garlic, grated
1/2 tsp salt
Fritter Batter:
1 cup + 6 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
2 large eggs
1 tsp honey
3/4 cup cold beer
PREPARATION STEPS
Prepare the Esquites:
Grill the Corn:
Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Brush the corn with vegetable oil and grill until charred and cooked through, about 10-12 minutes. Rotate occasionally for even cooking.
Once grilled, let the corn cool slightly, then cut the kernels off the cob.
Sauté the Vegetables:
In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced jalapeño, cooking until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Season with 1/4 tsp salt.
Combine Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the grilled corn kernels, sautéed onion and jalapeño, sour cream, mayonnaise, chipotle powder, 1/2 tsp salt, grated garlic, cilantro, lime zest, lime juice, and crumbled cotija cheese. Mix well and set aside.
Prepare the Lime Crema:
In a small bowl, whisk together the sour cream, mayonnaise, lime zest, lime juice, grated garlic, and salt. Adjust seasoning to taste. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Prepare the Fritter Batter:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
In another bowl, beat the eggs and mix in the honey and cold beer until combined.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
Make the Fritters:
Gently fold the esquites mixture into the fritter batter until just combined.
In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium heat (about 1/2 inch deep).
Once the oil is hot, drop spoonfuls of the fritter batter into the oil, flattening them slightly. Fry until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove and drain on paper towels.
Serve:
Serve the Elote Fritters warm with the Lime Crema on the side for dipping. Enjoy the burst of flavors!
ORIGIN
Home-style cooking inspired by classic flavors and modern, reliable methods.
META INFOS
Prep: 10 min | Cook: 0 min | Total: 10 min | Servings: 2 | Calories: ~150 kcal | Difficulty: Easy
BENEFITS
Balanced flavor with approachable prep. Nutrition-friendly options and make-ahead friendly for busy schedules.
OCCASIONS
Weeknight dinners; Family gatherings; Potlucks; Holidays; Picnics; Meal prep
VARIATIONS
Swap seasonal produce; Adjust spices; Offer gluten-free or low-carb options where suitable; Try alternative proteins.
PAIRINGS
Breakfast pastries; Light snacks; Fruit salad
STORAGE
Refrigerate in airtight container 2–4 days; freeze up to 2 months. Reheat gently to preserve texture.
TIPS
Measure accurately; Preheat pans/oven; Avoid overcooking; Taste and adjust seasoning; Rest before slicing when needed.
