Elote Recipe Canned Corn With Smoky Harissa And Toasted Pistachios

Name: elote recipe canned corn
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 9 min
Total time: 14 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 15 oz (425 g) canned whole kernel corn, drained and patted very dry; 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil; 0.25 cup (60 g) mayonnaise (vegetable oil based); 0.25 cup (60 g) sour cream or Mexican crema; 1 tbsp (15 ml) fresh lime juice; 1 tbsp (15 ml) harissa paste; 0.5 cup (50 g) Cotija cheese, crumbled; 1 tsp (5 g) chili powder, plus additional for garnish; 0.25 tsp (1 g) sea salt, or to taste; 0.25 cup (30 g) shelled pistachios, lightly toasted and roughly chopped; 0.25 cup (15 g) fresh cilantro, finely chopped, plus a small sprig for garnish

If you’re anything like me, you sometimes crave those vibrant, tangy street food flavors right at home, and this easy elote recipe canned corn delivers! It transforms humble canned corn into an irresistible side with a smoky char and creamy finish, ready in minutes. This dish is perfect for those busy weeknights, offering a delicious and family-friendly option that’s truly a favorite for our taco Tuesdays.

What You’ll Need (Ingredients & Their Roles)

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to this delicious elote recipe canned corn. Each component plays a vital role in creating its irresistible flavor and texture.

425 g (15 oz) canned whole kernel corn, drained and patted very dry: The sweet, hearty base for our dish. Ensure it’s very dry for optimal charring.
15 ml (1 tbsp) olive oil: For browning and creating that desirable smoky char on the corn kernels.
60 g (1/4 cup) mayonnaise (vegetable oil based): Provides the essential creamy richness for the dressing. Opt for light mayonnaise for a healthier choice.
60 g (1/4 cup) sour cream or Mexican crema: Adds tangy depth and moisture to the sauce (you can use Greek yogurt for a lighter alternative).
15 ml (1 tbsp) fresh lime juice: Brightens and balances all the flavors with its essential citrusy zest.
15 ml (1 tbsp) harissa paste: Delivers a unique smoky warmth and complex flavor to the dressing (check that it’s free from non-permissible ingredients).
50 g (1/2 cup) Cotija cheese, crumbled: Offers authentic salty, crumbly goodness (feta cheese is a good substitute if you don’t have Cotija).
5 g (1 tsp) chili powder, plus additional for garnish: A gentle warmth and vibrant color, complementing the harissa.
1 g (1/4 tsp) sea salt, or to taste: Enhances and balances the overall taste profile of your elote recipe canned corn.
30 g (1/4 cup) shelled pistachios, lightly toasted and roughly chopped: Adds a delightful crunch and nutty counterpoint to the creamy corn.
15 g (1/4 cup) fresh cilantro, finely chopped, plus a small sprig for garnish: Provides essential freshness and a vibrant herbal aroma.

Canned corn is a pantry staple, always ready for quick meals, while fresh lime and cilantro are widely available for bright, healthy eating.

Cooking Method, Simplified

Crafting this delicious elote recipe canned corn is straightforward. Follow these steps for the best results, transforming simple ingredients into a flavorful dish.

Prepare the Corn: Thoroughly drain the 425g (15 oz) canned whole kernel corn and pat it very dry with paper towels. This ensures proper browning later; if it’s too wet, it will steam instead of char. This takes about 1 minute.
Char the Corn: Heat the 15 ml (1 tbsp) olive oil in a large non-stick skillet or cast-iron pan (I typically use my 10-inch skillet for this) over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Add the drained, dried corn kernels. Cook for 7-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until many kernels show a lovely light char and are tender-crisp. You’ll hear a gentle sizzle and see golden-brown spots.
Make the Dressing: While the corn cools slightly in a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the 60g (1/4 cup) mayonnaise, 60g (1/4 cup) sour cream or crema, 15ml (1 tbsp) fresh lime juice, 15ml (1 tbsp) harissa paste, 5g (1 tsp) chili powder, and 1g (1/4 tsp) sea salt in a small bowl. Whisk until the dressing is smooth and well combined, looking vibrant and creamy. This takes about 2-3 minutes.
Combine: Pour the harissa-lime dressing over the warm charred corn kernels. Stir gently until every kernel is evenly coated with the rich, creamy sauce. The aroma will be wonderfully spicy and citrusy. This step takes about 1 minute.
Garnish and Serve: Transfer the elote to a serving bowl. Sprinkle generously with the 50g (1/2 cup) crumbled Cotija cheese, ensuring an even distribution. Artfully scatter the 30g (1/4 cup) toasted, chopped pistachios and 15g (1/4 cup) finely chopped fresh cilantro over the cheese. For a final visual pop, dust lightly with extra chili powder and add a small cilantro sprig. Serve immediately while still warm, enjoying this family-friendly healthy eating side.

For a quicker take on this elote recipe canned corn, you can skip the charring step and simply mix the drained corn with the dressing ingredients. While it won’t have the smoky depth, it’s still a delicious, quick cooking option for busy days.

Perfect Moments to Serve Elote Recipe with Canned Corn

This vibrant elote recipe with canned corn fits seamlessly into so many meal times. It’s fantastic for family dinners, a colorful addition to casual gatherings, or a highlight at summer BBQs. Make it a new tradition for your Taco Tuesday!

Occasion Tweaks: Serve in small cups for individual portions at parties, perfect for guests to grab and enjoy. For easy meal prep, make a larger batch and store it.
Pairing Ideas: This creamy, tangy side is excellent with grilled chicken or fish, alongside your favorite tacos and burritos, or as a vibrant accompaniment to quesadillas. Enjoy it with a refreshing agua fresca.

Nutrition and Wellness Benefits

An elote recipe with canned corn can certainly be part of balanced eating. Canned corn offers fiber and important nutrients, while the cheese and mayo provide satisfying fats and a bit of protein for a well-rounded dish.

Vegetarian-Friendly: A delicious plant-based side dish that everyone can enjoy.
Gluten-Free: Naturally gluten-free; just ensure your chili powder is pure.
Lower-Carb Option: For a carb-conscious approach, reduce the corn portion and increase the cotija cheese and fresh cilantro.
Healthy Family Meals: An easy way to introduce vibrant flavors and get more veggies on the plate for the whole family.
Meal Prep Recipes: Portion this out for controlled servings as a flavorful side dish.
Protein-Packed Snacks: A small serving can be a satisfying, protein-rich snack.

Everyday Practical Benefits

This elote recipe with canned corn truly simplifies your cooking. It offers fantastic time savings, affordability, and overall convenience for modern lifestyles.

Time Savings: Ready in under 15 minutes, making it perfect for last-minute meals or when hunger strikes.
Affordability: Uses pantry staples like canned corn, keeping it a budget-friendly option for any family.
Convenience: With minimal cooking steps and simple cleanup, it’s a fuss-free dish.
Quick Cooking: Ideal for busy schedules when you need something delicious fast.
Easy Storage: Stores well for leftovers, making next-day lunches a breeze.
Versatile: Great as a side, a topping for tacos, or even a light snack.

Expert Tips and Flavor Upgrades

To really elevate your elote, try toasting the drained corn in a hot skillet for 5-7 minutes. This step deepens its sweetness and adds a lovely charred flavor that makes all the difference for your elote recipe with canned corn.

For variety, experiment with different seasoning profiles. A pinch of smoked paprika adds a warm, earthy note, or a dash of garlic powder can enhance the savory depth. For those who like more heat, a sprinkle of cayenne pepper works wonders.

Dietary adjustments are easy too! For a vegan elote recipe with canned corn, use dairy-free mayonnaise and a plant-based cheese substitute. It’s simple to make this dish inclusive for everyone.

Common Questions Answered

Can I make this elote recipe with canned corn ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the corn and the creamy sauce mixture a few hours in advance. However, I always hold off on adding the cotija cheese and fresh cilantro until just before serving. This ensures the best texture and vibrant freshness.

What’s the best way to store elote recipe with canned corn for meal prep?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir it well before serving. You can reheat it gently in the microwave for 30-60 seconds or enjoy it chilled. Add fresh cilantro just before eating for a boost of flavor.

Is this elote recipe with canned corn spicy?

This recipe uses chili powder, which provides a mild warmth rather than intense heat. You can easily adjust the amount to suit your family’s spice preference. For those who like it fiery, a dash of hot sauce right before serving is perfect.

Can I use frozen corn instead of canned for this elote recipe?

Absolutely! Thaw the frozen corn first, drain it very well to remove excess moisture, and then proceed with the recipe as directed. The charring step is especially beneficial for frozen corn, adding a lovely depth of flavor.

How can I make this elote recipe with canned corn healthier?

To boost the health factor, use light mayonnaise and swap sour cream for Greek yogurt for extra protein. Also, load up on extra fresh lime juice and cilantro to maximize flavor without adding extra calories.

Where can I find high-quality ingredients for this elote recipe with canned corn?

Most major supermarkets carry all the essential ingredients. You’ll find canned corn, mayonnaise, sour cream, and fresh produce in their usual aisles. Cotija cheese is typically in the specialty cheese section or the Mexican food aisle.

Conclusion

This easy elote recipe with canned corn truly brings the vibrant, authentic flavors of Mexican street corn right to your kitchen, without any of the fuss. It’s a quick, delicious, and family-friendly side that you’ll want to make again and again, perfect for healthy eating and quick meals. Save this recipe for your next meal by pinning it to your Pinterest board!