Fiesta in a Fritter
Craving the irresistible flavors of Mexican street corn but looking for a more shareable, less messy way to enjoy it? Look no further! These Miniature 'Elote' Fritters capture all the sweet corn goodness, the smoky chili kick, and the tangy lime zest of classic Elote in a crispy, golden bite. Served with a cool lime-cilantro crema and a sprinkle of salty Cotija cheese, these little fritters are a fiesta for your taste buds!
Here in Lexington, while we love our Southern traditions, we also embrace vibrant flavors from around the globe. And there's something truly magical about the combination of sweet corn, smoky chili, and bright lime – a flavor profile that sings in the beloved Mexican street food, Elote.
But let's be honest, as delicious as a grilled ear of corn slathered in creamy, spicy mayo can be, it's not always the most convenient appetizer for a party. That's where our Miniature 'Elote' Fritters come in!
We've taken the essence of Elote – the sweet corn kernels, the subtle heat of chili, the creamy coating – and transformed it into a delightful, bite-sized fritter that's perfect for sharing. These little nuggets are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with that signature Elote flavor.
And the best part? They're surprisingly easy to make! We'll whip up a simple batter, fold in the star ingredients, and then pan-fry or even bake these little flavor bombs until golden. A dollop of our tangy lime-cilantro crema and a dusting of salty Cotija cheese take them completely over the top.
These Miniature 'Elote' Fritters are:
- Perfectly Poppable: Bite-sized and easy to grab.
- Flavor-Packed: Bursting with the sweet, smoky, and zesty notes of Elote.
- Crowd-Pleasing: A unique and delicious appetizer that everyone will love.
- Versatile: Great for Cinco de Mayo, summer barbecues, or any time you're craving a little fiesta!
Ready to bring some sunshine to your appetizer spread? Let's get cooking!
Miniature 'Elote' Fritters with Lime-Cilantro Crema & Cotija Dust
Crispy and flavorful corn fritters inspired by Mexican street corn, served with a zesty lime-cilantro crema and a sprinkle of salty Cotija cheese.
Yields: Approximately 24-30 small fritters Prep time: 25 minutes Cook time: 20-25 minutes
Ingredients:
For the Fritters:
- 2 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels (if frozen, thawed and drained)
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup cornmeal
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- ¼ cup milk
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 green onion, thinly sliced
- Vegetable oil, for frying (or cooking spray for baking)
For the Lime-Cilantro Crema:
- ½ cup sour cream (or Mexican crema)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- ½ teaspoon lime zest
- Pinch of salt
For the Cotija Dust:
- 2-4 tablespoons Cotija cheese, finely grated
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Batter: * In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cornmeal, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper (if using), baking powder, salt, and pepper. * In a separate bowl, whisk together the lightly beaten eggs and milk. * Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, whisking until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay. * Gently fold in the corn kernels, chopped cilantro, and sliced green onion.
2. Cook the Fritters (Frying Method): * Pour about ½ inch of vegetable oil into a large skillet over medium heat. Heat until the oil is shimmering (around 350°F/175°C). * Drop tablespoons of the batter into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. * Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. * Remove the fritters with a slotted spoon and drain on a wire rack lined with paper towels. * Repeat with the remaining batter, adding more oil to the pan if needed.
3. Cook the Fritters (Baking Method - Lighter Option): * Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet with cooking spray. * Drop tablespoons of the batter onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each fritter. * Bake for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until golden brown and cooked through.
4. Make the Lime-Cilantro Crema: * In a small bowl, combine the sour cream (or Mexican crema), chopped cilantro, lime juice, lime zest, and salt. Stir well to combine. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
5. Assemble and Serve: * Arrange the cooked fritters on a serving platter. * Dollop each fritter with a small amount of the lime-cilantro crema. * Sprinkle generously with finely grated Cotija cheese. * Serve immediately and enjoy the fiesta!
Nutritional Estimate (per fritter, approximate):
- Calories: 50-70 (depending on size and cooking method)
- Protein: 2-3g
- Fat: 2-4g (higher if fried)
- Carbohydrates: 6-8g
(Note: This is an estimate and will vary based on specific ingredient amounts and cooking method.)
A Little Taste of Mexico, Made Easy!
These Miniature 'Elote' Fritters are a fun, flavorful, and fuss-free way to enjoy the iconic taste of Elote. Whether you fry them for extra crispiness or bake them for a lighter option, they're sure to be a hit at your next gathering. So grab some fresh corn, whip up that zesty crema, and get ready to experience a little fiesta in every bite! ¡Buen Provecho!
