Elote-Spiced Cornmeal Pancakes with Lime Crema & Charred Corn

Elote, Mexico’s iconic street corn, inspires these fluffy cornmeal pancakes kissed with chili powder. Fresh kernels fold into the batter, then the stack gets lime crema and charred corn for brunch that tastes like a sunny market stall.

Serves 4 · 15 min prep · 20 min cook

Estimate for one serving

• 445 cal
• 13g protein
• 52g carbs
• 21g fat
• 5g fiber

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Ingredients

• 1 cup fine cornmeal
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 3/4 tsp kosher salt
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 2 large eggs
• 1 1/4 cups buttermilk
• 3 tbsp melted butter
• 1 1/2 cups fresh sweet corn kernels
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 2 tbsp mayonnaise
• 2 lime
• 1/3 cup cotija cheese
• 3 tbsp chopped cilantro
• 2 tbsp neutral oil for griddle

Instructions

1. 1In a large bowl whisk together cornmeal, flour, baking powder, sugar, salt, and chili powder until evenly combined.
2. 2In a separate bowl beat the eggs with buttermilk and melted butter; pour into the dry ingredients and stir just until a thick batter forms—small lumps are fine.
3. 3Fold one cup of the fresh corn kernels into the batter and let it rest 5 minutes while the griddle heats.
4. 4Heat a large griddle or nonstick skillet over medium heat and lightly oil the surface; it is ready when a drop of water sizzles.
5. 5Scoop 1/4-cup portions of batter onto the griddle, spacing them apart; cook until bubbles form on top and the edges look set, about 2 1/2 to 3 minutes.
6. 6Flip carefully and cook the second side until golden brown and cooked through, another 2 minutes; keep finished pancakes warm in a 200°F oven.
7. 7Meanwhile, char the remaining corn kernels in a dry hot skillet for 3 to 4 minutes until blistered in spots; set aside.
8. 8Stir sour cream, mayonnaise, juice and zest of one lime, and salt into a smooth lime crema.
9. 9Stack three pancakes per plate, drizzle generously with lime crema, and top with charred corn, crumbled cotija, and cilantro.
10. 10Serve with extra lime wedges for squeezing and a light dusting of chili powder if you want more heat.