Grilled corn on the cob is hard to resist on its own. Slather it in mayo, cheese, chili powder, and give it a splash of lime juice, and it’s no wonder that it’s such a popular street food in Mexico, where it’s known as elote.
This elote popcorn recipe brings that addictive combination of flavors to your favorite snack.
Parmesan, garlic, chili powder, and paprika make up the base seasoning, and fresh lime juice and cilantro finish it off. Start with a packet of Oh Sooo Buttery Popcorn in your Popper and the rest comes together fast.
Elote Popcorn Ingredients
- 1 packet Popsmith Oh Sooo Buttery Popcorn
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- Zest from one lime
- Chopped cilantro leaves, to taste
- Lime juice, to taste
How to Make Elote Popcorn
Step 1: Prepare Elote Popcorn Seasoning
Mix parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, and chili powder in a small bowl and set aside.
Step 2: Heat
Set your stove to medium heat and let your Popper preheat for 1 to 2 minutes.
Step 3: Add Oil
Cut open the coconut oil portion of your Oh Sooo Buttery Popcorn packet and squeeze it into the Popper.
GOOD TO KNOW: It's normal for coconut oil to turn solid at room temperature or cooler temperatures. It will melt when heated, just like butter.
Step 4: Add Kernels
Cut the kernel portion of the packet and drop 3 kernels into the pot. Add the remaining kernels after the first one pops, then pour in the buttery salt and cover the Popper.
Step 5: Pop
Turn the Popper’s crank clockwise while the kernels pop. This helps distribute the oil and prevents the kernels from staying in one place.
Step 6: Remove
When popping slows, take the Popper off the heat and pour the popcorn into a big bowl.
Step 7: Season
Gradually sprinkle the elote popcorn seasoning over the popcorn. Shake the bowl well to distribute the flavor evenly, then finish with lime juice and cilantro leaves.
Step 8: Serve
Enjoy your elote popcorn!
More Elote Popcorn Tips
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Go authentic with the cheese. Parmesan works great, but cotija or queso fresco will get you closer to the real elote experience. Either way, nutritional yeast is a solid vegan swap.
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Add the lime last. Lime juice is the finishing touch, not part of the base seasoning. Add it after everything else is distributed so it stays bright and fresh.
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Dial up the heat. More chili powder or a pinch of cayenne if you want it spicier.
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Fresh cilantro is worth it. Dried will do in a pinch, but fresh cilantro makes a real difference here. Don't skip it if you can help it.
- Lime zest + lime juice. The zest goes into the seasoning blend, and the juice goes on at the end. Both. Don't skip either.
The Street Corn Experience, No Cob Required
Savory, tangy, spicy, and gone before the opening credits end. That's elote popcorn for you. Don't just save it for movie night. Serve it on game night or Cinco de Mayo or bring a batch to a picnic. Safe to say, this is one recipe you'll be making regularly.
Ready for your next flavor? Browse all our popcorn recipes. And if you don't have a Popper yet, that's your next move.
