Pin it
These delightful Mexican Street Corn Rolls, often called Elote Egg Rolls, take the vibrant and irresistible flavors of classic Mexican street corn and tuck them into a crispy, golden egg roll wrapper. It's a fusion that works beautifully, offering a satisfying crunch followed by a burst of sweet corn, creamy cheese, and a hint of spice, all perfectly complemented by a smooth and tangy avocado dipping sauce. Whether you choose to fry them for extra indulgence or air fry them for a lighter bite, these handheld appetizers are guaranteed to be a hit at your next gathering.
The Key Ingredients for Flavorful Rolls
- Sweet Charred Corn: The star of the filling, charred corn provides a smoky sweetness that is characteristic of elote.
- Creamy Softened Cream Cheese: This forms the rich and creamy base of the filling, binding all the other ingredients together.
- Melted Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded mozzarella adds a lovely melty texture to the filling.
- Spicy Diced Jalapeños: These add a welcome kick of heat to the filling.
- Aromatic Finely Diced Shallot: Shallots offer a milder, slightly sweeter onion flavor.
- Zesty Tajín Chili Lime Seasoning: This popular Mexican seasoning blend enhances the authentic elote flavor.
- Crispy Egg Roll Wrappers: These thin wrappers create the perfect vessel for our flavorful filling.
- Smooth Avocado: The base of our creamy dipping sauce.
- Tangy Sour Cream: Sour cream adds a lovely tanginess and creaminess to the dipping sauce.
- Bright Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice adds a crucial element of acidity.
- Fresh Cilantro: Chopped fresh cilantro adds a vibrant, herbaceous note to the dipping sauce.
Pin it
Crafting Your Mexican Street Corn Rolls
- Prepare the Cream Cheese:
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
- Char the Corn:
- If using fresh corn, grill, broil, or pan-sear the ears until the kernels are nicely charred.
- Mix the Flavorful Filling:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the charred corn kernels, softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, finely diced jalapeños, finely diced shallot, Tajín chili lime seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Set Up Your Rolling Station:
- Prepare a clean work surface for rolling the egg rolls.
- Fill and Roll the Egg Rolls:
- Lay an egg roll wrapper on your work surface in a diamond shape.
- Choose Your Cooking Method:
- Traditional Frying or Air Fryer Method.
- Make the Creamy Avocado Sauce:
- While the egg rolls are cooking, prepare the avocado dipping sauce.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Arrange the crispy Mexican Street Corn Rolls on a serving platter.
These egg rolls beautifully combine the vibrant flavors of Mexican street corn with the satisfying crunch of an Asian-inspired wrapper. The contrast between the warm, savory filling and the cool, tangy dipping sauce makes for a truly delightful appetizer experience that is sure to impress your guests.
Tips for Making Ahead
To save time, you can prepare the corn filling up to 2 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The rolled egg rolls can also be made up to 24 hours before cooking. Arrange them in a single layer on a plate lined with parchment paper, cover them tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. The avocado sauce is best made fresh, but it can be prepared up to 6 hours ahead. To prevent browning, press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the sauce and refrigerate.
Pin it
Ideas for Customization
Get creative with your fillings! Consider adding crumbled cotija cheese to the corn mixture for an extra salty and cheesy element. Chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce can add a smoky heat. A sprinkle of extra Tajín or chili powder over the finished egg rolls can enhance their visual appeal and flavor. For a heartier appetizer, try mixing in some diced cooked chicken or chorizo into the filling.
These Mexican Street Corn Rolls are a fun, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing appetizer that brings together the best of Mexican and Asian cuisines. The combination of crispy, savory, and creamy elements is simply irresistible. Enjoy creating and sharing these unique and delicious bites!
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I prepare these egg rolls ahead of time?
- Yes! You can assemble the egg rolls up to 24 hours ahead and store them in the refrigerator, covered with a slightly damp paper towel and plastic wrap to prevent drying. Alternatively, you can freeze the assembled (uncooked) egg rolls for up to 3 months. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Cook directly from frozen, adding 2-3 minutes to the cooking time.
- → I don't have Tajín seasoning. What can I substitute?
- If you can't find Tajín, you can make a simple substitute by mixing 1/2 teaspoon chili powder, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon lime zest. Alternatively, a pinch of cayenne pepper mixed with some lime zest and salt will provide a similar flavor profile. Old Bay seasoning with a squeeze of lime juice also works in a pinch.
- → Can I make a vegetarian version of this recipe?
- This recipe is already vegetarian! The filling is made with corn, cheese, and vegetables. Just be sure to check your egg roll wrapper ingredients, as some brands may contain egg. For a vegan version, you could substitute the cream cheese with a plant-based alternative, use vegan shredded cheese, and make the dipping sauce with dairy-free sour cream or silken tofu.
- → What else can I serve with these egg rolls for a complete meal?
- These egg rolls make a great starter or party appetizer, but you can turn them into a complete meal by serving them with Mexican rice, black beans, a simple green salad with cilantro-lime dressing, or alongside other Mexican-inspired dishes like quesadillas or tacos. For a fun fusion dinner, pair them with Asian sides like vegetable fried rice or a cabbage slaw with sesame dressing.
- → Can I bake these instead of frying them?
- Yes! While they won't be quite as crispy as fried versions, you can bake these egg rolls in a 425°F (220°C) oven. Place them seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet, brush with oil, and bake for about 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden brown and crisp. The air fryer method mentioned in the recipe is also a great healthier alternative to deep frying.