Cooking With Beer, Whiskey and Spirits

Elote-Style Roasted Turkey

Elote, or Mexican street corn, is a popular dish that combines grilled corn with a creamy, tangy topping of mayo, crema, cotija cheese, and chili powder. This Elote-Style Roasted Turkey takes inspiration from those beloved flavors and incorporates them into a unique turkey marinade. The result is a juicy, flavorful turkey with a golden, creamy crust and a hint of spice. This dish is ideal for Thanksgiving or any special gathering where you want to impress guests with a memorable, fusion-style meal.

Ingredients (Serves 8-10)

Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients and their roles in creating the perfect elote-inspired turkey.

For the Elote Marinade:

• 1 whole turkey (10-12 lbs, thawed if frozen): A medium-sized turkey is ideal for roasting, providing enough meat to serve a group. Make sure it’s fully thawed if previously frozen to ensure even cooking.
• 1 cup Mexican crema (or sour cream): Mexican crema has a tangy, slightly sweet flavor that works well as a marinade base. It’s thicker than sour cream but provides similar creaminess and richness. If you don’t have crema, sour cream is a good substitute.
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise: Mayonnaise adds extra creaminess and helps the marinade adhere to the turkey. It also contributes to the golden color and rich flavor of the skin.
• 1/2 cup cotija cheese (crumbled): Cotija cheese adds a salty, savory element to the marinade, similar to how Parmesan works in some recipes. It also lends a subtle nutty flavor that enhances the dish.
• Juice of 3 limes: Lime juice adds acidity, which helps tenderize the turkey meat while adding a fresh, citrusy flavor that pairs beautifully with the spices and crema.
• 4 cloves garlic (minced): Garlic provides a savory, aromatic flavor that complements the creamy marinade and spices.
• 2 tbsp chili powder: Chili powder brings warmth and mild spice to the marinade, giving the turkey a beautiful color and enhancing the overall flavor profile.
• 1 tsp smoked paprika: Smoked paprika adds a subtle smokiness that complements the chili powder and brings depth to the turkey’s flavor.
• 1 tsp cumin: Cumin adds an earthy, slightly nutty flavor that’s essential in Mexican-inspired dishes, enhancing the flavors of the spices and the marinade.
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat): Cayenne pepper adds a hint of spiciness, which is optional but can be adjusted according to your preference.
• 1/2 tsp black pepper: Black pepper adds a mild kick that balances the flavors of the marinade.
• 1 tbsp salt: Salt is essential for seasoning the turkey and helps to enhance all the other flavors in the marinade.
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro (chopped): Cilantro adds a fresh, herbal note that balances the creaminess and spices in the marinade.

For Roasting:

• 1/4 cup olive oil or melted butter (for brushing): Brushing the skin with olive oil or butter before roasting helps the turkey achieve a golden-brown, crispy finish.
• Salt and black pepper (to taste): These are added to the turkey just before roasting to enhance the final flavor.
• 2 sprigs cilantro (optional, for garnish): Cilantro is used as a garnish to add color and freshness to the finished dish.
• Extra cotija cheese and lime wedges (for garnish): Garnishing with cotija cheese and lime wedges provides a festive touch, allowing guests to add extra brightness to their portions.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Elote MarinadeIn a medium mixing bowl, combine the Mexican crema, mayonnaise, cotija cheese, lime juice, minced garlic, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, cayenne pepper (if using), black pepper, and salt. Whisk until the ingredients are well blended, creating a smooth, creamy mixture.
   • Why Use an Elote Marinade? The combination of crema, lime, and spices in the marinade not only tenderizes the turkey but also infuses it with flavors reminiscent of elote. The crema and mayonnaise add moisture, while the spices provide warmth and depth.
   • Using Cotija Cheese: Cotija cheese is a key ingredient in traditional elote, adding saltiness and a slightly nutty flavor. Its fine crumbles adhere to the turkey, creating a delicious crust as it roasts.
2. Marinate the TurkeyPat the turkey dry with paper towels. Gently loosen the skin on the turkey’s breast and thighs, being careful not to tear it. Rub the elote marinade generously all over the turkey, including under the skin, for deeper flavor penetration. Massage the marinade into the meat for even coverage, making sure it coats every part of the turkey.
   • Marinating Under the Skin: Rubbing some of the marinade under the skin allows the flavors to directly penetrate the meat. This is particularly useful for the breast, as it helps keep the lean meat moist and flavorful.
   • Marinating Time: Cover the turkey with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 4-6 hours, or up to overnight for a stronger flavor. Marinating for at least a few hours allows the flavors to infuse the meat, enhancing its juiciness and taste.
3. Preheat the OvenWhen ready to cook, preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). This moderate temperature is ideal for roasting a turkey, allowing it to cook evenly without drying out.
4. Prepare the Turkey for RoastingRemove the turkey from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This helps the turkey cook more evenly. Place the turkey breast-side up on a roasting rack inside a large roasting pan. Brush the skin with olive oil or melted butter to encourage browning and crisping.
   • Using a Roasting Rack: A roasting rack elevates the turkey, allowing air to circulate around it and ensuring even cooking. It also prevents the bottom of the turkey from sitting in its own juices, helping the skin to become crispy.
   • Season the Skin: Lightly season the outside of the turkey with additional salt and black pepper to enhance the flavor of the skin as it roasts.
5. Roast the TurkeyPlace the turkey in the preheated oven. Roast for approximately 3-4 hours (about 15 minutes per pound), basting the turkey with its own juices every 30 minutes. Basting helps keep the turkey moist and adds flavor to the skin.
   • Checking Temperature: The turkey is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F in the thickest part of the breast and 175°F in the thigh. Using a meat thermometer is the most accurate way to ensure the turkey is fully cooked without drying out.
   • Golden-Brown Skin: The crema and cheese in the marinade, combined with the oil or butter on the skin, help create a golden, flavorful crust on the turkey.
6. Rest and Garnish the TurkeyOnce the turkey reaches the desired temperature, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 20-30 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute within the meat, resulting in tender and juicy slices.
   • Resting for Juiciness: Resting is essential for a moist turkey. Cutting into the meat immediately after roasting causes the juices to escape, but allowing it to rest keeps the juices locked inside.
   • Adding Garnishes: For a festive presentation, garnish the turkey with extra crumbled cotija cheese, chopped cilantro, and lime wedges. These garnishes add color and flavor, letting guests add a bit of brightness to their servings.

Tips for Perfect Elote-Style Roasted Turkey

• Choose the Right Cheese: Cotija cheese is ideal for this recipe due to its crumbly texture and salty flavor. If you don’t have cotija, Parmesan can work in a pinch, but it will bring a slightly different flavor.
• Avoid Over-Marinating: While marinating for several hours enhances the flavor, avoid marinating for more than 24 hours as the acids in the lime juice can start to break down the meat too much.
• Crispy Skin Tip: To ensure crispy skin, pat the turkey dry before applying the marinade, and avoid covering the roasting pan while cooking. Leaving it uncovered allows the skin to brown and crisp up.
• Basting for Moisture: Basting the turkey every 30 minutes with its own juices or a bit of chicken broth adds flavor and moisture, especially for the breast meat.

Flavor Variations and Serving Ideas

1. Spicy Elote Turkey: Add extra cayenne pepper or a few chopped jalapeños to the marinade for a spicier flavor. Serve with sliced jalapeños on the side for guests who enjoy extra heat.
2. Smoky Twist: Add a bit more smoked paprika or a few drops of liquid smoke to the marinade for a smoky, barbecue-like flavor that complements the Mexican-inspired spices.
3. Serve with Mexican-Inspired Sides: Complement the Elote-Style Turkey with sides like Mexican rice, black beans, or a tangy tomato salad for a full, festive meal.
4. Turkey Tacos with Leftovers: Shred leftover turkey and use it as a filling for tacos. Top with fresh salsa, avocado, and a sprinkle of cotija cheese for a quick, flavorful meal.

This Elote-Style Roasted Turkey brings together the creamy, tangy flavors of Mexican street corn with the classic, comforting taste of roast turkey. With a rich, flavorful marinade and a tender, juicy interior, this turkey is sure to be a standout at any holiday gathering or special dinner. Enjoy with your favorite sides for a memorable meal!