Description
This vibrant Mexican Street Corn Cups recipe brings the authentic flavors of elote in a convenient cup form. Sweet, charred corn kernels are mixed with a creamy blend of mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, and cotija cheese, then seasoned with chili powder and fresh cilantro. Perfect as a flavorful appetizer or side dish, these cups are easy to prepare and serve warm for an irresistible snack.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 cups frozen corn kernels
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 4 tablespoons cream
- 1 lime, juiced
- Salt, to taste
- 1 cup cotija cheese, crumbled
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon butter
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Melt Butter: Melt the butter in a cast iron pan over medium-high heat to prepare for sautéing the corn, ensuring the pan is hot enough to brown the kernels.
- Cook Corn Kernels: Spread the frozen corn kernels evenly in the pan. Pan fry them for 5 to 10 minutes, stirring frequently until the kernels develop a brown, charred appearance but are not burnt. This step enhances the flavor with a smoky touch.
- Transfer Corn: Once browned, transfer the corn to a large bowl to cool slightly and prepare for mixing with other ingredients.
- Combine Mixing Ingredients: Add mayonnaise, sour cream, cream, crumbled cotija cheese, chopped cilantro, lime juice, chili powder, and salt to the bowl with corn. Stir thoroughly to blend all ingredients into a creamy, flavorful mixture.
- Portion into Cups: Divide the blended elote mixture evenly into individual plastic cups for easy serving and presentation.
- Garnish: Sprinkle additional crumbled cotija cheese, chili powder, and fresh cilantro over the top of each cup for extra flavor, visual appeal, and authentic Mexican street corn experience.
- Serve Warm: Serve the Mexican Street Corn Cups immediately while still warm to enjoy the full flavor and creamy texture.
Notes
- Use frozen corn for convenience, but fresh corn can be substituted when in season for even better flavor.
- Do not overcook the corn; charred spots add flavor but avoid burning for optimal taste.
- Adjust chili powder amount to control the spiciness to your preference.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute mayonnaise and sour cream with vegan alternatives and omit cotija cheese or use a vegan cheese substitute.
- Serving in cups makes them perfect for parties or casual gatherings without the mess of corn on the cob.
