why make this recipe
Mexican Street Corn Cups are a delicious and easy way to enjoy the flavors of traditional elote, the popular street food in Mexico. They bring together sweet corn, creamy cheese, and zesty lime in a handy cup format. This dish is perfect for parties, gatherings, or a tasty family dinner. Plus, it’s easy to prepare and great for everyone to share!
how to make Mexican Street Corn Cups
Ingredients:
- 4 corn ears, husked
- 4 tbsp butter, melted
- 0.5 cup cotija cheese, crumbled
- 0.25 cup mayonnaise
- 0.25 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lime
- 0.5 tsp chili powder
- salt (to taste)
- black pepper (to taste)
Directions:
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Prep and char the corn: Start by husking the corn and removing all the silk. Then, grill the corn on a hot grill or stovetop until it’s nicely charred all around.
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Mix the cotija filling: In a bowl, mix the melted butter, crumbled cotija cheese, mayonnaise, chopped cilantro, minced garlic, juice of half a lime, chili powder, salt, and black pepper.
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Assemble and serve: Once the corn has charred, cut the kernels off the cob and mix them into the cotija filling. Spoon the mixture into cups or bowls and garnish with extra lime juice and a sprinkle of chili powder if desired.
how to serve Mexican Street Corn Cups
Serve the Mexican Street Corn Cups warm or at room temperature. They make a great appetizer or side dish. You can also offer lime wedges and extra cotija cheese on the side for those who want to add more flavor.
how to store Mexican Street Corn Cups
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The cups can be kept for up to 2 days. When ready to eat, you can eat them cold or warm them slightly in the microwave.
tips to make Mexican Street Corn Cups
- Make sure to grill the corn until it has good char marks to enhance the flavor.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of chili powder to make it spicier or milder, depending on your preference.
- For a twist, you could add diced jalapeños for an extra kick or some avocado for creaminess.
variation
You can create variations of Mexican Street Corn Cups by adding cooked bacon bits or replacing cotija cheese with feta cheese. You might also consider using a different mayo, like chipotle mayo, for added flavor.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen corn if fresh corn is not available. Just ensure it’s thawed and drained properly.
2. What can I substitute for cotija cheese?
Feta cheese is a great substitute for cotija. It has a similar crumbly texture and salty flavor.
3. Is this dish suitable for vegans?
For a vegan version, you can replace mayonnaise with vegan mayo and choose a plant-based cheese alternative.
