How to Make Delicious Mexican Corn in a Cup

Corn in a cup, or “elote en vaso,” is a popular street food in Mexico that is easy to make and delightful to eat. This delicious snack is often seasoned with chili powder, lime juice, mayonnaise, and cheese, and then served in a plastic cup, making it a perfect on-the-go snack. Now you can make it at home too and indulge in this flavorful dish whenever you want.

The great thing about this recipe is that it’s versatile, and you can add your own twist by using different spices or sauces. You can even grill the corn cob instead of boiling it for a smoky flavor. It’s a simple dish that can be enjoyed as a snack or side dish and perfect for a backyard barbecue or a lazy afternoon at home. So grab your ingredients and let’s get started on how to make Mexican corn in a cup!

Section: How to Make Mexican Corn in a Cup

Ingredients for Mexican Corn in a Cup

To prepare Mexican Corn in a Cup, you will need the following ingredients:

• 4 cups of fresh yellow corn kernels
• 1/2 cup of mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup of sour cream
• 1/4 cup of cotija cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup of chopped fresh cilantro
• 1/2 teaspoon of chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon of salt
• 4-6 small cups or glasses for serving
• 4-6 wooden skewers or toothpicks to serve as stirrers

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make Mexican Corn in a Cup:

Step 1: Prepare the Corn Kernels

Using a sharp knife, carefully cut the corn kernels off the cob. You can also use canned or frozen corn, but fresh corn gives the best flavor, texture, and aroma. If using canned or frozen corn, drain and rinse them thoroughly.

Step 2: Cook the Corn Kernels

In a large bowl, place the corn kernels, chili powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and salt. Toss to coat evenly. Heat a non-stick skillet or a griddle over medium-high heat. Add the corn kernels to the skillet or griddle and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes or until the corn is lightly charred and tender. Remove from the heat and let cool for a few minutes.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, cotija cheese, and cilantro until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning as necessary. You can also use Mexican crema, Queso fresco, or Parmesan cheese instead of cotija cheese.

Step 4: Assemble the Corn Cups

Once the corn kernels are cool, divide them evenly among the small cups or glasses. Drizzle the sauce over the corn kernels, making sure to coat each kernel. Use a small spatula or spoon to mix the corn and sauce well. You can also sprinkle additional cotija cheese, chili powder, and cilantro on top.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Insert a wooden skewer or toothpick into each corn cup and serve immediately. Mexican Corn in a Cup is best enjoyed fresh and warm, so do not let them sit for too long. You can also serve them with lime wedges, hot sauce, or avocado slices for extra flavor and nutrition.

Tips and Variations

Here are some tips and variations to help you make the most delicious and unique Mexican Corn in a Cup:

• Try different toppings and garnishes, such as jalapenos, lime juice, cotija cheese, hot sauce, diced tomatoes, black beans, or diced avocado.
• Use a Mexican blend of spices, such as cumin, coriander, oregano, and smoked paprika, for an authentic flavor.
• If you don’t have mayonnaise, you can use Greek yogurt or cream cheese instead. You can also combine different sauces, such as salsa, hot sauce, or BBQ sauce, for a fusion flavor.
• If you don’t have small cups or glasses, you can use corn husks, muffin tins, or plastic cups.
• You can prepare Mexican Corn in a Cup in advance and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just reheat them in the microwave or on a skillet before serving.

With these tips and variations, you can make Mexican Corn in a Cup that suits your tastes, preferences, and dietary needs. Whether you serve them as snacks, appetizers, or side dishes, these corn cups are sure to impress your guests and family members. Try them today and enjoy the authentic flavors of Mexico!

10 Ways to Make Mexican Corn in a Cup

Mexican street corn, or elote, is a delicious and popular way to enjoy corn on the cob. But if you’re looking for a more convenient and portable way to enjoy this tasty treat, then Mexican corn in a cup is the way to go! Here are 10 different ways to make this popular snack.

1. Classic Mexican Corn in a Cup

The classic recipe for Mexican corn in a cup consists of boiled sweet corn kernels mixed with mayonnaise, queso fresco, chili powder, lime juice, and salt. Mix all the ingredients together in a cup and top with cilantro for an authentic and delicious treat.

2. Grilled Mexican Corn in a Cup

Grilled Mexican corn in a cup is a slightly different take on the classic recipe. Grill shucked corn until slightly charred and mix with garlic butter, cotija cheese, chili powder, and lime juice. This adds a smoky flavor to the dish that is sure to please.

3. Vegan Mexican Corn in a Cup

For those who prefer a vegan option, try using vegan mayonnaise and omitting the cheese. Instead, use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. Add in some vegan sour cream, smoked paprika, and lime juice for a delicious and healthy treat.

4. Mexican Street Corn Dip in a Cup

Mexican street corn dip is a popular spin-off of the classic elote recipe. Mix cream cheese, mayo, sour cream, and cheddar cheese together and blend in chili powder, garlic, and lime juice. Place the dip in a cup and top with corn kernels, cotija cheese, and cilantro for a dip that is both creamy and savory.

5. Spicy Mexican Corn in a Cup

For those who like it hot, try mixing in some cayenne pepper or hot sauce to your Mexican corn in a cup recipe. You can also add some jalapenos or serranos for an extra kick. This recipe is perfect for those who love spicy food!

6. Fresh Mexican Corn in a Cup

Fresh ingredients always make for a delicious dish, and Mexican corn in a cup is no exception. Use freshly shucked and blanched corn kernels and mix in diced tomatoes, onions, and avocado for a dish that is both fresh and flavorful. Drizzle with some lime juice and sprinkle some cilantro on top for an extra pop of flavor.

7. Fusion Mexican Corn in a Cup

For a twist on tradition, try mixing in some unexpected flavors and ingredients. Mix in some chopped bacon, crispy onions, and sweet and spicy sauce for a dish that combines both sweet, savory, and spicy flavors.

8. Grilled Shrimp Mexican Corn in a Cup

Take your Mexican corn in a cup to the next level by adding some grilled shrimp to the mix. Grill the shrimp with some chili powder and lime juice and mix in with the classic elote recipe. The combination of the succulent shrimp and the sweet corn is a match made in heaven.

9. Sweet Corn Mexican Corn in a Cup

For those who love their corn on the sweeter side, try using yellow or white sweet corn kernels and mix in some honey instead of sugar. This recipe is perfect for those with a sweet tooth.

10. Bacon-wrapped Mexican Corn in a Cup

For a decadent and delicious treat, try wrapping your Mexican corn in a cup in bacon. Cook the bacon strips and then wrap them around the cup, securing them with a toothpick. Fill the cup with the classic elote recipe and bake until the bacon is crispy. The combination of sweet corn and salty bacon is sure to wow your taste buds.

Ingredients Needed to Make Mexican Corn in a Cup

When it comes to making Mexican corn in a cup, you only need a select few ingredients that can be easily found at any grocery store or market. Here are the essential ingredients you will need:

Step-by-Step Guide on How to Make Mexican Corn in a Cup

Now that you have all the required ingredients, let’s delve into the process of making Mexican corn in a cup.

Step One: Cook the Corn

The first step in making Mexican corn in a cup is cooking the corn. You can either use fresh corn or frozen corn. If you are using fresh corn, strip the ears of corn of their husks and silks. Then, grab a large pot and bring about 4 cups of water to a boil. Boil the corn ears for about 4-5 minutes until tender. If you are using frozen corn, it’s best to boil it for about 3 minutes until heated through.

Step Two: Season the Corn

Once the corn is cooked through, remove it from the heat and let it cool for a bit. Then, cut the corn kernels off the cob and place them in a bowl. Add mayonnaise, sour cream, chili powder, salt, and pepper to the corn kernels and mix well. The corn should be well coated in the seasoning.

Step Three: Add Cotija Cheese

After seasoning the corn, it’s time to add the crumbled Cotija cheese on top. Cotija cheese is a type of Mexican cheese that is salty and crumbly. It’s perfect for this recipe because it adds another layer of flavor to the corn. Sprinkle the cheese on top of the corn.

Step Four: Serve and Enjoy

You are now ready to serve the Mexican corn in a cup! Spoon the seasoned corn mixture into cups or bowls and garnish with lime wedges. The lime wedges add a zesty flavor to the corn. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious Mexican corn in a cup!

Quick Tips and Tricks:

– If you can’t find Cotija cheese, you can substitute it with feta cheese.
– You can add grilled chicken or shrimp to the corn for a protein boost.
– If you want to make this dish spicy, add chopped jalapenos or red pepper flakes.
– Leftover corn can be stored covered in the fridge for up to 3 days.

We hope you found this guide helpful! Making Mexican corn in a cup is incredibly easy and can be served as a delicious appetizer or side dish. Give it a try and let us know how it turns out!

Now let’s start making corn in a cup!

Didn’t that recipe for Mexican corn in a cup sound delicious? There’s nothing quite like the flavor of fresh corn mixed with spices and creamy toppings. We hope you give this recipe a try and wow your family and friends with your culinary skills. Thanks for reading and we’ll see you again soon, with more recipes that are easy to make and perfect for any occasion!