This post contains helpful tips and tricks! If you’re in a rush, please use the “Jump to Recipe” above!
💡 What is corn in a cup?
Corn in a cup, also known as elote en vaso or esquites, is a popular street food in Mexico and Latin America. It’s served in a cup and is made with cooked corn kernels mixed with toppings like mayo, chili powder, and cheese. This savory snack is perfect for summer cookouts and parties and is easy to find from street vendors.
💭 Why you’ll love this recipe
Perfect for a light and tasty treat. This healthy snack is packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Incredibly convenient. Enjoy this delicious treat within minutes with a microwave or stovetop without the hassle of preparing and cooking your own meal. Easy to customize. This recipe comes in a variety of flavors, from classic sweet corn to cheesy chili versions. You can choose the flavor that best suits your taste buds each time!
Variations & Substitutions
Corn. For this recipe, I’m using sweet summer corn, but you can use frozen or canned ones, too. Butter. I chose butter for this recipe, but you can substitute it with margarine or vegetable oil. Mayonnaise. If you’re out of mayonnaise, don’t sweat it. Simply substitute with Mexican crema or sour cream. Queso fresco. For a flavor-packed alternative, use cotija cheese or parmesan cheese. Lime. Use fresh or bottled lime juice to add a fresh flavor! Tajin seasoning. Tajin is a mixture of chili, lime, and sea salt. You can substitute it with red chili powder, garlic salt, Tabasco, and lime juice. Herbs. To add extra zest to your dish, sprinkle with cilantro or fresh parsley. Spicy variation. To add a kick to this recipe, add jalapeño seeds or cayenne pepper.
📖How to make corn in a cup
Step 1:Boil corn in a large pot of water for 5-7 minutes until kernels are tender, then drain. Step 2:With a knife, remove kernels from the cob carefully and transfer to a large bowl. Step 3:Combine corn with mayonnaise, melted butter, cheese, and lime juice until thoroughly mixed. Step 4:Serve the corn in 4 cups and top with Tajin and lime wedges.
👩🏽🍳 Tips for the best corn in a cup
⭐ Use a bundt pan to stabilize the corn when removing kernels. This method collects kernels in the pan, reducing mess.
Experiment with different cheeses like queso fresco, cotija, or Parmesan to find your preferred taste and texture. Add Tajin seasoning right before serving to maintain its vibrant flavor and prevent it from getting soggy from the lime juice.
🍴 How to serve Mexican corn in a cup
This delicious corn in a cup can make the perfect side dish or appetizer to accompany your main course. It’s easy to prepare, and you can even make it in advance! Pair it with Mexican dishes like tacos, quesadillas, or tamales for a festive meal. Serve it with salads like Mexican street corn salad or veggie taco salad. You can also serve it with nacho chips and dips like spicy guacamole or poblano sauce.
🍴Storage and reheating suggestions
To store leftovers, keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, simply reheat them in a pan over low heat to avoid burning. Once it’s warmed through, you can serve it as a tasty and convenient side dish! I don’t recommend freezing corn in a cup because while corn in itself freezes well, mayonnaise, cheese, and fresh herbs don’t.
🍴 More corn recipes
If you like this recipe, check out my other delicious corn recipes: If you tried this recipe, don’t forget to comment and rate! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
📖 Recipe
