Description
This Elote Recipe (Mexican Street Corn Cups) is a vibrant and flavorful take on the classic Mexican street corn, served conveniently in individual cups. It combines sweet corn simmered to tender perfection with a creamy, spicy mayo-sour cream sauce, topped with crumbled cotija cheese, fresh cilantro, chili powder, and a squeeze of lime for that perfect tangy finish. This dish is perfect as a delightful snack or a unique side for summer cookouts and festive gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Corn:
- 1 cup water
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 pound frozen whole-kernel corn
For the Sauce and Toppings:
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream
- ½ teaspoon sriracha (or to taste)
- Kosher salt (to taste)
- Lime salt (to taste, optional)
- ½ cup crumbled cotija cheese or queso fresco
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro
- Chili powder (for sprinkling)
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
Instructions
- Boil the Corn: In a medium saucepan over high heat, bring 1 cup water and 2 tablespoons sugar to a boil. Once boiling, add 1 pound frozen whole-kernel corn, cover with a lid, and simmer for 3-5 minutes until the corn is cooked through and tender.
- Prepare the Sauce: While the corn is cooking, mix together ¼ cup mayonnaise, ¼ cup sour cream, ½ teaspoon sriracha, kosher salt to taste, and optional lime salt in a small bowl until well combined to create the creamy, spicy sauce.
- Drain and Cool: When the corn is done cooking, drain it well and return it to the saucepan. Allow it to cool for about 3 minutes, so the sauce can incorporate well without melting the cheese immediately.
- Combine Corn and Sauce: Add the prepared sriracha-mayo mixture to the warm corn and stir thoroughly until all the kernels are evenly coated.
- Serve and Garnish: Divide the coated corn into 4 individual serving cups. Top each with crumbled cotija cheese or queso fresco, chopped cilantro, a dash of chili powder, and serve with a wedge of lime on the side for squeezing. Enjoy immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- This elote in a cup captures all the rich, smoky, creamy, and spicy flavors of traditional Mexican street corn but in a portable, easy-to-eat format perfect for parties or casual snacking.
- Adjust the amount of sriracha to control the heat level to your preference.
- Using freeze-dried lime salt adds an authentic citrusy kick but is optional; regular kosher salt will still work well.
- For a vegetarian version, confirm the cotija or queso fresco is vegetarian-friendly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 465 mg
- Fat: 21 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 37 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
