You'll want to add this Mexican Street Corn recipe to your summer menu rotation. It's creamy and savory and has the perfect smoky spice blend! Elote in a cup is the perfect side dish or appetizer to take along to barbeques, picnics, and family gatherings.

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If you enjoyed my elote dip recipe then you are going to love this street corn in a cup. Pair with pollo asado, homemade Spanish rice, and avocado pico de gallo for a complete meal.

📖Why My Recipe Works

Fire Roasted Corn- Typically, Elote is grilled corn on the cob. To make things easier for you we're using a frozen bag of fire-roasted corn.
Easy to Serve- Unlike a traditional elote recipe, I am serving this off the cob in six single-serve small cups. Or you can layer it in a serving dish for a family-style Mexican corn salad. And no I didn't invent this, just sharing my favorite way to eat it!

🧾Ingredient Notes

Corn- I used fire-roasted corn to get all the bright corn color with the charred grill marks. You can substitute regular corn, it will just be a little less flavorful. You can use fresh, frozen, or canned corn.
Jalapeno- Optional but I like the heat that it adds. Of course, add some hot sauce to the corn mixture if you want to kick up the heat a notch
Fresh Cilantro- Not a cilantro fan? Try chives or parsley.
Crema- If you can find Mexican crema definitely add it, otherwise sour cream or creme fraiche work in its place.
Cotija Cheese- Queso fresco by itself or mixed with grated parmesan make an excellent substitution. But feta is my favorite substitute for cotija.
Tajin- An inexpensive spice blend that adds traditional flavor. You can also use a sprinkle of chili powder and lime zest as a substitute.

⏲️How to Make Elote in a Cup

Saute the corn kernels until they are cooked through. If you use frozen corn you can add it directly to the pan, no need to thaw.

In a small bowl mix together the mayo, cream, the zest of one lime, and the chili powder.

Layer the corn and sauce mixture top with cheese and sprinkle of Tajin.

🥗What to Serve with Mexican Corn in a Cup

One of my favorites to pair with this Mexican street corn recipe is Refried Bean and Cheese Tacos. If you're craving a meaty main dish, try a grilled flank steak recipe with chimichurri sauce or Citrus Shredded Beef with fajita veggies and garden salsa.

Expert Tip

Use feta cheese as a substitute if you don't have cotija Mexican cheese on hand. Both cheeses share a tangy flavor profile which means feta is the next best choice to make this recipe.

🌡️Storing Leftovers

To store leftover Mexican street corn, cool it to room temperature, then place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-5 days.

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💬Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Difference Between Elotes and Esquites?

Elote is corn on the cob with toppings, while esquites is served in a bowl or cup. This recipe is technically esquites but most native English speakers use the terms elotes or elote en vaso for this version of the popular street food.

Can I use grilled corn on the cob?

Yes! Simply place the husked corn directly onto the grill. Grill the corn for about 3 minutes. Turn over and repeat. When all sides are browned, remove from the grill. Cool slightly and cut the corn off the cob.

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Comments

5 from 4 votes (2 ratings without comment)