Mexican Street Corn Cups

$- Fresh or frozen corn kernels - Mayonnaise and sour cream combination - Seasoning essentials (chili powder, garlic powder, paprika) - Fresh elements (lime juice, cilantro, queso fresco) - Salt and pepper adjustments To make Mexican Street Corn Cups, start with the corn. You can use either fresh corn or frozen corn kernels. Fresh corn gives a sweet, bright flavor. If you use fresh corn, grill it until it gets some nice char marks. Frozen corn is just as good. Sauté it in a pan until it warms up and caramelizes a bit. Next, mix your creamy base. I use a blend of mayonnaise and sour cream. This mix makes the corn smooth and rich. Add in chili powder, garlic powder, and paprika for a kick of flavor. These spices bring warmth to the dish. Don't forget the fresh elements! Squeeze some lime juice for zest and toss in chopped cilantro for that fresh taste. Crumbled queso fresco adds a nice salty bite. Finally, adjust with salt and pepper to your liking. These ingredients come together to create a fun and tasty dish. Enjoy your cooking! To make the corn, you have two choices. You can grill fresh corn or sauté frozen corn. Grilling Fresh Corn Method: - Take fresh corn ears and remove the husks. - Heat your grill to medium-high. - Grill the corn for about 10 minutes. - Turn the corn every few minutes. You want it to be slightly charred. Sautéing Frozen Corn Technique: - If using frozen corn, pour it into a pan. - Heat the pan over medium heat. - Sauté the corn until it's heated through. - This usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Now it's time to mix the corn with the tasty sauces and seasonings. Combining Corn with Sauces and Seasonings: - In a large bowl, add your corn. - Next, mix in 1/2 cup of mayonnaise and 1/4 cup of sour cream. - Add 1/2 teaspoon of chili powder and 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder. - Squeeze in 1 tablespoon of lime juice. - Sprinkle in salt and pepper to taste. Proper Mixing Techniques for Consistency: - Use a big spoon to stir everything together. - Make sure all the flavors blend well. - You want a nice, creamy mixture that coats the corn. Finally, it's time to serve your delicious corn cups. Spoon into Cups or Bowls Method: - Use a spoon to scoop the corn mixture. - Fill small cups or serving bowls with it. Garnishing Tips for Visual Appeal: - Sprinkle the remaining queso fresco on top. - Add a bit of chopped cilantro for a pop of green. - Finish with a dash of paprika for color. - Serve right away, or chill it for 30 minutes for a cool treat. When making Mexican Street Corn Cups, you can use fresh or frozen corn. Fresh corn has a sweet taste and crisp texture. It can give your dish a vibrant flavor. If you choose frozen corn, ensure it is high quality. Frozen corn is convenient and can save time. Fresh or frozen, always season well. A balance of flavors is key. Use chili powder, salt, and pepper to enhance the taste. Grilling fresh corn adds a nice char. Grill the corn for about 10 minutes, turning it often. This gives it great flavor and crunch. For frozen corn, cook it in a pan. Use medium heat until it is heated through. Look for a light caramel color. This adds depth to the taste. Mexican Street Corn Cups are great for parties or casual get-togethers. Pair them with refreshing drinks like lemonade or a cold beer. They go well with tacos or nachos too. These cups are fun and easy to eat. Serve them at picnics, BBQs, or game days. They are a hit at any event! {{image_2}} You can change the flavor in many ways. If you love spice, add chopped jalapeños. They give a nice kick. For a sweeter twist, try cotija cheese. It has a creamy texture that blends well. Do you need vegan options? You can swap mayonnaise and sour cream with vegan versions. Look for plant-based mayo and yogurt. This keeps the dish creamy without dairy. For those who avoid gluten, rest easy. The ingredients here are naturally gluten-free. Just make sure to check any pre-packaged items. Make your Mexican Street Corn Cups pop! Try serving them in fun cup styles. You can use small mason jars or colorful paper cups. It adds a festive touch. For garnishing, use extra cilantro and queso fresco. You can even sprinkle chili powder or paprika on top for a vibrant look. Get creative and make each cup unique! To keep your Mexican street corn cups fresh, store them in the fridge. Use an airtight container for the best results. This helps prevent them from drying out or absorbing other smells. If you have leftovers, you can enjoy them within 3 days. Just make sure to store them separately from any garnishes to keep the texture nice. If you want to freeze the mixture, place it in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. This helps to avoid freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to 2 months. To thaw, place the bag in the fridge overnight. This way, you maintain the best quality. When you’re ready to eat, reheat the corn mixture gently. You can use the microwave or a skillet on low heat. Stir it often to ensure even heating. To avoid sogginess, try not to overcook it. Serve it warm and sprinkle fresh garnishes on top for that perfect crunch. Mexican Street Corn Cups, or "Elote en vaso," come from a popular street food called elote. Vendors sell elote in Mexico, grilling corn on the cob and topping it with creamy sauces and spices. The dish dates back to ancient times when corn was a staple food in Mesoamerica. Over the years, elote has evolved into many forms, including the cup version. This makes it easier to eat. Yes, you can prepare Mexican Street Corn Cups ahead of time. Mix the corn and other ingredients as described in the recipe. Then, cover the cups and chill them in the fridge for about 30 minutes. The flavors will blend well this way. Just remember to add garnishes right before serving to keep them fresh and tasty. Mexican Street Corn Cups pair well with various dishes. Consider serving them with tacos, grilled meats, or a fresh salad. They also taste great with a side of chips and salsa. For drinks, try a cold cerveza or a refreshing agua fresca. These options enhance the meal and create a fun dining experience. You learned how to make tasty Mexican Street Corn Cups. We covered key ingredients, like corn, sauces, and seasonings. I shared step-by-step methods for preparing and serving. You also got tips for choosing corn and cooking well. Remember, these cups are fun for special events or a casual snack. Experiment with flavors and presentations to make them your own. With a few simple choices, you will create a dish that everyone loves. Enjoy making these cups!$

Indulge in the irresistible flavors of Mexican Street Corn Cups with this simple and delicious recipe! Perfect for gatherings or a tasty snack, these cups feature sweet corn mixed with creamy mayo, tangy sour cream, and zesty lime juice, all topped with crumbled queso fresco and fresh cilantro. Ready in just 30 minutes, they're sure to impress! Click to explore the full recipe and bring a taste of the streets to your kitchen!

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Ingredients

3 cups corn kernels (fresh or frozen)

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1/4 cup sour cream

1/2 teaspoon chili powder

1 tablespoon lime juice

1/4 cup crumbled queso fresco

1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Salt and pepper to taste

1/2 teaspoon paprika (for garnish)

Instructions

If using fresh corn, grill the corn ears until slightly charred (about 10 minutes), turning occasionally. If using frozen corn, sauté it in a pan over medium heat until heated through and slightly caramelized.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the corn kernels, mayonnaise, sour cream, chili powder, lime juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until all ingredients are well incorporated.

Fold in half of the crumbled queso fresco and half of the chopped cilantro, reserving the rest for garnish.

Spoon the mixture into small cups or serving bowls.

Sprinkle the remaining queso fresco, cilantro, and paprika on top for garnish.

Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes for a refreshing cold dish.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4-6