Creamy Mexican Street Corn Cup Recipe
A creamy, flavorful take on Mexican street corn served in convenient individual cups. This dish features lightly charred corn kernels tossed in a rich mixture of mayonnaise, Mexican crema, lime juice, chili powder, and Cotija cheese, garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges for a festive and delicious snack or side dish.
- Author: Rita
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Gluten Free
For the Corn
- Corn kernels (fresh, grilled, or thawed frozen), 3 cups
- Butter, 3 tablespoons
- Garlic, minced (optional), 1 teaspoon
- Jalapeño, finely chopped (optional), 1 small
- Salt, to taste
Creamy Mixture
- Mayonnaise, 3 tablespoons
- Mexican crema or sour cream, 1/2 cup
- Lime juice, freshly squeezed, 1 tablespoon
- Chili powder, 1 teaspoon
Toppings and Garnishes
- Cotija cheese, crumbled, 1/3 cup
- Extra chili powder, for garnish
- Fresh cilantro, chopped, 2 tablespoons
- Lime wedges, for serving
- Heat the Butter: Melt 3 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium heat, ensuring it does not brown to maintain a smooth flavor base.
- Sauté the Corn: Add the corn kernels to the skillet and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the corn has a light char and is heated through.
- Prepare the Creamy Mixture: In a large bowl, combine mayonnaise, Mexican crema, minced garlic (if using), finely chopped jalapeño (if using), freshly squeezed lime juice, chili powder, and a pinch of salt. Stir the ingredients together until smooth and well blended.
- Combine Corn and Mixture: Add the warm, lightly charred corn to the bowl with the creamy sauce. Toss thoroughly to coat every kernel and create a uniform mixture.
- Serve in Cups: Spoon the creamy, charred corn mixture into individual serving cups for an attractive and easy-to-eat presentation.
- Garnish and Enjoy: Sprinkle crumbled Cotija cheese, extra chili powder, and freshly chopped cilantro on top. Serve each cup with a lime wedge on the side for an added zesty finish.
Notes
- Using fresh or grilled corn adds the best authentic flavor, but frozen corn works well in a pinch.
- For a spicier version, add more jalapeño or chili powder to taste.
- Mexican crema can be substituted with sour cream for a milder tang.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor, as the corn mixture may become watery if left to sit too long.
- Can be made gluten-free by ensuring all ingredients, including chili powder, are certified gluten-free.
Keywords: Mexican street corn, esquites, creamy corn salad, Cotija cheese, lime, chili powder, easy side dish, summer recipe