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Creamy Mexican Street Corn Esquites Elote in a Cup Recipe

Close-up of a white cup filled with Creamy Mexican Street Corn Esquites Elote, topped with cotija cheese and chili powder.
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Make authentic, creamy Mexican Street Corn Esquites (Elote in a Cup) with this simple recipe. This street corn appetizer delivers rich flavor in individual servings.

Ingredients

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  • 4 cups corn kernels (fresh or frozen, thawed)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup Mexican crema or sour cream
  • 1/2 cup Cotija cheese, crumbled, plus extra for topping
  • 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder (or to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • Salt to taste
  • Optional garnish: finely chopped cilantro, extra chili powder, lime wedges

Instructions

  1. If using frozen corn, thaw it completely. Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add the corn kernels to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 8 to 10 minutes until the corn is lightly charred and heated through. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, crema or sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, and cumin until smooth. This creates the creamy base for your Esquites.
  4. Add the slightly cooled corn to the creamy mixture. Stir well to coat every kernel.
  5. Fold in the 1/2 cup of crumbled Cotija cheese. Taste the mixture and add salt as needed.
  6. To serve as Elote in a Cup (Esquites), spoon the creamy Mexican street corn mixture into individual small cups or bowls.
  7. Garnish each serving generously with extra Cotija cheese, a sprinkle of chili powder, and a small amount of chopped cilantro. Serve immediately with a lime wedge on the side.

Notes

  • For a smokier flavor, roast the corn on a grill or under the broiler before adding it to the skillet.
  • If you cannot find Mexican crema, use sour cream thinned slightly with a teaspoon of milk.
  • Adjust the amount of chili powder to control the level of spice in your Mexican Street Corn Cups.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://tasteportfolio.com/creamy-mexican-street-corn-esquites-elote-cup/