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Fresh corn is key to this dish. I love using 4 ears of sweet corn. Husk them carefully, removing all the silk. Fresh corn gives the best flavor and crunch. The sauce makes this corn special. You need: - 1/2 cup mayonnaise - 1/2 cup sour cream - 1 teaspoon chili powder - 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice - 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder - Salt, to taste Mix these together for a creamy, spicy sauce. The lime juice adds a nice zing, while the spices bring warmth. Toppings make the dish pop. You will want: - 1 cup crumbled cotija cheese, plus extra for topping - Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish) - Lime wedges (for serving) Cotija cheese adds a salty kick. The cilantro gives freshness. And lime wedges let you add more flavor at serving time. For the full recipe, check out the instructions later. Start by filling a large pot with salted water. Bring the water to a rolling boil. Carefully add the husked corn to the pot. Cook the corn for about 5 to 7 minutes. The corn should be tender but still crisp. Once cooked, use tongs to remove the corn from the pot. Place the corn on a plate to cool slightly. While the corn cools, grab a mixing bowl. In it, combine the mayonnaise and sour cream. Add the lime juice, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. Whisk these ingredients together until smooth. This sauce will add rich flavor to your dish. Once the corn is cool enough to handle, hold each ear upright on a cutting board. Use a sharp knife to cut the kernels off the cob. Place the kernels in a large mixing bowl. Pour the sauce over the corn and stir gently. Make sure every kernel gets coated. Fold in half of the crumbled cotija cheese. Now, it’s time to serve! Scoop the corn mixture into individual cups or small bowls. Top each serving with the remaining cotija cheese. Add a light sprinkle of chili powder and a bit of chopped cilantro. For extra flavor, serve with lime wedges on the side. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the corn for a tasty kick. Enjoy this delightful Mexican street corn in a cup! For the complete recipe, check the Full Recipe section. To get the best texture for Mexican street corn in a cup, use fresh corn. Fresh corn has a sweet crunch that frozen corn can’t match. Boil the corn for just 5-7 minutes. This keeps it tender without turning mushy. After cooking, let the corn cool before cutting. This helps you slice the kernels off easily. To boost flavor, use a mix of lime juice and spices. The lime juice adds brightness, while chili powder gives a nice kick. Don't skip the smoked paprika; it adds a deep, warm flavor. Taste your sauce before mixing it with the corn. Adjust salt and spices to fit your taste. For a fun look, serve your corn in colorful cups. This makes each serving look festive. Top each cup with extra cotija cheese and a sprinkle of chili powder. Add fresh cilantro for color and flavor. Place lime wedges on the side so guests can squeeze fresh juice over their corn. This small touch makes a big difference! {{image_4}} You can make your Mexican street corn in a cup even heartier by adding protein. Grilled shrimp or chicken works great. Simply cook your protein before mixing it with the corn. For a spicy twist, try adding chorizo. Just cook it in a pan, then mix it in. This adds flavor and makes your dish more filling. While cotija cheese is traditional, you can swap it out for other cheeses. Feta cheese adds a salty bite. If you want a creamier texture, try queso fresco. For a stronger flavor, consider using Parmesan. Each cheese gives a unique twist to the classic recipe. For a vegetarian option, skip any meat and load up on veggies. Grilled bell peppers and zucchini add great taste. You can also mix in black beans for extra protein. This keeps the dish filling and tasty while staying meat-free. Enjoy your custom creations! After you enjoy your Mexican street corn in a cup, store any leftovers in the fridge. Use an airtight container to keep it fresh. The dish stays tasty for up to three days. Just remember to keep the toppings separate to maintain their crunch. To reheat, use a microwave-safe bowl. Heat the corn for about one minute. Stir it halfway through to warm evenly. If you want, add a splash of lime juice to freshen it up. Avoid reheating more than once to keep the flavors bright. You can freeze the corn mixture if you have more than you need. Place it in freezer bags, removing as much air as you can. It stays good for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat as mentioned above. Just know that the texture may change a bit after freezing. Mexican street corn, or elote, is a popular dish in Mexico. It features grilled corn on the cob, coated with creamy sauces and spices. The flavors come from lime, chili powder, and cotija cheese. In this recipe, we serve the corn in a cup, making it easy to enjoy. You get all the tasty flavors without the mess of eating from the cob. Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time. Prepare the corn and sauce separately. Keep them in airtight containers in the fridge. When you're ready to serve, mix them together. This method keeps the corn fresh and the sauce flavorful. However, it's best to add toppings just before serving. That way, they stay crisp and bright. If you cannot find cotija cheese, try using feta cheese or Parmesan. Feta has a similar crumbly texture. Parmesan adds a salty, savory flavor. Both options will work well in this recipe. You can also use vegan cheese if you prefer a dairy-free option. Just ensure it has a good flavor to match the dish. This article covered how to make tasty Mexican street corn. We explored fresh corn, sauces, and various toppings. I shared step-by-step instructions for preparing corn and making the sauce. You learned tips for texture, flavor, and presentation. Variations like adding protein or different cheeses offer more options. Finally, I explained how to store leftovers and answered common questions. Enjoy making this fun dish and share it with friends!

Mexican Street Corn in a Cup

Indulge in the deliciousness of Mexican Street Corn in a Cup! This easy recipe combines tender corn, creamy sauce, and zesty toppings for a flavor explosion. Perfect for parties or a fun family snack, discover how to mix fresh ingredients like cotija cheese and spices for a vibrant dish. Ready to excite your taste buds? Click to explore this simple recipe and impress your guests with your cooking skills!
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Ingredients
  

4 ears of fresh corn, husked

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1/2 cup sour cream

1 cup crumbled cotija cheese, plus extra for topping

1 teaspoon chili powder

1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice

1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Salt, to taste

Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Lime wedges (for serving)

Instructions
 

Prepare the Corn: Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Carefully add the husked corn and allow it to cook for approximately 5-7 minutes, or until tender. Once cooked, remove the corn from the pot and set it aside to cool slightly.

    Cut the Corn Off the Cob: After the corn has cooled enough to handle, hold each ear upright on a cutting board. Use a sharp knife to slice down the sides of the cob, separating the kernels from the cob. Transfer the freshly cut kernels into a mixing bowl.

      Make the Sauce: In a separate bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. Whisk the ingredients together vigorously until the mixture is smooth and well incorporated.

        Combine Ingredients: Gently pour the sauce over the corn kernels and stir until all the kernels are evenly coated. Fold in half of the crumbled cotija cheese, reserving the remaining cheese for topping later.

          Serve: Scoop the flavorful corn mixture into individual cups or small bowls. Generously sprinkle each serving with the remaining cotija cheese, a light dusting of chili powder, and finish with a sprinkle of chopped cilantro for a touch of freshness.

            Garnish: For an added burst of flavor, serve the cups with wedges of lime on the side, allowing guests to squeeze fresh lime juice over the corn just before enjoying.

              Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4

                - Presentation Tips: To elevate the presentation, consider serving in vibrant ceramic cups for a festive look, and add a slice of lime carefully perched on the rim of each cup.