Juicy grilled Mexican corn in a cup that's creamy, tangy, and sweet, with just the right amount of spice. This recipe is also known as Esquites, corn in a cup, and Elote in a cup. Corn in a cup is the perfect side dish to Carne Asada and Adobada Tacos, or over a Mexican Rice Bowl.
Recently, my friend Lori's daughter, Bailee, posted an Elote recipe that she prepared for Lori's 50th birthday party.
I didn't have to taste Bailee's Elotes to know that they were delicious! Her post reminded me of my abandoned plans to post an Elote In A Cup recipe and motivated me to finish the post that I had started. And if you like this combination of flavors, make sure to try this Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad recipe!
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😍 Why You'll Love This Recipe
If you've ever been to Mexico, you've most likely seen vendors on the streets selling grilled corn on the cob. This Mexican Street Corn is called "Elote." It's the ultimate street food!
In this recipe, I'll show you how to make this Mexican favorite even more portable, and honestly, a lot easier to eat. Serve it in styrofoam cups with a plastic spoon for an on-the-go, healthy snack. You're welcome! 😉
The fresh flavor will delight your taste buds and put a smile on your children's faces! It's one of those recipes that everyone will love.
🛒 What Goes Into This Recipe
🔖 Ingredients & Substitutions
- Corn on the cob — Choose fresh corn that's firm, green, and don't be shy about peeling the husk and silk back to make sure that the kernels are plump.
- Mexican Cheese — Although the recipe calls for Queso Fresco, Cotija cheese may be substituted. If neither is available, Feta cheese may be substituted, because it has a similar creamy texture and salty flavor.
- Tajin — Tajin is a tasty Mexican seasoning blend containing chili peppers, lime, and salt. In a pinch, chili powder may be substituted. Or make your own homemade Elote Seasoning!
🌽 How to Make Mexican Corn in a Cup
Step 1: Brush shucked corn with melted butter and grill over high heat until slightly charred, rotating as needed.
Pro Tip: If you don't want to mess with the grill, place corn in a grill basket and cook over a gas stove.
Step 2: Use a sharp knife to slice corn kernels off corn cobs.
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Pro Tip: A corn peeler makes removing the corn kernels off the corncob even easier!
Step 3: Place corn kernels into a bowl and stir in mayonnaise and remaining butter. Divide between four cups or small bowls. Top the corn mixture with crumbled cheese.
Step 4: Mix salt, Tajin seasoning, and chili powder, then use to season the Elote.
Step 5: Garnish with chopped cilantro and lime wedges, and serve with hot sauce on the side.
Looking for more corn side dish recipe ideas? If so, you'll want to try this delicious crock pot creamed corn with bacon from Gena at gingercasa.com, and our new corn ribs recipe that can be prepared in an air fryer, oven, or the grill!
🤷🏻♀️ Recipe FAQs
Elote is grilled corn that is served Mexican-style, on a stick, and loaded with delicious toppings.
Esquites, on the other hand, are grilled corn served in a portable cup. The usual Elote toppings are mixed in with the corn. Think of "Equites" as "Elote in a to-go-cup."
First, grill the corn cobs, allot one per person. Next, cut the corn kernels from the cob and place them in a cup or small bowl. Finally, mix in any of the following:
mayo or sour cream
lime juice
Cotija cheese
Mexican crema
serranos (chopped)
cilantro (chopped)
scallions (chopped)
salt
chili powder, Tajin, or cayenne pepper
Drain canned corn and either cook over the stove or microwave until hot.
Divide corn between two cups (approximately ¾ cup of corn per serving).
Next, mix in any of the following ingredients: mayo, lime juice, crumbled cheese, and chopped cilantro. Sprinkle with either Tajin, chili powder, cayenne, or paprika.
You can also serve this dish cold in the form of an Elote Salad. Besides grilled corn, you can use canned or frozen corn.
Just follow the same recipe steps mentioned in this post but serve it cold. Be sure to leave out the butter since nobody wants to bite into a hard clump of butter.
This tasty corn makes an excellent side dish to any Mexican meal! Serve it with Carnitas and Mexican Rice, or with Chile Verde Enchiladas, tamales, or even a California Burrito. You can also serve the corn in a cup as a dip with tortilla chips!
👩🏼🍳 Pro Tips
- Removing the pointy end off the corn makes it easier to stand the corn on a cutting board while you cut the corn off the cob.
- If you don't have a grill, you can broil the corn in a toaster oven or char it in a grill basket over a gas stove.
- Sometimes Queso Fresco is hard to find. You can substitute Cotija cheese, Feta, or Parmesan Cheese.
- Substitute Tajin Seasoning with a mixture of chili powder, cayenne pepper, or paprika.
- For those who love garlic, crushed garlic is fantastic when included in this Elote in a Cup recipe.
- If you can't get enough spice, consider adding chopped serranos or your favorite hot sauce!
🌶 Related Recipes
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📖 Recipe
Elote In A Cup | Mexican Street Corn
Ingredients
- 4 ears of corn (husked)
- 2 tablespoon unsalted butter (melted)
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- ⅓ cup Cotija cheese (or Queso Fresco)
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon Tajin seasoning
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- 2 tablespoon chopped cilantro
- 1 medium lime (quartered)
- 2 cloves garlic (optional)
Instructions
- Brush shucked corn with melted butter and grill over high heat until slightly charred, rotating as needed. Or place corn in a grill basket and cook over the stove.
- Use a sharp knife to slice corn kernels off corn cobs.
- Place corn kernels into a bowl and stir in mayonnaise and remaining butter. Divide between four cups or small bowls. Top the corn mixture with crumbled cheese.
- Mix salt, Tajin seasoning, and chili powder, then use to season the Elote.
- Serve with chopped cilantro, lime wedges, and hot sauce on the side.
Notes
- Removing the pointy end off the corn cobs makes it easier to stand the corn on a cutting board while you slice the corn off of the corn cob.
- If you don't have a grill, you can broil the corn in a toaster oven or char it in a grill basket over a gas stove.
- Sometimes Queso Fresco is hard to find. You can substitute Cotija cheese, Feta, or Parmesan Cheese.
- Substitute Tajin Seasoning with a mixture of chili powder, cayenne pepper, or paprika.
- For those who love garlic, crushed garlic is fantastic when included in this Elote In A Cup recipe.
- If you can't get enough spice, consider adding chopped serranos or your favorite hot sauce!
Jamie says
This was the best recipe. I added a mix of crushed flaming hot and elote Cheetos on top. Tasty!!
Hilda Sterner says
Thanks, Jamie! You have inspired me to try something new because those flaming hot Cheetos are my favorite!
Darrilyn Cry says
Very simple recipe, very flavorful, perfect side for grilling day!
Hilda Sterner says
Hi Darrilyn, Thank you so much for your review!