How to Make the Perfect Street Corn Cups
Mexican · Easy · 20 min · 4 servings
These fun and creamy Mexican street corn cups bring all the flavors of elote into a kid friendly portable format that little ones love. Loaded with sweet corn cheese lime and a mild creamy sauce they are the perfect snack or side dish for kids.
Why this recipe works
This Street Corn Cups recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 20 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 260 calories with 7g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 4 cups frozen or canned corn kernels
- 3 tbsp mayonnaise
- 3 tbsp sour cream
- 0.5 cup cotija cheese crumbled
- 1 tsp chili powder mild
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Cook the Corn
Heat corn in a skillet over medium high heat for 5 to 7 minutes stirring occasionally until it gets slightly charred and golden on the edges. Remove from heat and let cool slightly for 2 minutes.
Step 2: Make the Cream Sauce
In a large bowl whisk together mayonnaise sour cream and fresh lime juice until smooth and well combined. This creamy tangy sauce is what makes the cups so irresistible to kids.
Step 3: Mix and Season
Add the cooked corn to the cream sauce bowl and toss to coat evenly. Sprinkle in mild chili powder and mix again. Taste and adjust lime juice or seasoning as needed.
Step 4: Serve in Cups
Spoon the creamy corn mixture into individual cups or small bowls. Top generously with crumbled cotija cheese and a light dusting of chili powder. Serve immediately with a small spoon.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- cotija cheese → shredded parmesan or feta cheese for a similar salty crumbly texture
- mayonnaise → plain Greek yogurt for a lighter and tangier cream sauce
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Skipping the charring step which removes the smoky flavor that makes street corn special
- Adding too much chili powder which makes the cups too spicy for younger kids
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 260 calories, 7g protein, 30g carbs, 13g fat, 3g fiber.
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