Mexican Street-Style Elote in a Cup

Ingredients

• 4 Sweet corn kernels (Approximately 4 cups; fresh, frozen, or well-drained canned corn may be used.)
• 2 tbsp Unsalted butter (For cooking the corn.)
• 0.5 cup Mayonnaise
• 0.5 cup Mexican crema (May be substituted with sour cream.)
• 0.75 cup Crumbled cotija cheese (Feta cheese may also be used as a substitute.)
• 2 tbsp Lime juice
• 1 tsp Chili powder (Adjust to taste; ancho chili, guajillo chili, or Tajín may be used.)
• 0.5 tsp Garlic powder
• Salt (To taste, keeping in mind that cotija cheese is already salty.)
• Black pepper (To taste.)
• 2 tbsp Fresh cilantro (Chopped, for finishing.)

Steps

1. 1

   If using frozen corn, thaw and drain it. If using canned corn, drain it very well to prevent the cups from becoming watery.

2. 2

   Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the butter and let it melt without allowing it to burn.

3. 3

   Add the corn kernels to the skillet. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until hot and lightly browned in places.

4. 4

   Remove the skillet from the heat and let the corn rest for 2 or 3 minutes so it can cool slightly.

5. 5

   In a bowl, mix the mayonnaise, crema, lime juice, chili powder, and garlic powder. Taste and adjust the salt and pepper.

6. 6

   Add the warm corn to the creamy mixture. Stir until all the kernels are well coated, taking care not to crush them.

7. 7

   Divide the prepared corn among four cups or individual serving containers.

8. 8

   Top each cup with crumbled cotija cheese, a little more chili powder, and chopped cilantro. Serve immediately with lime wedges, if desired.

Notes

The publication only provides the name of the dish and does not include visible quantities or instructions. This recipe is an approximate reconstruction based on the traditional preparation of elote in a cup. For a lighter version, reduce the mayonnaise and use more crema or plain unsweetened yogurt.

Nutrition per serving

• snack
• Mexican antojito
• vegetarian
• corn
• street food
• quick
• gluten-free