Jul 19, 2023, Updated Jan 02, 2024
You’ll Love This Mexican Roasted Corn Off The Cob Recipe
It’s got fresh chargrilled corn with creamy, tangy, and spicy toppings, all mixed into delicious salad form. I got this authentic Mexican recipe straight from a chef in Mexico and you’re going to LOVE it! My version uses an easy method to cook the corn for all the charred flavor in the least messy way. Called Esquites in Spanish, this is a grilled corn salad that will have you scraping the cup for every last kernel. Here’s why you’re going to love it:
Authentic Mexican food at home: This recipe, also known as Mexican Corn in a Cup or elote en vaso, is a street food classic that brings the vibrant flavors of Mexico straight to your kitchen. Charred or grilled corn, creamy mayo, tangy lime, spicy chilies, and the umami burst of Cotija (or feta) cheese make this a side dish to make on repeat. Deliciously Versatile: It’s a perfect dip for tortilla chips, a yummy taco topper, or vibrant side dish for all your favorite Mexican recipes (and speaking of Mexican side dishes, you should also learn how to make Mexican rice). Mess-Free Street Corn: This salad it is an incredibly delicious way you can enjoy your favorite Mexican street corn recipe (elotes) in a user-friendly format. Street corn in a cup or bowl is perfect for parties when you want elote but you really don’t want mayo all over your cheeks. Quick and Easy: With just a handful of ingredients and a few simple steps, you can whip up this delicious dish in no time. My version simplifies cooking the corn to be easier and less messy.
What is Mexican Roasted Corn Off The Cob made of?
Alright, folks! It’s time to line up the cast for an epic Mexican corn salad. Here’s who’s who of this elote in a cup recipe:
Fresh Corn: The star of the show. Fresh corn kernels offer a sweet crunch that forms the base of our Esquites. Feel free to swap in frozen – you’ll need about 3 cups of corn kernels. Grill the corn, roast it, or char it in a hot pan. I prefer a pan so that I can cut the kernels off before it’s hot. Vegetable Oil: Helps in getting that beautiful char on the corn kernels. Kosher Salt: Enhances all the other flavors, making them sing louder and prouder. Mayonnaise: This forms the creamy base for the dressing. You can substitute plain greek yogurt for a lighter version. Crumbled Cotija Cheese: A dry, crumbly Mexican cheese that adds a distinctive salty flavor. Swap in feta cheese if you can’t easily find it (I get it at Whole Foods – it’s pretty easy to find). Fresh Cilantro: Gives a refreshing, herby note to our flavor party. Garlic: Brings in that essential pungent kick. Jalapeños or Serrano Peppers: Introduces a bit of heat to our dish. Adjust to your spice preference. Cayenne Chile Powder: Adds depth and an extra layer of heat. For less heat and a different flavor, swap in a teaspoon of chili powder (the spice blend used to make Chili Con Carne). Lime: Fresh lime juice through the richness with its bright acidity.
Now that we’ve met our ingredients, let’s turn my favorite Mexican corn recipe into some delicious Esquites!
Grab these Tools
Get your kitchen prepped and ready for this culinary trip to Mexico:
Large Skillet: To char the corn to perfection. I love to do it in a cast iron pan on the stove, but you can also grill up your corn on the BBQ. Sharp Knife: For cutting the kernels off the cob. Large Mixing Bowl: To combine all the ingredients.
How to Make Mexican Roasted Corn Off The Cob: Easy Step-by-Step Directions
Prep the Corn: Removing the husks and cutting the kernels off the cob prepares them for charring. Char the Corn: This gives a deliciously smoky flavor and great texture to the corn. Carefully place corn in a large mixing bowl while still hot. Mix the Ingredients: Properly combine the corn mixture to make sure the cheese, aromatics and mayo coats every corn kernel in deliciousness. Serve Immediately: This dish is best enjoyed while the corn is still warm and the cheese is slightly melted.
How to Serve This Mexican Roasted Corn Off The Cob Recipe
To make Mexican street corn in a cup like they do in Mexico, serve each portion in its own little paper cup. If you want to serve your esquites as a larger salad, try one of these serving options:
Party dip: Serve with tortilla chips as an esquites dip, as an alternative to guacamole or salsa. Top a taco: Elevate your taco night by using this as a flavorful topping for my fav Chicken Tacos, Fish Tacos, Ground Beef Tacos, and/or Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos. As a side dish: Simply dig in with a spoon and savor the flavors as a tasty side dish for all your favorite Mexican recipes. A lime wedge on top of each individual Mexican corn cup is a nice touch.
Make Ahead and Storage Tips
Make Ahead: The corn can be cut from the cob and refrigerated a day ahead. Storing Leftovers: If you have leftovers, refrigerate them in an airtight container, but note that it is best enjoyed immediately after preparing. Reheat: If needed, you can lightly reheat leftovers in the microwave, but be sure to mix well before serving.
Variations and Substitutions
Here’s how you can adapt or double down on your Mexican street corn salad:
Cheese varieties: If Cotija cheese isn’t available, crumbled feta or grated Parmesan cheese work as a substitute. Add some HEAT: ramp up the quantity of minced fresh chilies, or add some extra cayenne pepper. Feel free to go all in and drizzle on your favorite hot sauce if you’re a real spice fiend. Add other veggies: a little diced red bell pepper adds color and flavor. Vegan option: Swap out the mayonnaise and cheese for vegan alternatives. Hot Cheetos: Sometimes crumbled Hot Cheetos are added on top. Sounds delicious to me! Cut the mayo: use 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise and 2 tablespoons of queso fresco, Mexican crema, sour cream, or Greek yogurt for a creamier, less mayo-y version. (Psst. speaking of crema, you must also try my delicious Cilantro Lime Crema and Avocado Crema recipe). Add some butter: add a small pat of butter on top of the piping hot street corn in a cup so it melts right in. Delicious!
Expert Tips and Tricks
Use Fresh Corn: A freshly shucked corn cob will give the best sweet flavor and juicy texture to your Mexican street corn salad, but using frozen corn kernels will do just fine. Adjust the Heat: Don’t be afraid to customize the level of spiciness to your preference. Serve Immediately: For the best experience, serve this corn salad warm.
Whip up a batch of this Mexican Street Corn in a Cup and bring the vibrant flavors of Mexican street food straight to your kitchen! Here’s the TLDR section for those with just a few burning questions about esquites corn in cup:
If You Love Quick, Easy Mexican Street Food Recipes, You Must Also Try
Chicken Tacos: Tangy, zesty chicken tacos with a creamy cilantro lime crema drizzle. Crispy Baked Ground Chicken Tacos: Golden brown, crunchy tacos filled with seasoned ground chicken and gooey cheese. Serve with fresh guacamole. Quesadillas – Easy and customizable quesadillas that are a great alternative to ordering pizza on a weeknight! Nachos – 15 crowd-pleasing game day nachos recipes that are loaded with your favorite toppings.
