Flavorful Mexican Elote Corn Cups Recipe Easy Authentic Tajin Lime Cotija
These Mexican Elote Corn Cups combine smoky grilled corn, creamy sauce, tangy lime, and salty Cotija cheese for a quick, easy, and authentic street food-inspired snack or side.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: 20-22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Snack
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels (about 600g)
- ½ cup Mexican crema or sour cream (120ml)
- ¼ cup mayonnaise (60ml)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (about 1 lime)
- 1 tablespoon Tajin seasoning (or more to taste)
- ½ cup Cotija cheese, crumbled (about 75g)
- ¼ teaspoon chili powder or smoked paprika (optional)
- Small handful fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the corn: If using fresh ears, remove husks and silk, then grill over medium-high heat for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally until slightly charred. Let cool, then slice kernels off the cob. If using frozen corn, thaw completely and pat dry.
- Mix the sauce: In a medium bowl, combine ½ cup Mexican crema (or sour cream), ¼ cup mayonnaise, fresh lime juice, and 1 tablespoon Tajin seasoning. Stir well until smooth. Taste and adjust lime or Tajin if desired.
- Combine corn and sauce: Add the grilled corn kernels to the sauce and gently fold together until every kernel is coated, about 1-2 minutes.
- Season: Sprinkle in salt, pepper, and if desired, ¼ teaspoon chili powder or smoked paprika. Toss lightly.
- Serve: Spoon the corn mixture into small cups or bowls. Top generously with crumbled Cotija cheese and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. Add an extra dash of Tajin on top if desired.
Notes
If you don’t have a grill, roast corn kernels in a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until charred. For a creamier texture, add more crema or mayo carefully. Chill cups for 10 minutes before serving to meld flavors or serve warm/room temperature. Keep sauce separate if prepping ahead to avoid soggy corn.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1 cup per serv
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 320
- Fat: 14
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Carbohydrates: 20
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 6
Keywords: Mexican elote, corn cups, Tajin lime, Cotija cheese, street food, easy snack, grilled corn, creamy corn salad