Esquite (Elote In a Cup) is a delicious and different way to enjoy the famous Mexican Street Corn. Fresh corn kernels are cooked to a buttery, tender and flavorful treat served in a cup.
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Mexican Corn In A Cup
Esquite = Corn in a cup = Elote en vaso. When you go to Mexico, this is what you want to look for. Don’t skip this treat as it’s super deliciously way to eat your corn!
Made with corn kernels sliced straight from the cob, cooked in butter, throw some jalapeños and onions in, add epazote plus lime juice. Finally, topped with mayo or my chipotle crema, chili lime seasoning, and more lime juice of course for good measure. So good!!!
Can you imagine enjoying some traditional Esquite as if you were in Mexico? Prepare them at home and enjoy them as if you were in front of a Mexican street cart. Let’s start!
🩷 xoxo, Ana
**This post was originally published on Sept 2022. It has been updated to be more helpful.
Ingredients Notes
It is a fact that there are hundreds of ways to make Esquites. Some people cook them in water, salt and epazote only, and some may add those who cook them with garlic and chile de arbol. Also some of us like to saute them in butter, onion and finish cooking them with a little water to keep them nice and juicy.
You decide how to make them, it’s the fun of cooking after all, bring out the chef in you!
- The corn – Use fresh corn on the cob for best and authentic flavor. Preferably white Mexican corn that is much more mealy and much less sweet than American corn. If fresh corn is not in season, you can use frozen corn or from a can. The flavor won’t be the same but it’s a good alternative.
- Epazote – This is an herb used in many Mexican dishes including Esquites. The herb is added when cooking the corn for extra flavor. However, it’s not easy to find so you can skip it if not available. Fresh is better but dried Epazote also works well.
- Butter – to saute the corn a little bit.
- Onion and Jalapeño (or serrano pepper) for flavor.
- Toppings: Lime juice, cilantro, crumbled cotija cheese, chili lime seasoning or tajin.
- The mayo: for this recipe I’m using Chipotle Crema since I just love adding this crema to corn. However, use mayonnaise as a classic topping if you prefer.
***Make sure to scroll all the way down to the recipe card to get the full ingredient list and written recipe.
How To Make Esquite
This Esquites recipe is so easy to make and so delicious. It can easily be doubled or quadrupled for a large crowd. It should be served at every party!
- Start by cleaning your cobs: remove the leaves and corn silks. Then with a very sharp knife shell the corn flush and set aside.
2. Melt butter over low-medium heat (make sure it doesn’t brown) in a large nonstick skillet over high heat. Add the onion, jalapeño pepper and saute for 2 minutes or until softened.
3. Add the water, corn and spread the mixture around the pan to form an even layer. Place the epazote (if using) on top and cover with a lid. Cook on medium-low about 20 to 25 minutes stirring occasionally.
4. If you added epazote, remove it at this point. Then add the salt and juice of 1 lime. Stir to integrate all ingredients.
5. Taste for salt and lime juice and add more according to taste.
Done! How easy was that? You can make this corn in a cup in no time, perfect for any get together.
How To Serve
Serve on cups or bowls and top with mayonnaise or chipotle crema, sprinkle cilantro (optional), cotija cheese, chili pepper seasoning. Serve hot with lime wedges for an extra zest!
Tostiesquites (Tostielotes)
Tostiesquites (also known as Tostielotes or Doriesquites) is the new street snack sensation in Mexico!!
There is a fascination with adding all kinds of things to a bag of tostitos! Just like Tostilocos.
For tostiesquites, is the same concept: you open the tostitos bag sideway, add the esquite on top of the chips then top it with all the fixings.
Another way is to serve it on a large plate. Perfect for gatherings….but better eat it fast! Before all of the chips get super soggy.
Other corn recipes you will love!
This Esquite antojito is so popular in Mexico for a reason! It’s a great way to enjoy corn and top it with yummy ingredients. No one can resist this treat, so make extra for that Cinco De Mayo fiesta or any time of year!
Print Recipe:
Esquite – Elote In A Cup Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 large ears corn - husked
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ¼ cup white onion - finely chopped
- 1 jalapeño or serrano pepper - thinly sliced
- 2 cups water
- ½ teaspoon kosher or sea salt
- 3 epazote leaves - if you can find them
- 2 large juicy limes (divided)
- 4 tablespoons mayonnaise or chipotle crema or more to taste
- ½ cup crumbled cotija cheese
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro
- Chili lime seasoning or tajin
Instructions
- Clean your cobs: remove the leaves and corn silks.4 large ears corn
- With a very sharp knife shell the corn flush and set aside.
- Melt butter over low-medium heat (without browning it) in a large nonstick skillet over high heat. Add the onion, jalapeño pepper and saute for 2 minutes or until softened.2 tablespoons butter, ¼ cup white onion, 1 jalapeño or serrano pepper
- Add the water, corn and spread the mixture around the pan to form an even layer. Place the epazote on top and cover with a lid. Cook on medium-low about 20 to 25 minutes stirring occasionally.2 cups water, 3 epazote leaves
- Add the salt and the juice of 1 lime. Stir to integrate all ingredients. Taste for salt and lime juice and add more according to taste.½ teaspoon kosher or sea salt, 2 large juicy limes (divided)
- Serve on cups or bowls and top with mayonnaise or chipotle crema, sprinkle cilantro (optional), cotija cheese, chili pepper seasoning.
- Serve hot with lime wedges.
Loved your recipe! we use to eat esquites a lot when living in Mexico city and this recipe is so legit! so good!
I love street corn and this recipe was fabulous! Every bite was buttery and full of flavor.
Esquite in a cup? Count me in! As a big fan of Mexican street food, I can’t wait to try this unique and delicious spin on elote. The combination of tender corn kernels with rich buttery flavor and spices sounds like the perfect comfort food to indulge in. Can’t wait to give this recipe a try!
The flavours in this were incredible. Just the right amount of spiciness.
I’ve never heard of this before but I can’t wait to make it. The creamy corn and spices are a delicious combination.
This is such a fun party snack! Love this idea. And they present beautifully, too!
Your recipes are wonderful, and with the exception of flour tortillas, can easily be gluten free – another great thing about Mexican food! Going to try the Tostilocos, since Doritos and Tostitos are most gluten free as well!
This recipe is the real deal! My corn turned out delicious even though I didn’t have epazote either. Yum!