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–+ servings
An image of corn in a cup with a slice of lime on top.

Corn In A Cup

Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Mexican
Diet: Vegetarian
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 295kcal
Author: Shruthi Baskaran-Makanju
This easy corn in a cup recipe blends sweet corn, creamy mayo, zesty lime, and spicy Tajín. A perfect Mexican street-style snack ready in 15 minutes!
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Ingredients

  • 4 ears of fresh corn shucked; substitute 3 cups of kernels
  • 4 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 4 tablespoons butter melted
  • 8 tablespoons queso fresco crumbled, substitute cotija, or parmesan
  • 1 lime juiced
  • 1 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
  • 1 teaspoon Tajin seasoning for serving, adjust to taste
  • 1 lime cut into thin wedges, for serving
  • 1 tablespoon cilantro chopped, optional for garnish

Instructions

  • Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook corn until tender, about 5–7 minutes. Drain and let cool slightly.
  • Use a sharp knife to carefully cut kernels off the cob. Transfer to a large bowl. Pro tip: Use a bundt pan to hold the corn.
  • Add mayonnaise, melted butter, queso fresco, and fresh lime juice to the bowl. Stir gently until well combined. Season with salt.
  • Divide corn mixture evenly into serving cups. Sprinkle generously with Tajín seasoning and garnish with lime wedges and cilantro, if using.

Notes

  • Use a bundt pan to stabilize the corn when removing kernels. This method collects kernels in the pan, reducing mess.
  • Experiment with different cheeses like queso fresco, cotija, or Parmesan to find your preferred taste and texture.
  • Add Tajin seasoning right before serving to maintain its vibrant flavor and prevent it from getting soggy from the lime juice.
  • Store leftover corn mixture (without toppings) in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
  • Warm leftovers briefly in a pan over low heat before serving. Avoid microwaving too long to prevent drying out.
 

Nutrition

Calories: 295kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 29g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 7g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 56mg | Sodium: 1031mg | Potassium: 81mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 623IU | Vitamin C: 10mg | Calcium: 183mg | Iron: 0.3mg