Corn in a Cup Recipe

Corn kernels: Fresh or frozen, these are the base of the dish, providing a sweet and juicy texture.

Mayonnaise: Adds a creamy richness to the mixture, balancing the flavors.

Cotija cheese: A crumbly, salty cheese that enhances the overall taste. Feta can be used as a substitute.

Chili powder: Brings a hint of spice and warmth to the dish.

Lime juice: Freshly squeezed, it adds a tangy brightness that lifts all the flavors.

Salt: Enhances all the other ingredients, bringing the dish together.

To enhance the flavor of your corn kernels, consider grilling them instead of boiling. Grilling adds a smoky, charred taste that complements the mayonnaise and cotija cheese mixture beautifully. Simply brush the corn with a bit of oil and place it on a hot grill for about 10 minutes, turning occasionally until the kernels are slightly charred. Then, cut the kernels off the cob and proceed with the recipe as instructed.

• corn kernels - Substitute with canned corn: If fresh or frozen corn is unavailable, canned corn can be used. Drain and rinse well to remove excess salt.

• mayonnaise - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt provides a similar creamy texture with a tangy flavor and is a healthier alternative.

• cotija cheese - Substitute with feta cheese: Feta cheese has a similar crumbly texture and salty flavor, making it a good replacement.

• chili powder - Substitute with paprika: Paprika offers a milder heat and a smoky flavor, which can complement the dish well.

• lime juice - Substitute with lemon juice: Lemon juice provides a similar acidic and citrusy flavor, making it a suitable alternative.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a savory umami flavor, but use sparingly to avoid overpowering the dish.

• Allow the corn mixture to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the corn soggy.
• Transfer the corn in a cup to an airtight container. Ensure the container is clean and dry to maintain the freshness of the corn.
• Store the container in the refrigerator. The corn mixture will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
• For freezing, portion the corn mixture into freezer-safe bags or containers. Label them with the date to keep track of freshness.
• When ready to enjoy, thaw the corn mixture in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat gently in a microwave or on the stovetop, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
• Add a fresh squeeze of lime juice and a sprinkle of cotija cheese before serving to revive the flavors.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Transfer the corn mixture to a microwave-safe bowl.
  2. Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid or a damp paper towel.
  3. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
  4. Check the temperature and heat for an additional 30 seconds if needed.
  5. Garnish with extra cotija cheese and a squeeze of lime juice before serving.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Place the corn mixture in a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
  2. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.
  3. Heat for about 5-7 minutes until the corn is warmed through.
  4. Add a splash of lime juice and a sprinkle of chili powder to refresh the flavors.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Transfer the corn mixture to an oven-safe dish.
  3. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
  4. Bake for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
  5. Remove from the oven, stir, and add a bit more mayonnaise if it looks dry.

• Steaming Method:

  1. Place the corn mixture in a heatproof bowl.
  2. Set up a steamer basket over a pot of simmering water.
  3. Place the bowl in the steamer basket and cover with a lid.
  4. Steam for about 5-7 minutes until the corn is hot.
  5. Stir well and add a touch of salt and lime juice before serving.

• Pot: Used to boil the corn kernels until they are tender.

• Strainer: Utilized to drain the water from the boiled corn kernels.

• Mixing bowl: Needed to combine the mayonnaise, cotija cheese, chili powder, lime juice, and salt.

• Spoon: Essential for stirring the corn mixture to ensure all ingredients are well combined.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure out the corn kernels, mayonnaise, and cotija cheese accurately.

• Measuring spoons: Necessary for measuring the chili powder and lime juice.

• Knife: Handy for cutting the lime to extract the juice.

• Juicer: Optional but useful for squeezing the lime juice efficiently.

• Serving cups: Used to serve the final corn mixture in individual portions.

Use frozen corn: Opt for frozen corn kernels instead of fresh to save time on shucking and cutting.

Pre-mix ingredients: Combine mayonnaise, cotija cheese, chili powder, and lime juice ahead of time.

Microwave option: Microwave the corn kernels for 3-4 minutes instead of boiling to save time.

Pre-crumbled cheese: Buy pre-crumbled cotija cheese to skip the crumbling step.

Batch cooking: Cook a large batch of corn kernels and store in the fridge for quick assembly later.