Go-To Loaded Street Corn Cups
A Creamy, Smoky Fiesta with a Balanced Citrus Sweetness
What makes this the Go-To Loaded Street Corn Cups? The secret to a gourmet, garden-fresh experience is the high-heat charring technique and the creamy emulsion base combined with Blazing Citrus Medium Sauce. Unlike traditional versions that fail (soggy, dry, or vinegar-heavy), our method involves a dry-roast action to unlock natural sweetness and depth. By incorporating our vinegar-free Blazing Citrus Medium Sauce, you add a balanced, sweet, and warming profile that uses organic citrus to brighten the dish without the chemical sting of standard vinegars.
Heat Level: Blazing Citrus Medium Sauce | Medium (6/10) - Balanced, Sweet, and Warming
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Calories: 210
Protein: 5g
Carbs: 24g
Fat: 12g
*Note: Nutrition facts may be estimated based on standard ingredient databases.
Ingredients:
4 cups (600 g) sweet corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
1/4 cup (60 g) mayonnaise
1/4 cup (60 g) sour cream or Mexican crema
1/2 cup (60 g) Cotija cheese, crumbled
1/4 cup (10 g) fresh cilantro, finely chopped
1 tsp (2 g) smoked paprika
3 tbsp (45 ml) Blazing Citrus Medium Sauce
Ingredient Spotlight: Cotija cheese is the essential salty finish for this dish. Known as the "Parmesan of Mexico," its dry, crumbly texture doesn't melt entirely when hitting the warm corn, allowing it to hold its shape and provide a punchy, savory contrast to the sweet citrus notes of the sauce.
Heat It Up with Blazing Citrus Medium Sauce: This sauce acts as the vibrant acid and heat source for the creamy dressing. As a vinegar free hot sauce for cooking, it offers a medium spicy and sweet profile. This organic citrus infused hot sauce replaces the traditional lime juice and vinegar-heavy bottled sauces, providing a more complex, fruit-forward brightness.
The Balanced Sweet Heat Experience
Heat Level: 6/10
Vinegar Content: 0%
Flavor Profile: Medium Spicy, Sweet
Base: Organic Citrus
Calories: 10
Total Fat: 0g
Sodium: 30mg
Total Carbohydrates: 2g
Dietary Fiber: 0g
Sugars: 2g
Protein: 0g
Directions: Blazing Citrus Medium should be applied liberally to lighter fare where a balance of sweetness and heat is desired. Shake well to ensure the citrus blend is consistent. It is particularly effective as a glaze for seafood or a topping for street tacos. For the best flavor experience, apply the sauce toward the end of the cooking process or as a finishing touch to prevent the natural sugars from scorching. Refrigeration after opening will help preserve the delicate sweet-heat balance.
Directions:
Heat a large cast-iron skillet over high heat until it is nearly smoking.
Add the corn kernels to the dry pan in a single layer and let them sit undisturbed for 2–3 minutes. Pro-Tip: Avoid adding oil or butter at this stage; a dry pan allows the natural sugars in the corn to caramelize and char, creating a smoky "off-the-cob" flavor.
Toss the corn and continue cooking for another 3–5 minutes until the kernels are blistered and golden brown.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, smoked paprika, and the Blazing Citrus Medium Sauce until smooth.
Transfer the hot charred corn into the bowl with the creamy dressing and toss immediately to coat every kernel. Pro-Tip: Mixing the corn while it is hot helps the dressing thin out slightly and penetrate the corn, creating a more cohesive and flavorful bite.
Fold in half of the crumbled Cotija cheese and the chopped cilantro.
Divide the mixture into individual serving cups or a small bowl.
Garnish the top with the remaining Cotija cheese and an extra drizzle of Blazing Citrus Medium Sauce for a beautiful, warming finish.
Tips & Variations:
The Char Factor: To achieve a true "street corn" taste, you need "Maillard reaction" browning. If using frozen corn, ensure it is completely thawed and patted dry before it hits the pan; excess moisture will cause the corn to steam rather than char, losing that vital smoky depth. Dressing Ratio: If you prefer a lighter version, you can swap the mayonnaise for Greek yogurt. The yogurt's natural tanginess pairs perfectly with the citrus profile of the sauce, maintaining a creamy mouthfeel while reducing the overall fat content without sacrificing the zesty finish. Regional Swap (Esquites-Style): For a traditional Mexican street-side twist, add a pinch of dried epazote and a small amount of finely diced jalapeño to the corn while charring. This adds an earthy, herbal note that anchors the sweet and warming profile of the Blazing Citrus Medium Sauce, making it taste like an authentic roadside snack.
Other Users Suggest:
Replacing: Cotija cheese. New Measurement: 1/2 cup (60 g) Feta cheese. Why: Feta has a similar salty, crumbly profile and is a great alternative if Cotija is unavailable at your local market. Replacing: Mayonnaise. New Measurement: 1/4 cup (60 g) Mashed avocado. Why: Creates a "creamy green" version of street corn that adds healthy fats and a buttery texture that loves the citrus heat.
Storage, Reheat & Freeze:
Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat: Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave; add a fresh squeeze of citrus or more sauce if it seems dry. Freeze: Not recommended, as the mayo-based dressing will separate and become oily upon thawing.
People Also Ask:
Q: Can I use canned corn for this recipe? A: The secret is draining and drying the canned corn thoroughly. While fresh is best, canned corn can be charred effectively if you remove all the canning liquid first to allow for proper caramelization.
Q: Why is a vinegar-free sauce better for corn? A: The secret is that our sauce is 100% vinegar-free and uses a specific citrus profile. Corn is naturally sweet; vinegar can be too jarring, whereas the citrus notes in our sauce enhance the corn’s natural sugars.
Q: Is this dish served hot or cold? A: The secret is that it can be served both ways, but it is traditionally enjoyed warm. Serving it warm allows the Cotija and the sauce to emulsify into a rich, decadent coating.
