Mexican Street Corn Wonton Cups - Esquites Recipe (2024)

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Street Corn Salad Wonton Cups are are light, crispy cups filled with my version of traditional Mexican Elotes!

Roasted corn combined with jalapeno, red onions, sour cream, Cotija cheese, and some chili powder for spice. Served in an edible cup makes a delicious party appetizer or side dish.

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I have been hearing about it for years and never had the chance to have authentic street corn until recently.

What is Elotes?

Street corn is a popular food sold in Mexico but depending on the region the name and serving method can be different.

Elote is corn on the cob that is grilled or boiled, in the husk. It is eaten much like we eat corn on the cob but with come condiments added to it.

Where we normally just add some butter and salt to our oven roasted corn on the cob, in Mexico, they add mayonnaise or sour cream, salt, chili powder, butter, lime juice, and cheese!

Doesn’t that sound yummy?

What’s the difference between elotes and esquites?

There are a few names that people use for street corn and it gets a little confusing to me as to which one is which.

The other way to eat street corn, usually in the southern areas of Mexico and the urban sections is called esquites. This is where they serve the hot corn in a cup.

How do you eat esquites?

Usually the corn is just stripped off, added with the other delicious ingredients, spooned into a cup, and served with a spoon.

I went one step further and made the cup edible too!

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Ingredients Needed

Mexican street corn
wonton wrappers
oil/non-stick spray

I could eat elote day long! Makes me want to take a big bowl to the movies and eat it instead of the movie popcorn.

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Wonton wrappers are a great thing to have in your fridge or freezer.

Just like puff pastry, these are an entertaining staple! You can put just about anything in a wonton wrapper and either steam, pan sear, or fry them for a great appetizer or dessert.

How to make Mexican Corn in a Cup

First: Preheat oven to 350F. Spray a muffin tin with non-stick spray and place a wonton wrapper in each cavity.

Second: Press down gently to make into a cup shape. Spray the inside with non-stick spray.

Third: Bake at 350F for 6 minutes.Watch carefully! They go from raw toburntin a flash if you are not watching.

Fourth: When finished, remove from oven and cool a few minutes. Remove the wonton cups the pan and place on a cooling rack to cool completely.

For the full recipe and detailed instructions, please refer to the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

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When ready to serve, assemble the cups by scooping the salad into the cups. Garnish with a sprinkle of Cotija cheese, some chopped cilantro, and a lime wedge.

How do you use Cotija cheese?

Cojita cheese is the Mexican version of Parmesan cheese.The Cojita cheese adds a nice texture to the street corn salad.

Also, a salty flavor that goes well with the bell pepper and jalapeno.

Tapas Tips & Tricks

You can stop after all the cups are baked and store in an air tight container for up to 3 days.
Make the esquites up to 3 days before serving. The longer it sits the more intense the flavors.
A great seasoning to add to the top isTajin Clasico Seasoning.
Keep the two separate and serve them buffet style to keep the cups from getting soggy.

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If you love this recipeas much as I do, please write a five-star review in the comment section below (or on Pinterest with the “tried it” button – you can now add pictures into reviews, too!), and be sure to help me share on facebook!

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Not that it is just for Cinco de Mayo, these Mexican Street Corn Salad cups are fun for Easter, Mother’s Day, or my birthday. Hint, Hint for anyone who is reading…

Mexican Street Corn Wonton Salad Cups

Yield: 48 cups

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

This recipe for esquites in crispy wonton cups is going to be your favorite new way to eat street corn!

Ingredients

For the Wonton Cups

Non-stick spray
48 wonton wrappers (1 package)

Elotes

4 cups Street Corn Salad

Instructions

Make the Wonton Cups

Preheat oven to 350F.
Spray a muffin tin with non-stick spray and place a wonton wrapper in each cavity.
Press down gently to make into a cup shape.
Spray the inside with non-stick spray.
Bake at 350F for 6 minutes. Watch carefully! They go from raw to burnt in a flash if you are not watching.
When finished, remove from oven and cool a few minutes.
Remove the wonton cups the pan and place on a cooling rack to cool completely.
You can stop after all the cups are finished and store in an air-tight container for up to 3 days.

Serve the Street Corn Salad Cups

To serve, scoop salad into the wonton cups.
Garnish with more cilantro or sliced green onion and a little lime zest.
Enjoy with friends and a margarita!

Notes

*If you like this recipe, please leave me a comment and rate it with some stars.Thank you!

More Party Foods

Street Corn Empanadas
Crock Pot Corn Dip
Chocolate Pumpkin Wontons
Salted Caramel Corn

{Originally posted 04/16/2018 – photos and recipe notes updated11/19/2020}

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