Cilantro Lime Rice Street Corn Cups
35 minutes
Mexican/Mexican Fusion
8 cups
Think elote, but easier to scoop. These simple cups are filled with cilantro lime rice, roasted corn, cotija, avocado crema, and a touch of tajín. These are perfect for summer hangs.
Ingredients
For the buns
- Royal Basmati Rice, 2 cups cooked and cooled (from 1 cup dry)
- Sesame oil, 1 teaspoon
- Rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon
- Salt, ½ teaspoon
- Neutral oil, for frying
- Sesame seeds for topping
For the patties
- Ground beef or plant-based alternative, 1 pound
- Egg, 1
- Smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon
- Garlic powder, 1 teaspoon
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the chili mayo
- Mayonnaise, ¼ cup
- Sriracha or chili crisp, 1½ tablespoons
- Lime juice, 1 teaspoon
For the avocado smash
- Avocados, 2, ripe
- Lime juice, ½ lime
- Salt, pinch
Optional toppings
Pickles, red onions, thinly sliced tomatoes, bibb lettuce, jalapeños, scallions
Preparation
- In a large bowl, mix cooled basmati rice with sesame oil, rice vinegar, and salt. Use a ½ cup scoop or ramekin to form 8 rice patties on a parchment-lined tray. Flatten to 3–4 inches wide and ½-inch thick. Press sesame seeds on 4 of the buns. Chill in the fridge or freezer for 30 minutes.
- While the rice buns chill, mix ground meat with egg, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Shape into 4 thin burger patties, slightly smaller than the rice buns.
- In a nonstick skillet, heat neutral oil over medium-high. Pan-fry the chilled rice patties in batches, about 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown and crisp. Transfer to a paper towel–lined plate to drain.
- Sear burger patties in the same skillet or on a grill pan, cooking 2–3 minutes per side until done to your liking. Set aside.
- In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, sriracha or chili crisp, and lime juice. In another bowl, mash avocados with lime juice and salt.
- To assemble each burger, layer one crispy rice bun with chili mayo, smashed avocado, a burger patty, and any optional toppings. Top with the sesame-topped rice bun and serve immediately.
