Mexican street corn in a cup
Elote en Vaso
Prep Time
5 min
Cook Time
8 min
Total Time
13 min
Servings
4
4 cups
Difficulty
Easy
Cost
Budget
$
Elote en Vaso
Mexican street corn in a cup
★4.6(14)
Sweet corn kernels served in a cup with mayo, lime, chile powder, and crumbled cotija cheese. All the flavors of Mexican street corn without the cob.
5m
Prep Time
8m
Cook Time
13m
Total Time
4
Servings
Easy
Difficulty
Budget $
Cost
Sarah Chen
(Updated )
Elote en vaso literally means "corn in a cup" and is the off-the-cob version of the famous Mexican street corn. It is easier to eat, easier to make, and just as addictive.
Mexican cuisine is one of the most vibrant and flavor-forward traditions in the world. This recipe captures that spirit with accessible ingredients and techniques.
Mexican cuisine is one of the world's great culinary traditions, built on generations of knowledge about how to coax maximum flavor from simple ingredients. Elote en Vaso captures that spirit with a combination of bold spices, fresh elements, and time-tested techniques that work beautifully in any home kitchen.
Smart snacking is about balance — enough substance to satisfy, enough flavor to feel like a treat, and enough nutrition to actually fuel your body. This recipe hits all three marks and comes together quickly enough to make from scratch whenever the craving strikes.
Ingredients
- 4 cups corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 3 tbsp mayonnaise
- ¼ cup crumbled cotija cheese
- 1 lime, juiced
- 1 tsp chile powder (Tajín or ancho)
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- 1
Char corn kernels in a dry hot skillet over high heat for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until some kernels are blackened.
- 2
Remove from heat and toss with mayonnaise and lime juice.
- 3
Divide into cups or bowls.
- 4
Top with crumbled cotija cheese, chile powder, and chopped cilantro.
- 5
Serve immediately with extra lime wedges on the side.
Serving Suggestions
Ways to Serve This Dish
Serve with warm corn tortillas and fresh lime wedges
Top with crumbled queso fresco and sliced avocado
Pair with a side of Mexican rice and refried beans
Arrange on a platter for easy sharing at your next gathering
Substitutions
Cotija cheeseParmesan or feta
Similar salty, crumbly quality
MayonnaiseMexican crema or sour cream
Lighter tang with less richness
FlavorPantry
Test Kitchen Pick
Dried Chiles
Helpful Pantry Staple
Why the dried chiles matter
The chile base sets the flavor profile here. Whole dried chiles give you a deeper, cleaner taste than leaning on a generic powder.
This ingredient shapes the sauce more than another topping would.
- More depth than standard chile powder
- Useful across sauces, braises, and marinades
Dried chiles are one of the best pantry upgrades if these flavors show up in your cooking.
Shop dried chiles for this recipeTips & Storage
Pro Tips
Use Tajín seasoning for the most authentic street-cart flavor.
Add a dash of hot sauce for extra kick.
Let the protein rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute for maximum tenderness.
Season each component individually rather than seasoning at the end — this builds deeper, more complex flavor throughout.
Storage
Best served immediately. Refrigerate leftovers for up to 1 day.
Reheating
Reheat in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes. Add a splash of broth or water to prevent drying. Stovetop reheating over medium-low heat is also effective.
Recipe Notes from Our Kitchen
Editor's Note
Editor's note: Make a double batch — these disappear faster than you expect. Having extras on hand means you always have a wholesome option ready when hunger strikes.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (10mg) · 4 servings
Calories180
LowModerateHigh
A light, low-calorie option · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet
Protein4g
Carbohydrates10g
Fat22g
Fiber280mg
Sugar2g
Sodium6g
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Tajín?
- A popular Mexican seasoning blend of chile, lime, and salt, available in most grocery stores.
- Can I use canned corn?
- Yes, drain well and char in a hot skillet for the best flavor.
- How long does this keep?
- Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, most homemade snacks stay fresh for 5 to 7 days. Refrigerated versions keep for up to 10 days.
- Can I adjust the seasoning?
- Absolutely. The seasoning amounts are starting points — taste and adjust to your preference. Start with less if you are sensitive to salt or spice, and add more gradually.
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About Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.
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