Elote en Vaso
Elote en Vaso is a vibrant Mexican street food snack featuring sautéed corn kernels layered with a creamy, tangy, and spicy sauce, topped with salty Cotija cheese and zesty seasonings. Served in a convenient cup, this flavorful appetizer is quick to prepare, customizable, and perfect for any occasion, bringing authentic Mexican flavors right to your kitchen.
- Author: Lina
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Gluten Free
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoons Mexican crema or sour cream
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup crumbled Cotija cheese
- Chili powder or Tajín seasoning, to taste
- Prepare the Corn: Start with fresh or thawed corn kernels and sauté them in butter over medium heat until they are tender and slightly smoky, about 5-7 minutes. This step enhances the natural sweetness and adds a key smoky flavor to the dish.
- Mix the Creamy Sauce: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise and Mexican crema or sour cream. Whisk in lime juice, salt, and pepper until the sauce is smooth and tangy, ready to coat every kernel.
- Assemble the Corn Cups: Once the corn has cooled slightly, spoon it into cups or small glasses. Generously layer the corn with the creamy sauce, making sure each bite will be flavorful and creamy.
- Add Cheese and Seasoning: Sprinkle crumbled Cotija cheese evenly over the dressed corn. Follow with a pinch of chili powder or Tajín seasoning to deliver the classic spicy, zesty kick characteristic of Mexican street corn.
- Finish with a Squeeze of Lime: Top each cup with a fresh squeeze of lime juice to add a bright citrus note that balances the richness and brings all the flavors together beautifully.
Notes
- Use fresh corn kernels whenever possible for the best flavor and texture.
- Don’t skip the lime juice; it adds essential acidity that brightens the entire dish.
- Lightly toasting chili powder before sprinkling can enhance the aroma and depth of flavor.
- Serve immediately for the freshest taste and best texture.
- Customize servings using clear glass cups or mini mason jars for fun and elegant presentation.
- Store leftovers without cheese and seasoning in the refrigerator up to two days; add these just before serving.
- Avoid freezing to maintain the texture of the corn and creamy sauce.
- Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat and then reassemble with fresh toppings; avoid microwaving the whole dish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: Elote en Vaso, Mexican street corn, corn in a cup, creamy corn snack, Mexican appetizer, spicy corn, Cotija cheese, easy Mexican recipe