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
$
Recipe at a Glance
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.
Cuisine: Mexican
Category: Side Dish, Snack
Difficulty: Easy
Cost: $
Dietary: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Quick Summary
13 min total time|4 servings|Easy difficulty
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.
MexicanVegetarianGluten-Free
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.
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
Tips & 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.
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.
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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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