Elote en Vaso (Corn in a Cup)

A flavorful and savory corn street snack with a delicious blend of corn, mayonnaise, and seasoning all compacted into a cup. Corn in a cup is a tasty street snack that is simple to make at home to enjoy as a snack or for a special fiesta event. 

Elote en Vaso (Corn in a Cup) 

Elote en vaso, also known as Esquites, are traditional corn in a cup street food from Mexico. It is a popular corn salad snack in Mexico that is often served in Styrofoam cups. Corn in cups is sold at an affordable price by street vendors. These corn in the cups are a favorite corn snack for many people. They are also inexpensive and easy to come by throughout the streets of Mexico. It is now becoming more popular throughout the United States, served in many Mexican and Tex-Mex restaurants. Fresh corn in a cup is also often available at many local Mexican markets and food trucks throughout the states. 

Elote en vaso is a corn salad mixture served in a cup. The cup consists of a layer of corn and a mayonnaise dressing. It is then topped with fresh Mexican crumbling cheese and chili powder seasoning. 

Corn for Corn in a Cup 

Sweet corn is the best option for corn in a cup. The natural sweet flavor of the corn and the blend of the dressing and seasoning create fresh, flavorful corn in a cup blend. Fresh, frozen, or canned corn are all good options for making corn in a cup. For cooking corn, boiling and steaming are popular options. Sautéing is another good choice. This helps to preserve the texture and gives the corn a caramelized flavor to the corn kernels. 

For this corn in a cup recipe, I sautéed frozen corn, then added the sautéed corn with the mayonnaise salad mixture, then topped it with fresh cilantro and crumbling queso fresco (Mexican fresh white cheese). Cotija cheese is a popular option for this recipe; I opted for queso fresco, which consists more of a mild and less salty flavor for this sweet corn in a cup snack recipe. 

Elote en Vaso (Corn in a Cup) Ingredients 

Corn: (Frozen Corn) The star ingredient for corn in a cup. Frozen corn is a good option for sautéing as the corn does not need to be defrosted. Naturally sweet with a creamy and juicy texture. Alternatives: fresh or canned corn.

Olive Oil: A light and neutral, nutty flavor. Olive oil is a great cooking oil option for low-heat sautéing. 

Mayonnaise: The main ingredient for the corn in a cup dressing. A mild and neutral flavor with a creamy texture. Alternative: crema Mexicana.  

Lime: Fresh limes have a zesty and tart flavor. Alternative: lime juice.

Cheese: (Queso Fresco-White Cheese) Fresh white cheese has a mild yet slightly milky flavor with a soft and crumbly texture. Alternative: cotija cheese.

Cilantro: A fresh herb that has a refreshing, citrusy, and leafy flavor that makes an excellent garnish.  

Chili Powder: A blend of mild, warm, and smoky flavors. This seasoning adds a slight spicy flavor to this corn in a cup. Alternative: Tajin seasoning or smoked paprika. 

Elote en Vaso (Corn in a Cup) Instructions 

Sauté the Corn 

Heat a frying pan. Then add olive oil. Add the frozen corn to a frying pan. Sauté the corn.  

Mayonnaise Dressing 

In a bowl, add the mayonnaise and lime juice. Mix until combined.  

Cilantro

Cut the cilantro into small pieces. 

Assemble the Corn in a Cup 

1. In a cup, add sautéed corn. 
   
2. Add the mayonnaise dressing. 
3. Add another layer of the mayonnaise dressing. 
4. Add another layer of sautéed corn. 

Toppings 

1. Top the cup with crumbling white cheese. 
   
2. Then top with fresh pieces of cilantro. 
   
3. Sprinkle with chili powder. 
   
4. Combine all the ingredients. 

Storage 

Corn in a cup is best eaten fresh. The flavor and texture change over time, resulting in a less satisfying corn snack to enjoy. Though best consumed fresh, corn in a cup can be stored in the refrigerator. Add the corn mixture to an airtight plastic container. For longer storage, use freezer bags or an airtight plastic container for freezer storage. 

Thoughts 

Elote en vaso (corn in a cup) is a delicious Mexican street food snack. This is one of my favorite yet simple Mexican corn snack recipes for its simplicity and the blend of savory flavors. The combination of fresh corn, mayonnaise, lime, and chili powder creates a flavorful corn snack to savor. 

Recipe 

Ingredients 

• 3 cups corn  
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 
• 1 ½ cup mayonnaise 
• 1 lime 
• ⅓ cup queso fresco (crumbling white cheese)
• ¼ cup cilantro 
• Chili powder to taste 

Instructions 

Sauté the corn. Heat a skillet to a low-medium heat setting. Add the olive oil. Add the corn. Sauté the corn for 10 minutes. 

Dressing. In a bowl, add the mayonnaise and the juice of half a lime. Mix the mayonnaise and lime juice until combined. 

Assemble the corn in the cup. In a cup, add the sautéed corn, then add the dressing. Repeat until the cup gets filled. 

Toppings. Add the crumbling white cheese to the corn in a cup. Then add pieces of cilantro. Sprinkle the corn in a cup with chili powder. 

Garnish. Cut ½ lime into small wedges for garnish.