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    Home » Appetizers

    Elote en Vaso (Mexican Corn in a Cup)

    Published: Jun 12, 2012 · Modified: Aug 4, 2023 by thekitchenprep · This post may contain affiliate links ·

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Elote en Vaso (Mexican Corn in a Cup)! Grilled corn is mixed with a creamy sauce and flavorful spices in this salad version of Mexican street corn (elotes) that is served in a cup!

    It's Tuesday. I had all intentions of posting on Monday. That didn't happen.

    After spending all of Saturday and Sunday painting the 12 foot ceilings in my husband's new office, I needed a break from anything even remotely resembling work.

    {Not to mention we did not go grocery shopping over the weekend and if it wasn't for a lunch date with a friend yesterday and half of a leftover sub in the fridge, I'm pretty sure I would have eaten ice cream for lunch and dinner.}

    Anyway, I've recovered from the paint fumes, and today I'm bringing you a little something that I think is absolutely perfect for summer: Elote en Vaso, also known as Esquites or Mexican Corn in a Cup!

    If you've been around a while, you might remember I had a little love affair with making foods on a stick. But sometimes skipping the stick and

    They're fun. They prevent messy fingers. They make even regular food a little more entertaining. What's not to love?

    When I saw a segment on The Martha Stewart Show about this popular Mexican street food, I knew it would be delicious and summer-approved.

    I was right!

    As a side note, this particular recipe includes mayo as the coating for the corn, and I know how that makes some people {like my husband} feel. If you happen to be part of the Mayo Hatin' club, my suggestion is to substitute it with thick Greek yogurt. {Or maybe even guacamole if you're ok with alien corn on a stick!}

    Give it a try! I have a feeling this will be the talk of your next summer cookout.

    Elote en Vaso (Mexican Corn in a Cup)

    Dianna Muscari | The Kitchen Prep
    Elote en Vaso (Mexican Corn in a Cup)! Grilled corn is mixed with a creamy sauce and flavorful spices in this salad version of Mexican street corn (elotes) that is served in a cup!
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 20 minutes mins
    Cook Time 15 minutes mins
    Course Appetizer
    Cuisine Mexican
    Servings 4 servings

    Ingredients
      

    • 4 cups grilled corn kernels fresh, canned, or frozen
    • ¾ cup mayonnaise
    • ¾ cup Mexican crema or sour cream
    • 1 cup crumbled cotija cheese or feta cheese as a substitute
    • 1 teaspoon chili powder adjust to your spice preference
    • ½ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper optional, for extra heat
    • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
    • ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro
    • 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
    • ½ teaspoon sea salt
    • ½ teaspoon black pepper
    • 4 lime wedges for garnish

    Instructions
     

    Grill the Corn

    • Grill the corn cobs over medium-high heat until they get charred marks on all sides.
    • Let them cool down slightly before removing the kernels from the cobs. If using canned or frozen corn, heat them according to the package instructions.

    Prepare the Sauce

    • In a mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Mexican crema or sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, cayenne pepper (if using), smoked paprika, and half of the crumbled cotija cheese.
    • Mix well until the sauce is smooth and well combined. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to your taste.

    Mix the Corn and Sauce

    • Add the grilled corn kernels to the bowl with the sauce. Toss the corn with the sauce until it is evenly coated.

    Serve

    • Divide the elote mixture into four cups or glasses. Sprinkle the remaining crumbled cotija cheese and chopped cilantro over the top of each cup. Add a pinch of chili powder or smoked paprika for presentation.
    • Place a lime wedge on the rim of each cup for garnish.

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Chineka says

      June 13, 2012 at 10:46 am

      This looks delicious. I can't wait to try it.

      Reply
    2. iPad 3 Cases says

      June 21, 2012 at 9:37 am

      The white look like the corn add icecream...

      Reply

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    I'm Dianna and I've been creating & sharing easy recipes with a fresh twist for 14 years!

    More about me

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