Mexican Corn in a Cup – A Flavorful Street Food Delight

Authentic Mexican street corn recipe

Mexican Corn in a Cup, also known as Elote en Vaso, is a beloved street food that combines sweet, savory, and spicy flavors in one delicious dish. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for anyone craving a taste of Mexico’s vibrant culinary culture. Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for a quick snack, or simply want to try something new, this dish is sure to impress. Let’s dive into the recipe and explore why this treat has become a global favorite.

What is Mexican Corn in a Cup?

Mexican Corn in a Cup is a deconstructed version of the classic Mexican street food, elote. Instead of serving grilled corn on the cob, the kernels are cut off and served in a cup, making it easier to eat on the go. The dish is typically topped with a creamy sauce, cheese, chili powder, and lime juice, creating a perfect balance of flavors.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

Bursting with Flavor: The combination of creamy, tangy, and spicy toppings makes every bite irresistible.
Easy to Customize: You can adjust the level of spice, cheese, or lime to suit your taste.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a summer BBQ, game night, or a quick snack, this dish fits every setting.
Quick and Simple: With minimal prep time, you can whip up this dish in no time.

Mexican Corn in a Cup - Elote en Vaso recipe

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Prep Time 7

Cook Time 7

Total Time 13

Course Appetizer

Cuisine Mexican

Servings 4 servings

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

4 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels (thawed if frozen)
1/4 cup mayonnaise (or Mexican crema for a richer flavor)
1/4 cup sour cream
1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese (or feta as a substitute)
1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1 lime, cut into wedges
fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Cook the Corn: If using fresh corn, boil or grill the ears until tender. For frozen corn, simply heat it in a skillet until warmed through.
repare the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise and sour cream until smooth.
Assemble the Dish: Place the cooked corn kernels in a cup or bowl. Drizzle the creamy sauce over the corn.
Add Toppings: Sprinkle crumbled cotija cheese, chili powder, and smoked paprika over the corn. Squeeze fresh lime juice on top for a tangy kick.
Garnish and Serve: Add chopped cilantro if desired, and season with salt and pepper. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

Grill for Extra Flavor: For a smoky twist, grill the corn before cutting off the kernels.
Experiment with Toppings: Try adding hot sauce, Tajín seasoning, or diced jalapeños for an extra kick.
Make it Healthier: Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter version.

Keyword elote en vaso recipe, Mexican corn in a cup, quick Mexican street food recipes

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make authentic Mexican Corn in a Cup, gather the following ingredients:

4 cups of fresh or frozen corn kernels (thawed if frozen)
1/4 cup mayonnaise (or Mexican crema for a richer flavor)
1/4 cup sour cream
1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese (or feta as a substitute)
1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 lime, cut into wedges
Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Corn: If using fresh corn, boil or grill the ears until tender. For frozen corn, simply heat it in a skillet until warmed through.
Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise and sour cream until smooth.
Assemble the Dish: Place the cooked corn kernels in a cup or bowl. Drizzle the creamy sauce over the corn.
Add Toppings: Sprinkle crumbled cotija cheese, chili powder, and smoked paprika over the corn. Squeeze fresh lime juice on top for a tangy kick.
Garnish and Serve: Add chopped cilantro if desired, and season with salt and pepper. Serve immediately and enjoy!
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Tips for the Best Mexican Corn in a Cup

- Grill for Extra Flavor: For a smoky twist, grill the corn before cutting off the kernels.
- Experiment with Toppings: Try adding hot sauce, Tajín seasoning, or diced jalapeños for an extra kick.
- Make it Healthier: Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter version.

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amp;gt;1. What is Mexican Corn in a Cup?&lt;/strong&gt;
Mexican Corn in a Cup, also known as Elote en Vaso, is a popular Mexican street food made with corn kernels served in a cup. It’s topped with creamy sauce, cotija cheese, chili powder, and lime juice, offering a perfect blend of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors.

2. How do I make authentic Mexican Corn in a Cup?
To make authentic Mexican Corn in a Cup, you’ll need cooked corn kernels, mayonnaise or Mexican crema, sour cream, crumbled cotija cheese, chili powder, smoked paprika, and lime. Mix the creamy sauce, pour it over the corn, and add the toppings for a delicious elote en vaso experience.

3. Can I use frozen corn for this recipe?
>/&gt;Yes, you can use frozen corn for Mexican Corn in a Cup. Simply thaw and heat the kernels in a skillet before assembling the dish. Fresh or grilled corn works great too for an extra smoky flavor.

4. What are the best toppings for Mexican Corn in a Cup?
The best toppings for Mexican Corn in a Cup include crumbled cotija cheese, chili powder, smoked paprika, lime juice, and chopped cilantro. For a spicy kick, add hot sauce or Tajín seasoning.

5. Is there a healthier version of Mexican Corn in a Cup?
Yes, you can make a healthier version by substituting sour cream with Greek yogurt and using light mayonnaise. You can also reduce the amount of cheese or skip it altogether for a lighter option.

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ong>6. Can I make Mexican Corn in a Cup for a party?
Absolutely! Mexican Corn in a Cup is a fantastic party snack or side dish. It’s easy to prepare in large quantities and can be customized with different toppings to suit your guests’ preferences.

7. What’s the difference between elote and Mexican Corn in a Cup?
Elote is traditionally grilled corn on the cob topped with similar ingredients, while Mexican Corn in a Cup (Elote en Vaso) is a deconstructed version served in a cup for easier eating.

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8. How can I make Mexican Corn in a Cup spicier? To make your Mexican Corn in a Cup spicier, add extra chili powder, diced jalapeños, or a dash of hot sauce. You can also use Tajín seasoning for a tangy, spicy twist.

9. What cheese can I use if I don’t have cotija?
If you don’t have cotija cheese, you can substitute it with feta cheese. While the flavor will be slightly different, it still provides a salty, crumbly texture that works well in this dish.

<strong&amp;gt;10. Can I grill the corn for Mexican Corn in a Cup?
Yes, grilling the corn adds a smoky flavor that enhances the dish. Simply grill the ears of corn, cut off the kernels, and use them in the recipe for an authentic elote en vaso experience.

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<ul>>Yes, Mexican Corn in a Cup is naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for those with gluten sensitivities. Just ensure that all toppings and sauces used are gluten-free.

12. How long does it take to make Mexican Corn in a Cup?
This dish takes less than 20 minutes to prepare, making it a quick and easy snack or side dish. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute party recipes.

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13. Can I prepare Mexican Corn in a Cup ahead of time?
While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time and assemble the dish just before serving to maintain the texture and flavor.

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14. What other Mexican street food recipes pair well with this dish?&lt;/strong&gt;
Mexican Corn in a Cup pairs well with other street food favorites like tacos, quesadillas, guacamole, and churros. It’s a great addition to any Mexican-themed meal or party spread.

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