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–+ servings
Elote en Vaso Recipe.

Elote en Vaso (esquites)

author Maricruz Avalos Flores
6 cups
A classic Mexican street snack made with sweet corn served in a cup and topped with creamy mayo, cheese, lime, and chili. Inspired by esquites, this easy recipe is full of flavor and perfect as a quick homemade treat.
prep 10 minutes
cook 10 minutes
total 20 minutes
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Equipment

  • 6 cups (7-8 ounces size each)

Ingredients 

  • 6 ears of corn
  • ½ small onion
  • 1 bunch cilantro
  • 3 Tablespoons butter
  • 1 ½ teaspoons salt

For serving

  • 1 cup Mexican crema (or sour cream)
  • 1 cup queso fresco (read notes)
  • chili powder (as needed)
  • hot sauce (as needed)
  • 3-4 limes (cut into wedges)

Instructions
 

  • Remove the husks and silk from the corn on the cob. Wash each ear under cold water and pat dry it with a kitchen towel.
  • Add about 6-7 cups of water in a large saucepan or pot.
  • Add onion, cilantro, butter, and salt. Bring to a boil and then add the corn kernels.
  • Turn the heat to medium and cook for 8-10 minutes or until corn is tender and nicely flavored.
  • Remove the pan from the stove and allow the mixture to reach room temperature.

Assemble the cups

  • Add corn kernels and a little bit of the cooking water to fill about half of the cup.
  • Make a layer of cream, cheese, and hot sauce.
  • Add more kernels (but without cooking water) filling the cup almost to the top, and top with more crema, cheese, and a sprinkle of chili powder.
  • Repeat until you make all 6 cups and serve with a spoon and a lime wedge on top.

Notes

  • Mix everything really well before eating so every bite is creamy, cheesy, and a little spicy.
  • The flavor is all about balance: mayo, crema, cheese, lime, and chili (or Tajín) can be adjusted depending on how you like it.
  • Frozen corn works just as well as fresh and makes this elote en vaso much faster to prepare.
  • You can add extra depth while cooking the corn with simple aromatics like onion, garlic, oregano, epazote, or bay leaf. A little butter also makes it richer.
Nutrition Information
Serving: 1 cup | Calories: 261kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.4g | Cholesterol: 50mg | Sodium: 956mg | Potassium: 286mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 774IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 184mg | Iron: 1mg