Description
This traditional Mexican street corn off-the-cob, known as esquites, is creamy, tangy, and packed with flavor. It features tender corn kernels mixed with mayonnaise, cotija cheese, and a hint of chili, served conveniently in cups or bowls.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels (from about 6-8 ears of corn)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter or oil
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream or Mexican crema
- 1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese, plus more for topping
- 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro, plus more for garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, or to taste (optional)
- Salt to taste
- Lime wedges for serving
Instructions
- If using fresh corn, cut the kernels off the cobs. If using frozen corn, thaw it first.
- In a large skillet or cast-iron pan, melt the butter or heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the corn kernels and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are tender and slightly charred, about 7-10 minutes.
- Remove the skillet from the heat.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked corn, mayonnaise, sour cream or Mexican crema, 1/2 cup cotija cheese, cilantro, lime juice, chili powder, and cayenne pepper (if using).
- Stir everything together until well combined. Taste and add salt as needed.
- Spoon the esquites into individual cups or bowls.
- Garnish with extra crumbled cotija cheese, fresh cilantro, and a lime wedge. Serve immediately.
Notes
- For an extra smoky flavor, you can grill the corn on the cob before cutting off the kernels.
- Adjust the amount of chili powder and cayenne pepper to your preferred spice level.
- Mexican crema can be found in most Latin American grocery stores. If unavailable, sour cream is a good substitute.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 40mg