Description
Esquites is a traditional Mexican street food snack made with tender, sautéed corn kernels tossed in a creamy, tangy, and spicy mixture of mayonnaise, lime juice, chili powder, and cheese. This quick and flavorful dish blends sweet corn with bold seasonings and fresh herbs to create an irresistible treat perfect as a snack, appetizer, or side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh corn kernels (about 2–3 ears of corn)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup crumbled queso fresco or cotija cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Corn: Carefully remove the kernels from fresh ears of corn using a sharp knife, avoiding cutting too deep into the cob to keep the kernels intact and tender. Fresh kernels ensure the best natural sweetness and texture for the dish.
- Sauté the Corn: Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat and add the corn kernels. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the corn is lightly golden and toasted, bringing out a delicious caramelized flavor. Stir often to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.
- Add Seasonings: Once the corn is cooked, remove the skillet from heat and immediately stir in mayonnaise, freshly squeezed lime juice, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly so every kernel is coated with the creamy and tangy mixture.
- Finish with Cheese and Herbs: Sprinkle crumbled queso fresco or cotija cheese on top, then add freshly chopped cilantro. Gently toss the esquites to distribute these flavorful toppings evenly without crushing the corn.
- Serve Warm: Esquites tastes best when served warm or at room temperature. Spoon it into small bowls or cups for an authentic Mexican-style snack and enjoy the burst of textures and flavors.
Notes
- Use fresh, in-season corn for the best sweetness and texture.
- Avoid overcooking the corn to keep it tender and juicy.
- Adjust chili powder and salt gradually to suit your taste preferences.
- Use freshly squeezed lime juice rather than bottled for optimal flavor.
- Enjoy immediately for the best flavor; leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days.
- Reheat gently with a splash of lime juice or mayonnaise to revive texture and flavor.
- Freezing is not recommended as it affects texture and dressing quality.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Esquites, Mexican street food, corn snack, creamy corn, spicy corn, appetizer, side dish