Esquites is a delicious Mexican street-food favorite with tender corn kernels with creamy mayo and crema, tangy lime, salty Cotija cheese, chili powder, and fresh cilantro. Serve warm in a cup, it is comforting, flavorful! Did I mention that it incredibly easy to make at home?
About this Mexican street corn
Esquites is basically a mess free version of elote! It has the same delicious combination of sweet corn, creamy mayo, tangy lime, salty cheese, and chili, but it is much easier to eat.
Every spoonful brings together the natural sweetness of corn with creamy, tangy, spicy, and savory flavors. The combination of flavors makes every bite exciting.
This recipe comes together with minimal preparation, making it perfect for a quick snack, appetizer, or side dish.Therefore this is my go to snack during summer.
It is customizable. You can easily adjust the chili and lime to suit your taste. Sprinkle some crema or cheese as you wish.
This is a perfect summer side dish. Fresh sweet corn shines in this recipe, making esquites a wonderful way to enjoy corn when it's in season. If you are in a pinch or if you crave for this in winter, you can make with frozen or canned ones. But the fresh roasted corn adds a level of smokiness that is phenomenal.
The color of this dish depends on the color of the corn you use. Whether it is sweet, tender ears of yellow or white corn, this dish boasts with craveable flavors.
In short, if you love Mexican street corn, you'll definitely love this esquites. It has all the delicious flavors of elote without the mess!
Ingredients
To make this esquites, you will need the following:
Fresh ears of corn - fire roasted fresh tender corn gives the best flavor. Instead you can also roast frozen or canned corn kernels on a skillet.
Mayo - provides a rich creamy texture
Mexican crema/Sour cream - Mexican crema gives the best flavor. You can substitute with sour cream.
Cotija cheese - salty cotija provides a great flavor balance while adding protein.
Cilantro - enhances the flavor profile as well as the aroma.
Jalapeno - gives texture and spicy flavors. You can adjust the quantity depending on the heat level of the jalapenos you use and your taste preference.
Garlic - enhances the flavor.
Lime zest and lime juice - provides the tangy flavors to balance the sweet corn, salty cotija, and creamy mayo and crema. The zest enhances the aroma as well.
Salt - gives flavor.
Green onions - adds a texture and a mild onion flavor to the dish.
Serving Suggestions
The Mexican street corn uses fresh ears of corn and hence it is a great summer side dish. But, make it in a skillet and serve during other seasons. Additionally, this makes a quick appetizer or a snack for any day! Everyone loves this!
Storage
Serve this warm and there is no words to describe its phenomenal flavors. In case if you have leftovers, store it in the refrigerator for a day. Just warm in the microwave and serve. I do not recommend freezing this as the cream will split.
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Mexican Street Corn/ Esquites
Ingredients
- 3 cups Con fire roasted
- ¾ tsp Salt
- 1 tbso Lime juice
- ½ tsp Lime zest
- ½ cup Cotija
- 3 tbsp Mayo
- 3 tbsp Sour Cream/Mexican crema
- ¼ cup Jalapeno chopped
- 1 garlic finely chopped
- ¼ cup Green onions thinly sliced
- ¼ cup cilantro finely chopped
Instructions
- Roast the corn on flame.
- Add all the ingredients to a bowl.
- Mix and serve in a cup.
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