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Esquites

Esquites is a popular Mexican street food dish made with corn kernels, creamy sauce, tangy lime juice, crumbly cheese, and chili powder, served warm in a cup.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 cups
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 4 cups corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
  • 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
  • ⅓ cup mayonnaise
  • ½ cup Cotija cheese, crumbled (or feta as a substitute)
  • 1 unit Juice of 1 lime
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder (or Tajín seasoning)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Salt to taste

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the butter or olive oil and allow it to melt.
  2. Add the corn kernels to the skillet and cook them for about 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Let the corn lightly brown in places to develop extra flavor.
  3. Once the corn is hot and slightly roasted, remove the skillet from the heat.
  4. Transfer the corn into a large mixing bowl and stir in the mayonnaise until the kernels are lightly coated and creamy.
  5. Add the lime juice and mix well to give the dish its signature tangy flavor.
  6. Sprinkle in the crumbled Cotija cheese and chopped cilantro, then stir gently to combine.
  7. Divide the mixture into serving cups and top with additional cheese and chili powder.
  8. Serve warm with a wedge of lime on the side for extra freshness.

Notes

For a deeper flavor, sauté the corn with a small amount of garlic or onion. Tajín seasoning adds a perfect combination of chili, lime, and salt. Cotija cheese is traditional, but feta cheese works well as a substitute. Some street vendors add a spoonful of Mexican crema for extra creaminess.