Name: Esquites (Mexican Corn Salad)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: Serves 4-6
Ingredients: 4 cups fresh corn kernels (from about 5-6 ears), or frozen corn, thawed; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or butter; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1/4 cup Mexican crema or sour cream; 1/2 cup cotija cheese, crumbled, plus more for garnish; 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped, plus more for garnish; 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (from about 1-2 limes); 1 tablespoon chili powder or tajin seasoning; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste; 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 red onion, finely diced; Lime wedges, for serving

Instructions

Sauté the corn

Heat the oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the corn kernels and cook, stirring occasionally, until the corn is lightly charred in spots, about 7-8 minutes. If using frozen corn, ensure it's completely thawed and pat dry before cooking to achieve better charring.
Add aromatics

Add the minced garlic, diced jalapeño, and red onion to the skillet. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened. Remove from heat and let cool for about 5 minutes.
Prepare the dressing

In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Mexican crema or sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well combined.
Combine ingredients

Add the cooled corn mixture to the dressing bowl. Fold in the crumbled cotija cheese and chopped cilantro. Stir gently until all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
Adjust seasoning

Taste the esquites and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt, lime juice, or chili powder according to your preference. The flavor should be creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy.
Serve and garnish

Transfer the esquites to a serving bowl or individual cups. Sprinkle with additional cotija cheese, chopped cilantro, and a dusting of chili powder or tajin. Serve with lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of citrus flavor.

Esquites (Mexican Corn Salad)

Ingredients

Instructions

Nutritional Information