Esquites (Mexican Street Corn Salad)
This esquites recipe is easy to make and yields amazing results! Esquites are Mexican street corn, served as salad. You'll love this dish!
Ingreadient
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter or extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 ½ cups corn kernels (16 ounces frozen or from about 5 fresh cobs)
- ½ teaspoon fine salt
- 2 medium cloves garlic, pressed or minced
- ¼ cup mayonnaise*
- 1 medium finely chopped jalapeño, optional
- 1 tablespoon lime juice, plus extra lime wedges for garnish
- 1 teaspoon chili powder, plus more for sprinkling
- Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- ¼ cup finely grated Cotija cheese**, plus more for sprinkling
- ¼ cup finely chopped cilantro
Direction
- Melt the butter in a large skillet, preferably cast iron, over medium heat. Once melted, add the corn and the salt (if using frozen corn, no need to defrost first). Cook, stirring just every minute or so, until the corn is warmed through and turning golden on the edges, about 5 to 8 minutes (turn the heat down to low if the corn starts jumping out of the pan).
- Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds, then remove the skillet from the heat. Let the corn cool for a few minutes, then transfer it to a medium mixing bowl.
- Add the remaining ingredients to the bowl (the mayonnaise, optional jalapeño, lime juice, chili powder, optional cayenne, cheese and cilantro). Stir to combine. Season to taste with additional salt, if needed.
- To serve, divide the mixture between small cups and garnish individual servings with a wedge of lime, perhaps a sprinkle of additional cheese and chili powder. Leftovers keep well, refrigerated, for about 4 days.
