Directions
- 1Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- 2Add the butter, fresh corn kernels, garlic, and jalapeño.
- 3Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes.
- 4Transfer to a medium mixing bowl.
- 5Add the mayonnaise, cotija cheese, cilantro, salt, and lime juice.
- 6Add the chili powder and optional ingredients if using.
- 7Mix until fully combined.
- 8Taste and season with more salt and mayonnaise if desired.
- 9Garnish with chili powder to your liking, a lime wedge, and a sprinkle cotija cheese.
- 10Serve immediately in individual portions.
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cups fresh corn kernels, cut off the cob (about 4 medium ears of corn)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jalapeño pepper, minced (seeds removed if you don't want it spicy)
- 0.25 cup mayonnaise
- 0.25 cup crumbled cotija cheese, plus more for garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
- 0.5 teaspoon fine salt
- 2 tablespoons lime juice (about 1 lime)
- Chili powder, to taste
- 1 teaspoon paprika, optional
- 1 teaspoon chili lime seasoning, optional
- Lime wedges, for garnish
Equipment
large skilletmedium mixing bowl
Tips
- The amount of chili powder you use is entirely up to you. If you want it extra spicy, I recommend using ground cayenne.
- To give the esquites a delicious smoky flavor, grill the corn on the cob first. Then, slice the kernels off and add all the mix-ins.
- If you don’t like cilantro, you can omit it completely, and it will still be delicious!
- To make your esquites spicy, leave the seeds in the jalapeño. For even more heat, you could also use serrano peppers instead.
Related recipes
Pumpkin Spice Horchata
Mexican · Drink
Café de Olla
Mexican · Drink
Strawberry Agua de Fresca
Mexican · Drink
Agua fresca de pepino
Mexican · Drink
Banana Agua Fresca
Mexican · Drink
Mexican Tuna Tostadas
Mexican · Drink
Mango, Coconut & Tajin Refresher
Mexican · Drink
Chipotle Chicken Al Pastor
Mexican · Drink
Crispy Chicken Burger Folded Wrap
Mexican · Drink20m
Tilapia Mexicana
Mexican · Drink20m
Blackened Fish Tacos
Mexican · Drink
Flautas Ahogadas
Mexican · Drink