Esquites (Mexican Street Corn Salad)
Total Time
20 minutes
Prep Time
11 minutes
Cook Time
9 minutes
Rating
5 out of 5 stars
(28)
Ingredients
4 servings
- 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
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Preparation
Step 1
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).
Step 2
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.
Step 3
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.
Step 4
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.
Step 5
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Chef's notes
Recipe adapted from my elote recipe.
Mayonnaise alternatives:
Mayonnaise yields the best flavor. If you prefer an alternative, sour cream or plain Greek yogurt will do.
Where to find Cotija cheese:
Look for Cotija in well-stocked grocery stores or Mexican specialty shops. I buy it at Whole Foods, near the goat cheese. If you can’t find it, try finely crumbled feta cheese or finely grated Parmesan instead.
Make it dairy free:
Use olive oil instead of butter. Try a sprinkle of vegan Parmesan in place of the Cotija (use less than called for in the recipe, since the Parm is more salty). Or, just omit the Cotija.
Make it vegan:
Use olive oil instead of butter. Try my vegan sour cream in place of the mayo, and a sprinkle of vegan Parmesan in place of the Cotija (use less than called for in the recipe, since the Parm is more salty). Or, you could use a good vegan mayonnaise and omit the cheese.
