Make Ahead

Esquites

by:
October  4, 2022
5
3 Ratings
Photo by Julia Gartland
  • Prep time 5 minutes
  • Cook time 7 minutes
  • Serves 2
Author Notes

This side dish is a staple on the streets of Mexico. It’s sold at food carts, served in cups usually, and it’s a great way to serve up this season’s corn. This is a spicy recipe so if you prefer less heat, remove the seeds and vein from the serrano pepper. If you’re making this off season frozen corn is a fine substitute. Buen provecho! —mpittsm

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Esquites
Ingredients
  • 2 cups fresh corn kernels, just cut from cob
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 serrano pepper, diced (about 2 tablespoons)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (low fat is fine) or Mexican crema
  • 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
  • 2 tablespoons queso fresco or cotija cheese, crumbled
  • 1 lime cut into wedges (optional)
Directions
  1. Heat the butter in a medium pan. Add the serrano pepper and sauté for 2 minutes.
  2. Add the corn kernels and salt. Sauté for another 4 minutes and remove from heat. Let the mixture cool slightly and stir the mayonnaise in. Move to a serving bowl.
  3. In a separate small bowl mix the cayenne pepper and chili powder. Sprinkle as much of the powder mixture on top of the corn as you want. Top with queso fresco and lime juice (optional). Serve immediately.

See what other Food52ers are saying.

8 Reviews

Alyssa H. March 18, 2020
This recipe was so delicious! I made my own spin on it using Trader Joe's Everything but the Elote Seasoning Blend and posted it here: https://itsthymetoeat.food.blog/2020/03/18/esquite-mexican-street-corn/
FrugalCat January 20, 2022
That sounds amazing!
Claire R. May 26, 2018
I had it last night for the first time and WOW delicious
Evelyn June 23, 2015
I love this!!:)
Holly August 7, 2011
OMG...I haven't had esquites in years...I used to look forward to the corn guy coming around our neighborhood in Mexico every evening. Elotes and esquites! Lovely recipe, thanks!
mpittsm August 7, 2011
Thank you!
Kitchen B. July 31, 2011
I love the name....and the ingredients list. To be honest cheese and fresh corn sound the perfect match!
mpittsm July 31, 2011
You have no idea! So good ;)