Description
Creamy Mexican Street Corn in a Cup (Esquites) is a quick and flavorful Mexican snack made with charred corn, lime, crema, chili, and Cotija cheese.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup Mexican crema (or sour cream)
- 1/2 cup Cotija cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (plus extra for garnish)
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add butter and allow it to melt.
- Add corn kernels and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly charred.
- Transfer the corn to a mixing bowl and let it cool slightly.
- Stir in mayonnaise, crema, lime juice, chili powder, smoked paprika, and half of the Cotija cheese.
- Mix until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Spoon the mixture into serving cups, sprinkle with the remaining Cotija cheese, extra chili powder, and chopped cilantro.
- Serve warm with lime wedges on the side for extra zest.
Notes
- Let the corn cool before adding dairy to avoid separation.
- Use Greek yogurt instead of crema for a lighter option.
- Hot Cheeto crumbs add crunch and spice.
- Make ahead: Cook corn in advance and mix before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 20mg