Description
Creamy Mexican Street Corn in a Cup, known as Esquites, is a warm and flavorful dish made with sautéed sweet corn mixed with a creamy, tangy sauce of mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, and spices, then topped with cheese and fresh cilantro for a delicious street-food inspired snack or side dish.
Ingredients
- 4 cups corn kernels (fresh, canned drained, or frozen thawed)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/3 cup crumbled queso fresco or feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- 1 lime cut into wedges for serving
Instructions
- If using fresh corn, cut the kernels off the cob. If using canned corn, drain well. If using frozen corn, thaw and pat dry.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the butter. Let it melt completely.
- Add the corn kernels and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the corn becomes slightly golden and fragrant.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and black pepper.
- In a separate bowl, mix the mayonnaise, sour cream, and lime juice until smooth.
- Add the sautéed corn to the sauce mixture and stir until the corn is evenly coated.
- Fold in half of the crumbled cheese and most of the chopped cilantro.
- Spoon the mixture into serving cups.
- Top with the remaining cheese, extra chili powder or paprika if desired, and additional cilantro.
- Serve warm with lime wedges on the side.
Notes
- You can adjust the spice level by adding jalapeño or cayenne pepper.
- Roasting the corn before mixing will give the dish a deeper smoky flavor.
- For a creamier texture, add 2 tablespoons of cream cheese to the sauce.
- Feta cheese can be used if queso fresco is unavailable.
- If the mixture thickens after refrigeration, stir in a spoon of sour cream or a splash of milk when reheating.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 260 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
