Esquites, also known as Mexican Street Corn, is a delicious and popular street food dish made from corn kernels, mayonnaise, cheese, chili powder, and lime juice. A step-by-step guide on how to make Esquites:
Ingredients:
- 4 cups of corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese (you can substitute with feta cheese)
- 2-3 tablespoons of Mexican crema (or sour cream)
- 1-2 teaspoons chili powder (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1-2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1-2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- Salt to taste
- Chopped fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Cook the Corn:
- If using fresh corn on the cob, remove the kernels from the cob using a sharp knife. If using frozen corn, thaw it.
- In a large skillet or pan, heat a bit of oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the corn kernels and sauté them for about 5-7 minutes, or until they become lightly browned and cooked through. Stir occasionally.
2. Prepare the Sauce:
- In a separate bowl, combine the mayonnaise, minced garlic, and Mexican crema (or sour cream). Mix well until you have a smooth sauce.
3. Combine the Corn and Sauce:
- Once the corn is cooked, reduce the heat to low.
- Pour the mayo-crema mixture over the corn and stir well to coat all the kernels evenly. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Season the Esquites:
- Sprinkle the chili powder over the corn and continue to cook for another 2 minutes, stirring to incorporate the spice.
- Squeeze fresh lime juice over the corn and season with salt to taste. Adjust the chili powder, lime juice, and salt according to your preferences.
5. Serve:
- Remove the pan from heat.
- Sprinkle the crumbled cotija cheese (or feta cheese) evenly over the esquites.
- Optionally, garnish with chopped fresh cilantro for added flavor and color.
6. Enjoy:
- Serve your homemade esquites immediately while they're still warm.
- Esquites can be served in cups or bowls with spoons or toothpicks for a true street food experience.
Esquites make for a delicious snack or side dish that's perfect for gatherings or as a flavorful snack any time you're craving a taste of Mexican street food. Enjoy!