Authentic Esquites: Mexican Street Corn Salad Recipe

Looking for a flavorful way to enjoy Mexican street corn without the mess? Esquites delivers all the smoky, tangy, creamy goodness of elote in an easy-to-eat salad form that’s perfect for gatherings or weeknight dinners.

Esquites Ingredients

For the Base:

• 6 ears fresh corn, husks and silk removed (or 4 cups frozen corn, thawed)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (if using fresh corn)
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 jalapeño pepper, seeds and ribs removed, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (plus more for garnish)

For the Dressing:

• 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons Mexican crema or sour cream
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (about 1 lime)
• 1 teaspoon lime zest
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Garnish:

• 1/3 cup cotija cheese, crumbled (substitute with feta if unavailable)
• Tajín seasoning or chili powder to taste
• Extra lime wedges
• Additional chopped cilantro
• Sliced avocado (optional)

Tools Used to Make Esquites

• Cast iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or heat-resistant spatula
• Mixing bowls
• Citrus juicer or reamer
• Microplane zester (for lime zest)
• Serving bowl

How to Make Esquites

Step 1: Prepare the Corn

If using fresh corn, you have two options:

• Charring method: Cut kernels from cobs. Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large cast iron skillet over high heat until smoking. Add corn in a single layer (work in batches if needed) and cook without stirring until charred on one side, about 2-3 minutes. Toss and repeat until corn is charred on multiple sides, about 6-8 minutes total. Transfer to a large bowl.
• Boiling method: If you prefer, boil corn cobs for 3-4 minutes, then cut kernels off. You’ll miss some smoky flavor, but it’s still delicious!

If using frozen corn:

• Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a skillet over high heat. Add thawed corn and cook without stirring for 3-4 minutes until charred. Toss and continue cooking until golden brown in spots.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

1. Reduce heat to medium.
2. Add butter to the same skillet.
3. Once melted, add jalapeño, garlic, and red onion.
4. Cook until softened but not browned, about 2 minutes.
5. Add this mixture to the corn.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

1. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, crema, lime juice, lime zest, chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika.
2. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Combine

1. Pour the dressing over the corn mixture.
2. Add chopped cilantro.
3. Stir to combine thoroughly.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 5: Serve

1. Transfer to a serving bowl.
2. Top with crumbled cotija cheese.
3. Sprinkle with additional chili powder or Tajín.
4. Garnish with extra cilantro and lime wedges.

For best flavor, allow the salad to rest for 15-30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld together.

Variations of Esquites

1. Avocado Esquites: Fold in 1 diced avocado just before serving for added creaminess, similar to this refreshing combination.
2. Spicy Version: Leave some jalapeño seeds in or add a diced chipotle pepper in adobo sauce for extra heat, perfect for those who enjoy spicy flavors.
3. Grilled Esquites: Instead of charring corn in a skillet, grill whole corn cobs until charred, then cut off kernels. This adds an incredible smoky flavor reminiscent of traditional grilling recipes.
4. Protein Packed: Add 1 cup of black beans and/or 1 cup of diced grilled chicken to transform this side dish into a hearty main course, similar to protein-rich salads.
5. Vegan Esquites: Substitute vegan mayo and homemade vegan cream cheese for the mayo and crema. Use nutritional yeast instead of cotija cheese.
6. Street Bowl Style: Serve in individual cups with a spoon, just like you’d find from street vendors in Mexico, for an authentic presentation at your next gathering.

Serving Esquites

Esquites can be enjoyed both warm or cold, making it an incredibly versatile dish. For an authentic Mexican street food experience, serve it in small cups with spoons, just like vendors do throughout Mexico.

This flavorful corn salad makes a perfect side dish for grilled meats, tacos, or enchiladas. It also pairs wonderfully with fish dishes and can even stand alone as a light lunch when served over mixed greens or alongside a refreshing salad.

For a more substantial meal, serve esquites with warm tortillas, guacamole, and your favorite salsa. It’s also the perfect addition to your next taco night or potluck, as it can be made ahead of time and travels well.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make esquites ahead of time?

Yes! In fact, esquites often taste better after the flavors have had time to meld. You can prepare it up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just hold off on adding the cotija cheese and final garnishes until right before serving.

Can I use frozen or canned corn instead of fresh?

Absolutely! While fresh corn provides the best flavor and texture, frozen corn works wonderfully too. If using frozen, thaw completely and pat dry before charring. Canned corn can also work in a pinch—just be sure to drain and dry it thoroughly before charring.

What can I substitute for cotija cheese?

If you can’t find cotija cheese, feta cheese makes an excellent substitute with its similar crumbly texture and salty flavor. Alternatively, queso fresco or even grated Parmesan can work.

Is esquites the same as elote?

They contain the same ingredients, but elote refers to Mexican street corn served on the cob, while esquites is served off the cob as a salad. Esquites is less messy to eat and perfect for serving at gatherings.

How spicy is this dish?

When prepared as directed, esquites has a mild to medium heat level. You can easily adjust the spiciness by changing the amount of jalapeño and chili powder used. For a milder version, remove all seeds and membranes from the jalapeño or omit it entirely.

Final Thoughts

Esquites brings the vibrant flavors of Mexican street food right to your kitchen with minimal effort and maximum flavor. Try this authentic recipe today—your taste buds will thank you for the sweet, spicy, tangy, and creamy experience!

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