Mexican
⭐ Highly Rated
25 minmedium
MexicanSnack
Recipe Story
origins & traditionsEsquites is a beloved Mexican street food that transforms simple corn into an irresistible snack. This traditional recipe features freshly cooked corn kernels bathed in a creamy, tangy sauce made with mayonnaise, lime juice, and a hint of garlic. The corn is then topped with crumbled cotija cheese, a sprinkle of chili powder, and fresh cilantro. Unlike its cousin elote which is served on the cob, esquites are served in cups making them perfect for snacking on the go. This dish perfectly balances creamy, tangy, spicy, and savory notes in every bite. Popular at street vendors throughout Mexico, esquites have become a favorite snack for any time of day. The combination of sweet corn with the rich, creamy coating and bold spices creates an addictive flavor profile that keeps people coming back for more. Whether enjoyed as an afternoon snack, party appetizer, or casual gathering treat, esquites deliver authentic Mexican flavors in a convenient, delicious package.
Instructions
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the corn kernels and cook for 8-10 minutes until tender. Drain the corn thoroughly and set aside to cool slightly.
While the corn is cooking, prepare the creamy sauce. In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, minced garlic, and lime juice. Whisk together until smooth and well blended.
Add the warm corn kernels to the sauce mixture and toss thoroughly until all kernels are evenly coated with the creamy mixture.
Season the corn mixture with salt, black pepper, and half of the chili powder. Stir well to distribute the seasonings evenly.
Divide the corn mixture into individual serving cups. Top each cup generously with crumbled cheese-parmesan to mimic cotija cheese.
Sprinkle the remaining chili powder over each cup for added color and spice. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves.
Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for guests to add extra citrus if desired. Can also be served at room temperature.
Esquites - Mexican Street Corn Cups
4.4 (40)
Authentic Mexican street corn served in a cup, featuring tender corn kernels tossed with creamy mayo, tangy lime, salty cotija cheese, and smoky chili powder for the perfect balance of flavors.
easy
25 min
6 servings
Ingredients
0 of 10 checked
Main Ingredients
- 4 cups corn, kernels, fresh or frozen
Sauce
- 1/2 cups mayonnaise
- 1/4 cups sour-cream
- 2 pieces lime, juiced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Toppings
- 3/4 cups cheese-parmesan, crumbled or grated
- 2 teaspoons chili-powder
- 1/4 cups cilantro, chopped
Seasonings
- 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1/4 teaspoons black-pepper, freshly ground
Chef Tips
expert advice•For the most authentic flavor, use fresh corn cut from the cob when in season.
•If using frozen corn, make sure to thaw and pat dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture.
•Traditional esquites use cotija cheese, but parmesan makes an excellent substitute with similar salty, crumbly characteristics.
•Adjust the amount of chili powder based on your heat preference - use mild chili powder for less spice or add cayenne for extra kick.
•For a smoky flavor variation, char the corn kernels in a hot skillet before mixing with the sauce.
•The dish can be made vegan by substituting vegan mayo and omitting the cheese, or using nutritional yeast instead.
•Some regional variations include adding diced jalapeños for extra heat or a dash of hot sauce.
•For parties, set up an esquites bar where guests can customize their cups with various toppings like extra lime, different chili powders, or chopped onions.
•The corn mixture can be prepared ahead and stored separately from toppings, then assembled just before serving.
