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Creamy Corn Esquites (Mexican Street Corn Off the Cob)

Incredible Creamy Corn Esquites: A 37-Year Journey


  • Author: Alexander Knight
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This creamy corn esquites recipe brings the rich flavor of Mexican street corn to your table. Enjoy this restaurant-style dish off the cob.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup sour cream or Mexican crema
  • 1/4 cup crumbled cotija cheese, plus more for garnish
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh cilantro, plus more for garnish
  • 1-2 tablespoons lime juice, to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder or Tajín, plus more for garnish
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
  • Salt to taste


Instructions

  1. Heat butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add corn kernels and cook, stirring occasionally, until slightly charred and tender, about 7-10 minutes for fresh corn, or 5-7 minutes for frozen corn.
  2. While corn cooks, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, cotija cheese, cilantro, lime juice, chili powder, and cayenne pepper (if using) in a medium bowl. Mix until well combined.
  3. Remove corn from heat and transfer to the bowl with the creamy mixture. Stir gently to coat all the corn.
  4. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and additional lime juice or chili powder as needed.
  5. Serve warm. Garnish with extra cotija cheese, cilantro, and a sprinkle of chili powder or Tajín.

Notes

  • For an extra smoky flavor, grill the corn before removing the kernels.
  • If cotija cheese is unavailable, use crumbled feta cheese as a substitute.
  • This dish can be made ahead and reheated gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Sodium: 450mg
  • Fat: 25g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg
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