5 from 34 votes
Esquites
Esquites is a Mexican-style corn salad made from tender cooked corn sautéed with onion and jalapeno, mixed with creamy mayonnaise and Mexican crema, then topped with cotija cheese and chili powder. Lime wedges add bright acidity to this flavorful, creamy, and slightly spicy corn dish served in cups.
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
20 mins
Servings:
4
Calories:
299 kcal
Course:
Side Dish, Snacks
Cuisine:
Mexican
Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon butter softened, salted
- 1/3 cup onion , diced, (optional)
- 1 jalapeno pepper seeded, diced, (optional, or serrano pepper
- 1/3 cup water
- 4 corn husked, cut from the cob (about 3 cups, ears
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
- 5 Tablespoons mayonnaise
- 5 Tablespoons Mexican crema , or sour cream
- 1/3 cup cotija cheese , shredded, or queso fresco*
- chili powder , Tajin, or hot sauce , to taste
- 1 lime , quartered
Instructions
- Add butter to a skillet over medium heat. Once melted, add onion and pepper then sauté until tender. Add water and corn. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until corn is tender (about 5-8 minutes).
- Season with black pepper and a little salt then divide among 4 cups.
- In each cup, add 1 heaping teaspoon of mayonnaise and 1 heaping teaspoon of Mexican crema (or sour cream). Stir to combine.
- Sprinkle generously with grated cheese and chili powder, to taste. Serve with lime wedges to squeeze on top. Enjoy immediately.
Cup of Yum
Notes
- White corn is traditional, but yellow corn or frozen corn can be used as substitutes.
- Cotija cheese is preferred, but finely grated Parmesan can replace it if necessary.
- Cook and cool the corn-onion mixture ahead of time; store covered in the refrigerator until reheating for serving.
- Freeze cooked corn in a freezer-safe container for up to six months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Nutrition Information
Calories
299kcal
(15%)
Carbohydrates
22g
(7%)
Protein
6g
(12%)
Fat
23g
(35%)
Saturated Fat
6g
(30%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
8g
(47%)
Monounsaturated Fat
5g
(25%)
Trans Fat
0.2g
(10%)
Cholesterol
36mg
(12%)
Sodium
369mg
(15%)
Potassium
300mg
(6%)
Fiber
3g
(12%)
Sugar
7g
(14%)
Vitamin A
451IU
(9%)
Vitamin C
16mg
(18%)
Calcium
105mg
(11%)
Iron
1mg
(6%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 4 Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 299
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 299kcal | 15% |
| Carbohydrates | 22g | 7% |
| Protein | 6g | 12% |
| Fat | 23g | 35% |
| Saturated Fat | 6g | 30% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 8g | 47% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 5g | 25% |
| Trans Fat | 0.2g | 10% |
| Cholesterol | 36mg | 12% |
| Sodium | 369mg | 15% |
| Potassium | 300mg | 6% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 7g | 14% |
| Vitamin A | 451IU | 9% |
| Vitamin C | 16mg | 18% |
| Calcium | 105mg | 11% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.