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Delicious Esquites Recipe Easy Mexican Street Corn Cups with Zesty Lime

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A quick and easy Mexican street corn snack featuring roasted corn kernels mixed with a creamy, tangy sauce, cheese, and zesty lime. Perfect for parties or a flavorful snack.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups fresh corn kernels (from about 4–5 ears of corn)
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup Mexican crema or sour cream (substitute with plain Greek yogurt if preferred)
  • Juice from 2 fresh limes
  • 1/2 cup crumbled queso fresco or cotija cheese
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon butter (can substitute with olive oil)

Instructions

  1. Cut the kernels off 4-5 ears of fresh corn using a sharp knife, holding the cob upright on a cutting board to yield about 4 cups of kernels.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the corn kernels in a single layer and cook without stirring for 3-4 minutes to develop a golden char.
  3. Stir occasionally for another 3 minutes until the corn is nicely roasted and fragrant with a smoky edge but not burnt.
  4. While the corn cools slightly, combine 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup Mexican crema (or sour cream), juice from 2 limes, 1 teaspoon chili powder, and 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika in a mixing bowl. Stir until smooth and tangy.
  5. Add the roasted corn kernels to the creamy mixture and toss gently to coat without mashing the kernels. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Fold in 1/2 cup crumbled queso fresco or cotija cheese and 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro.
  7. Spoon the esquites into small cups or bowls and serve with extra lime wedges on the side.

Notes

If fresh corn is not available, frozen corn kernels can be used after thawing and drying. For a dairy-free version, substitute mayo and crema with vegan alternatives and use nutritional yeast instead of cheese. Roasting corn under a broiler or on a grill adds authentic smoky flavor. Prepare the creamy sauce ahead to save time. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 2 days but avoid freezing.

Nutrition

Keywords: esquites, Mexican street corn, corn cups, lime, creamy corn, easy snack, party food, grilled corn, cotija cheese

Find it online: https://blairrecipes.com/delicious-esquites-recipe-easy-mexican-street-corn-cups-with-zesty-lime/