Description
Signature Mexican street corn salad esquites brings zesty flavors from grilled corn, creamy mayo, tangy cheese, and fresh herbs. Spicy, cool, and irresistible, this dish provides you a perfect summer side with authentic street-style deliciousness.
Ingredients
Scale
- 6 ears corn (or 4–5 cups canned/frozen corn)
- ½ cup (2 oz) cotija cheese, grated or crumbled
- 2 tbsps unsalted butter
- 2–3 leaves epazote (or basil)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp cilantro (or parsley)
- 2 tsps Tajín powder
- 2 tsps Cholula hot sauce
- 1 lime, juiced
- 3 tbsps mayonnaise (or mix half mayo and half sour cream)
Instructions
- Kernel Preparation: Slice fresh corn kernels from cobs or prepare canned/frozen corn, ensuring uniform size for consistent cooking.
- Aromatic Infusion: Heat skillet at medium-high temperature, melt butter until shimmering, then add minced garlic and epazote, releasing fragrant oils for 3-4 minutes.
- Corn Caramelization: Introduce corn kernels into skillet, stirring occasionally to achieve golden-brown caramelization and enhance natural sweetness.
- Flavor Layering: Transfer corn mixture to mixing bowl, squeeze lime juice, sprinkle Tajín seasoning and Cholula hot sauce, creating a vibrant and zesty flavor profile.
- Creamy Integration: Fold in chopped cilantro leaves and mayonnaise, gently stirring to create a smooth, cohesive texture that binds all ingredients.
- Finishing Touch: Generously garnish with crumbled cotija cheese, adding a salty and rich dimension to the salad.
- Serving Suggestion: Enjoy warm or at room temperature as a versatile Mexican-inspired side dish, perfect for gatherings and casual dining.
Notes
- Kernel Cutting Technique: Use a sharp knife and a stable cutting board to slice corn kernels cleanly and safely, avoiding awkward angles that might cause slipping.
- Caramelization Secrets: Ensure skillet is hot enough to create golden-brown edges on corn kernels without burning, stirring occasionally for even heat distribution.
- Flavor Layering Strategy: Add seasonings while corn is still warm to help spices and herbs better penetrate and enhance the overall taste profile.
- Cheese and Sauce Balancing: Sprinkle cotija cheese and adjust mayonnaise quantity to maintain a creamy yet not overly heavy texture, allowing corn’s natural sweetness to shine through.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Snacks, Appetizer
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 235
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg