The Best Homemade Esquites Recipe

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What You’ll Love About This Recipe

You’ll fall in love with this esquites recipe for its simplicity and bold flavors. First, it’s quick to make, perfect for when you’re craving something delicious but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Second, it’s customizable—add your favorite toppings like extra cheese, lime juice, or chili powder to make it your own. Finally, it’s a crowd-pleaser whether you’re serving it at a party or enjoying it as a snack at home.

Recipe

Esquites, a popular Mexican street food, is a delicious and easy-to-make corn salad. This dish features tender corn kernels tossed with creamy mayonnaise, tangy lime juice, and a blend of spices for a flavorful and satisfying snack or side dish.

Ingredients

4 cups fresh corn kernels (about 5-6 ears)
2 tbsp butter
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup crumbled cotija cheese
1 tbsp lime juice
1/2 tsp chili powder
1/4 tsp smoked paprika
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp chopped cilantro
Lime wedges for serving

Instructions

Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add corn kernels and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes until tender and slightly charred.
Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
In a large bowl, mix mayonnaise, lime juice, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
Add the cooked corn to the bowl and toss to coat evenly.
Stir in cotija cheese and chopped cilantro.
Serve warm or at room temperature with lime wedges on the side.

Notes

For a smokier flavor, grill the corn before removing the kernels.
Substitute feta cheese if cotija is unavailable.

Equipment

Large skillet
Mixing bowl
Wooden spoon

Time

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 7 minutes

Cuisine

Mexican

Serving

4 servings

Nutrition

Homemade esquites offer a balance of nutrients, providing protein, fiber, and essential vitamins. Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional content per serving.

Nutrient | Amount

Calories | 220

Protein | 8g

Carbohydrates | 25g

Fiber | 4g

Sugar | 6g

Fat | 10g

Saturated Fat | 3g

Sodium | 300mg

Vitamin C | 12mg

Calcium | 100mg

Iron | 1.5mg

What To Serve With It

I love serving my homemade esquites with juicy grilled meats like carne asada or chicken, as the smoky flavors pair perfectly. For something lighter, I’ll toss together a fresh salad with crisp greens and a tangy dressing to balance the creamy corn. Both options make the meal feel complete and satisfying.

Grilled Meats Pairings

When you’re firing up the grill for juicy steaks or smoky chicken, you’ll want sides that hold their own without stealing the spotlight. That’s where esquites shine—their creamy, tangy crunch complements grilled meats perfectly. I love pairing them with carne asada; the charred beef and bright corn balance each other beautifully. For something lighter, grilled shrimp skewers work wonders, letting the esquites’ lime and chili pop. Even simple grilled sausages get a lift from this side. Trust me, once you try esquites with smoky flavors, you’ll never go back to plain old coleslaw. It’s a match made in grilling heaven.

Fresh Salad Options

Three fresh salad options can turn your esquites into a complete, vibrant meal. First, a crisp jicama salad with lime and chili powder adds a tangy crunch that balances the creamy corn. Next, a simple cucumber and tomato salad with cilantro and lime juice brings freshness without overpowering the dish. Finally, a shredded cabbage slaw with a light vinaigrette offers a rejuvenating contrast to the rich esquites. I love how these salads add color and texture, making every bite exciting. They’re easy to toss together, and their bright flavors complement the smoky, cheesy notes of the esquites perfectly.