Esquites

By Kay Chun

Updated Nov. 12, 2024

Esquites
Christopher Simpson for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Simon Andrews. Prop Stylist: Paige Hicks.
Total Time
15 minutes
Rating
5(2,404)
Comments
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Esquites are an off-the-cob take on elotes, charcoal-grilled Mexican corn on the cob that is slathered with a creamy sauce, seasoned with chile powder and lime juice and topped with Cotija, a crumbly, aged Mexican cheese. This version doesn’t require a grill, and instead chars the corn kernels in a hot skillet until browned and caramelized. Cotija brings salty, milky accents to the salad. Ancho chile powder adds smoky notes, but you can use any type of chile powder you favor. Leftovers transform quickly into a great pasta salad the next day; simply toss with cooked pasta and olive oil.

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Ingredients

Yield:6 to 8 servings
  • 2tablespoons safflower or canola oil
  • 6cups fresh corn kernels (from 6 to 7 ears fresh corn)
  • Kosher salt and black pepper
  • 6tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 6tablespoons Mexican crema or sour cream
  • 2tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro, plus more for garnish
  • 1tablespoon fresh lime juice, plus wedges for serving
  • 4ounces Cotija cheese (scant 1 cup)
  • Ancho chile powder (or chipotle or cayenne), for sprinkling
Ingredient Substitution Guide
Nutritional analysis per serving (8 servings)

309 calories; 20 grams fat; 5 grams saturated fat; 0 grams trans fat; 6 grams monounsaturated fat; 7 grams polyunsaturated fat; 31 grams carbohydrates; 4 grams dietary fiber; 4 grams sugars; 8 grams protein; 393 milligrams sodium

Note: The information shown is Edamam’s estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

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Preparation

  1. Step 1

    In a large cast iron or heavy skillet, heat oil over medium-high. Add corn, season with salt and pepper, and cook, stirring occasionally, until corn is nicely charred and softened, 8 to 10 minutes. Turn off the heat and let stand for 2 minutes. (This helps the corn pick up more char and smoky flavor.)

  2. Step 2

    Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine mayonnaise, crema, cilantro and lime juice; season with salt and pepper. Reserve ¼ cup sauce in a small bowl for drizzling.

  3. Step 3

    Add seared corn to the large bowl, season with salt and pepper and toss to coat. Transfer to a large serving platter, spreading corn mixture in an even layer. Drizzle with the reserved sauce, and sprinkle with Cotija and chile powder. Garnish with more cilantro and serve with lime wedges.

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Ratings

5 out of 5
2,404 user ratings
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Comments

Tarheel

Trader Joe's frozen grilled corn works well in this

Emily

This is fabulous. I added some black beans, chopped red bell pepper and jalapeno, and just before serving some avocado, to give it a little more heft. Top it with some grilled chicken and prepare to blow your BBQ guests away!

AnaB

For even more authentic flavor, cook the corn with a few branches of Epazote, a pungent Mexican herb found in Mexican groceries. Fresh is better but dried Epazote also works well. It is really just a weed and I have found it growing in Central Park and Riverside Park, though I was a bit concerned about having it sprayed by dogs....

Mary

I may be the only person who is bothered by this but… in Mexico esquites are made with hard corn that is boiled for hours and the corn broth is one essential element that makes them so delicious. I realize it may not be practical or desirable to provide such a recipe but I am surprised that no one even mentions that sweet corn is an entirely different ingredient that results in an entirely different finished product.

Jennie

As I have zero investment in the authenticity (or not) of this recipe, let me just say this is one bangin' salad. I used Tajín for the chile powder, 1/2 the mayo, and kept everything the same. Not soupy, just super tasty, gently spicy, sweet from the corn, lip-smackingly tart, earthy, herbaceous, and I've put it on my things to make in perpetuity. I suggest you do the same.

DML

Can this be made a day ahead of time? Or even a few hours ahead of time?

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Credits

Kay Chun

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