Mexican Street Corn Salad (Esquites)
+2 photos

Mexican Street Corn Salad (Esquites)

This esquites recipe offers all the delights of Mexican street corn (elotes) in salad form, and you don't even have to fire up the grill to make it.

Ingredients

  • vegetable oil
    2 tbsp
  • fresh corn

    shucked, kernels removed, about 3 cups fresh corn kernels

    4 ears
  • kosher salt
  • feta or cotija cheese

    finely crumbled

    2 oz
  • finely sliced scallions

    green parts only

    ½ c
  • fresh cilantro leaves

    finely chopped

    ½ c
  • jalapeño pepper

    seeded and stemmed, finely chopped

    1
  • cloves garlic

    pressed or minced on a microplane grater, about 1 to 2 teaspoons

    1 medium
  • mayonnaise
    2 tbsp
  • fresh juice from 1 lime
    1 tbsp
  • chili powder or hot chili flakes
    to taste

Directions

  1. 1

    Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet or wok over high heat until shimmering. Add corn kernels, season to taste with salt, toss once or twice, and cook without moving until charred on one side, about 2 minutes. Toss corn, stir, and repeat until charred on second side, about 2 minutes longer. Continue tossing and charring until corn is well charred all over, about 10 minutes total. Transfer to a large bowl.

    Step 1
  2. 2

    Add cheese, scallions, cilantro, jalapeño, garlic, mayonnaise, lime juice, and chile powder and toss to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and more chile powder to taste. Serve immediately.

    Step 2
Mexican Street Corn Salad (Esquites)
+2

Mexican Street Corn Salad (Esquites)

4.9(21)276 cal

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Ratings & Reviews

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Based on 21 ratings

seriouseats.com
4.9(21 reviews)
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About this Recipe

Craving the vibrant, tangy flavors of Mexican street corn but without the grill? This Mexican Street Corn Salad, also known as Esquites, brings all that beloved taste to your table in an easy-to-enjoy side dish.

This Esquites recipe captures all the classic appeal of grilled elotes without the need for a flame, making it accessible for any home kitchen. The thoughtful combination of creamy mayonnaise, zesty lime, and savory cheese creates a harmonious balance with the sweet corn, offering a fresh take on a beloved classic.

You can expect a lively explosion of textures and flavors. Sweet corn kernels are intertwined with a rich, creamy, and tangy dressing, brightened by fresh cilantro and scallions, and given a gentle kick from finely chopped jalapeño and chili powder. It’s a remarkably balanced side that feels both comforting and exhilarating, a true crowd-pleaser that comes together quickly with just 20 minutes of active cooking.

Feel free to experiment with your cheese choice; feta offers a brinier tang, while cotija provides an authentic salty crumb. Adjust the jalapeño pepper and chili powder or hot chili flakes to your preferred spice level for a milder or bolder experience. If fresh corn is out of season, high-quality frozen corn kernels can be a convenient alternative.

This versatile esquites recipe makes an excellent side dish for tacos, grilled meats, or anything off the barbecue, brightening up any meal with its festive flair.

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