Mexican Corn Cups, or esquites, are a yummy street snack that you can enjoy at home! Made with sweet corn, creamy mayo, tangy lime, and a sprinkle of cheese, it’s a colorful treat.
These little cups are great for sharing, or not—no one will judge you if you want them all to yourself! I like to add a dash of chili for some extra kick. 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Corn Kernels: Fresh corn gives a sweet crunch, but frozen corn is a great alternative when fresh is not available. Just make sure it’s thawed before cooking. I often use a mix of both for added texture.
Butter: This adds a rich flavor when sautéing the corn. If you need a dairy-free option, you can use olive oil or coconut oil instead. Both work wonderfully to enhance the taste.
Mayonnaise and Sour Cream: Together, they create a creamy base. For a lighter option, Greek yogurt can replace both. It adds protein and is tangy, which is delicious!
Cheese: Feta is my favorite for its salty flavor, but cotija is more traditional for este tipo de dish. If neither is available, you can use Parmesan or even a dairy-free cheese if needed.
Cilantro: It adds freshness and flavor. If you’re not a fan, try using chopped green onions or parsley instead. Both give a nice pop of color and taste!
How Do You Get the Perfect Sauté on Corn?
Sautéing corn is crucial for building flavor in this recipe. The goal is to get a soft texture with some caramelized bits for that golden touch. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start with a hot skillet and melted butter — this ensures even cooking.
- Add the corn in a single layer and avoid overcrowding the pan, allowing it to brown nicely.
- Stir occasionally for about 5-7 minutes until the corn is tender and lightly golden.
Don’t rush this step! Sautéing adds wonderful deep flavors to the corn that you’ll want to enjoy in every bite.
How to Make Mexican Corn Cups (Esquites)
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 cups corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/2 tsp chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- Salt to taste
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese or cotija cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 lime (cut into wedges)
- Optional: additional chili powder or hot sauce for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend a few minutes cooking the corn and mixing in the tasty ingredients. It’s a quick and delightful dish perfect for any gathering or snack time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Corn:
If you’re using fresh corn, carefully remove the kernels from the cobs using a sharp knife. If you opted for frozen corn, please make sure it’s thawed and ready to use.
2. Sauté the Corn:
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add the corn kernels to the skillet. Sauté them for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become tender and have a nice light brown color. This will bring out their natural sweetness.
3. Mix the Ingredients:
Take a large mixing bowl and combine your sautéed corn with mayonnaise, sour cream, chili powder, cumin, and salt. Mix everything well until it’s thoroughly combined, creating a creamy and flavorful corn mixture.
4. Serve the Corn Cups:
Now it’s time to serve! Divide the corn mixture into cups or small bowls. This makes it easy for everyone to enjoy their own little serving!
5. Add the Toppings:
On top of each serving, sprinkle crumbled feta or cotija cheese, and add some freshly chopped cilantro for a burst of flavor and color.
6. Lime and Extra Spice:
Don’t forget to serve lime wedges on the side! Guests can squeeze lime juice over their corn cups for an amazing tangy twist. If you want a little more heat, feel free to sprinkle some extra chili powder or drizzle hot sauce on top before serving.
Enjoy this delicious and vibrant Mexican street food treat!
Can I Use Canned Corn Instead of Fresh or Frozen?
Absolutely! Canned corn can be a great time-saver. Just drain and rinse the corn before sautéing to remove excess salt. You can skip the thawing step if you’re using frozen corn because canned is already cooked!
How Can I Make This Recipe Spicy?
If you love heat, increase the amount of chili powder to 1 teaspoon or add some diced jalapeños when sautéing the corn. You can also serve it with hot sauce or sprinkle fresh chopped serrano peppers on top for extra spice!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to enjoy, give it a good stir and consider adding a little more sour cream or lime juice to freshen up the flavors!
Can I Swap Out the Cheese for a Dairy-Free Option?
Yes! For a dairy-free version, you can use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor or try a dairy-free feta made from nuts or tofu. Just keep in mind that the texture may vary slightly, but it will still be delicious!
