Print

Flavorful Esquites Recipe Easy Homemade Esquites with Mayo Cotija and Tajín

flavorful esquites recipe - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick and easy Mexican street food snack featuring sautéed corn kernels coated in creamy mayo, tangy Cotija cheese, fresh lime juice, and spicy Tajín seasoning. Perfect as a flavorful snack or appetizer.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups (600g) fresh or frozen corn kernels
  • ½ cup (120ml) mayonnaise
  • ½ cup (60g) Cotija cheese, crumbled
  • Juice of 1 lime (about 2 tablespoons / 30ml)
  • 1 to 2 teaspoons Tajín seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter
  • ½ teaspoon (2-3g) salt
  • A handful fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
  • A pinch chili powder or paprika (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat 2 tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter in a medium skillet over medium heat until melted and bubbling, about 1-2 minutes.
  2. Add 4 cups (600g) fresh or thawed corn kernels to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes until some kernels develop golden brown spots.
  3. Sprinkle ½ teaspoon salt and a pinch of chili powder or paprika if using. Stir and cook for another minute.
  4. Remove skillet from heat and let corn cool for about 2 minutes.
  5. In a mixing bowl, combine ½ cup (120ml) mayonnaise and juice of 1 lime (about 2 tablespoons / 30ml). Stir until smooth.
  6. Gently fold the warm corn into the mayo-lime mixture.
  7. Fold in ½ cup (60g) crumbled Cotija cheese and 1-2 teaspoons Tajín seasoning, adjusting to taste.
  8. If desired, stir in a handful of chopped fresh cilantro.
  9. Spoon esquites into cups or small bowls. Sprinkle extra Cotija and Tajín on top for garnish.
  10. Serve immediately or keep at room temperature for up to an hour before enjoying.

Notes

Do not add mayo while corn is too hot to prevent sauce separation. Let corn cool slightly before mixing. Use fresh corn for best sweetness or thaw and drain frozen corn thoroughly. Tajín seasoning is key for authentic flavor; chili powder with lime zest and salt can substitute. For vegan version, use vegan mayo and substitute Cotija with crumbled tofu or vegan cheese.

Nutrition

Keywords: esquites, Mexican street food, corn snack, mayo, Cotija cheese, Tajín, easy snack, appetizer

Find it online: https://evabake.com/flavorful-esquites-recipe-easy-homemade-esquites-with-mayo-cotija-and-taj-i-n/