Creamy Mexican Street Corn in a Cup (Esquites) Delight!

Name: Creamy Mexican Street Corn in a Cup (Esquites)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 7 min
Total time: 22 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 4 cups corn kernels (fresh, grilled, or frozen and thawed); 3 tbsp butter; 3 tbsp mayonnaise; ½ cup Mexican crema (or sour cream); ½ cup Cotija cheese (crumbled, or feta as a substitute); 1 garlic clove, minced (optional); 1 jalapeño, finely chopped (optional, for heat); 2 tbsp lime juice (freshly squeezed); 1 tsp chili powder (plus extra for topping); Salt, to taste; Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

There’s something undeniably magical about the vibrant flavors of Mexican street corn, and taking that experience to a delicate cup makes it even better. Creamy Mexican street corn, or Esquites, is a comforting dish that’s not just about delicious ingredients and textures; it’s a trip down memory lane, evoking summertime nostalgia and festive gatherings. Let’s dive into why you’ll absolutely adore this recipe and how you can whip it up in the comfort of your own kitchen.

Why Make This Recipe

Each bite is a burst of flavor with a delightful creaminess that keeps you coming back for more.
It’s an incredibly versatile dish that can be served as a snack or side, and it’s perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or simply as a treat for you and your family.

Serving creamy Mexican street corn in a cup turns an already beloved dish into something that feels festive and fun—ideal for any occasion!

Easy Method for Creamy Mexican Street Corn in a Cup

This recipe seamlessly blends ingredients that balance creaminess with savory flavors, making it a delightful addition to any table. Here’s how to make this delicious dish from scratch.

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients

Before you kick off your culinary adventure, make sure you have all your ingredients ready. Here’s what you will need:

4 cups corn kernels (fresh, grilled, or frozen and thawed)
3 tbsp butter
3 tbsp mayonnaise
½ cup Mexican crema (or sour cream)
½ cup Cotija cheese (crumbled, or feta as a substitute)
1 garlic clove, minced (optional)
1 jalapeño, finely chopped (optional, for heat)
2 tbsp lime juice (freshly squeezed)
1 tsp chili powder (plus extra for topping)
Salt, to taste
Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Feel free to gather everything on your kitchen counter for convenience.

Step 2: Sauté the Corn

Start by heating the butter in a skillet over medium heat. As the butter melts and begins to foam, add your corn kernels. You’ll want to sauté them until they’re lightly charred. This should take about 5 to 7 minutes—be sure to stir occasionally so they don’t stick to the pan. If you’re using fresh corn, grilling it beforehand brings an incredible smoky flavor that elevates your Esquites to a whole new level.

Step 3: Mix the Creamy Sauce

While your corn cooks, grab a large mixing bowl to prepare your creamy mixture. Stir together the mayonnaise, Mexican crema, minced garlic, jalapeño, freshly squeezed lime juice, chili powder, and a generous pinch of salt. This blend is where the magic happens. The creaminess of the mayonnaise and crema perfectly complements the sweetness of the corn, while the lime and chili add an exciting kick.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

Once your corn is sautéed and warm, add it directly to the creamy mixture in the bowl. Toss everything together gently until the corn is evenly coated with the sauce. After that, scoop generous portions of the corn mixture into serving cups.

Step 5: Garnish for Flavor and Presentation

Now for the finishing touches that will wow your guests—and yourself! Generously sprinkle Cotija cheese on top, followed by extra chili powder and chopped cilantro for that pop of freshness. For an added touch, garnish with a lime wedge on the side. Your delicious cups of creaminess are now ready to be enjoyed warm, with a squeeze of lime juice before each bite!

Storage Tips for Creamy Mexican Street Corn in a Cup

Storing your leftover Esquites is straightforward but requires some precautions to keep them fresh:

Refrigerate for 3 to 4 days at 40°F.
Avoid freezing as the mayo and crema may separate.
If packing for later, store the corn and creamy mixture separately to maintain texture.
Keep in an airtight container for best results.

Best Ways to Serve Creamy Mexican Street Corn in a Cup

Creamy Mexican street corn is irresistibly tasty on its own, but there are numerous creative ways to serve and enhance it. Here are some of my favorite serving suggestions:

Taco Nights: Serve Esquites alongside grilled meats or veggies in warm corn tortillas. It’s a delicious condiment that complements the smoky flavors.
At a BBQ: Add a cup of Esquites to your picnic spread. It works brilliantly as a side dish alongside grilled chicken, ribs, or burgers.
As a Snack: Perfect for potlucks or movie night, serve it in smaller cups for easy snacking. Your guests won’t be able to resist!
With Chips: Use as a dip with tortilla chips. The creamy texture pairs wonderfully with the crunch of the chips.
As a Salad: Mix it into a larger salad for a delightful corn addition—perfect for summer gatherings.

Tips to Make Creamy Mexican Street Corn in a Cup

Use fresh corn in season for the best flavor.
If you like it spicy, don’t hold back on the jalapeño—experiment with the quantity according to your taste.
Consider grilling the corn beforehand for an extra layer of flavor; it is well worth the effort.

Variations or Substitutions

One of the exciting aspects of making Esquites is how adaptable the recipe is. If you want to adjust the flavor profile, consider these variations:

Sweet Corn Fusion: Replace some of the corn with sweet grilled peppers or zucchini to add more vegetables. This adds texture and flavor complexity.
Cheese Swap: If Cotija is hard to find, feta cheese works well as a substitute, achieving a similar crumbly texture while providing that salty kick.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the corn mixture a few hours in advance. However, it’s best mixed just before serving to preserve the creaminess.

Q: How do I make it spicier?
A: To amp up the heat, increase the amount of jalapeño or sprinkle some cayenne pepper on top just before serving.

Q: What’s the best way to enjoy leftovers?

Reheat on the stove over low heat to bring back the warmth without overcooking.
Add extra lime juice for a fresh taste.

Nutritional Info

While enjoying this delightful treat, it’s good to know a bit about its nutritional aspects. A typical serving (approximately 1 cup) of Esquites includes:

Calories: 250-300
Protein: 6-8g
Carbohydrates: 30-35g
Fat: 15-20g (depending on the quantity of butter and cheese used)
Fiber: 3-4g

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Esquites, avoid these common missteps to ensure perfect results:

Overcooking the Corn: Sautéing for longer than advised can lead to tough kernels. Keep them tender and crisp by sticking to the time.
Using Cold Ingredients: Mix the warm corn with the creamy ingredients while they’re warm to help achieve a cohesive blend.
Skipping the Garnish: Don’t skip the Cotija cheese and cilantro—they elevate the flavor dramatically!

Creamy Mexican Street Corn in a Cup is a celebration of texture, flavor, and simplicity. Whether served at a gathering or enjoyed alone, this dish is bound to bring a bit of warmth and cheer into your kitchen. Remember, food is not just about sustenance—it’s about experiences, and the delicious journey that a dish like this can take you on is worth every moment. Happy cooking!

Creamy Mexican Street Corn in a Cup (Esquites) Delight!

Creamy Mexican Street Corn in a Cup (Esquites) Delight!

Why Make This Recipe