Esquites (Mexican Street Corn in a Cup)
In short: Corn kernels sautéed with onion, chile and epazote, then topped with mayonnaise, crema, cotija, chile powder and lime in a warm cup. It takes about 30 min in total and makes 6 servings.
- Prep
- 15 min
- Cook
- 15 min
- Total
- 30 min
- Servings
- 6
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 290 kcal
Esquites are street corn served in a cup and eaten with a spoon. Carts sell them all over Mexico City and central Mexico, especially in the evening. Fresh kernels are cooked with onion, chile and the herb epazote in a little broth, then spooned into cups while still hot. Mayonnaise, crema, cotija cheese, chile powder and lime go on top. The flavor matches elotes without the mess, and it is easy to make for a group.
Instructions
- Stand each ear of corn on its end and cut the kernels off with a sharp knife.
- Heat the oil in a wide skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the onion, chile and garlic for 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the corn and salt. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring now and then, until some kernels turn golden brown.
- Pour in the stock and add the epazote, if using. Simmer for 5 minutes until most of the liquid has cooked away but the corn is still moist. Discard the epazote.
- Spoon the hot corn into cups. Top each with mayonnaise, crema and cotija.
- Finish with chile powder, a squeeze of lime and cilantro. Serve warm with a spoon.
Tips
- Frozen corn works well. Thaw it and pat it dry, then cook it until browned so it does not taste steamed.
- Epazote is sold dried in Latin groceries and has a unique, earthy flavor. If you cannot find it, leave it out, since the dish is still good.
Questions and answers
What is the difference between esquites and elotes?
Elotes are whole cobs eaten from a stick. Esquites use the same toppings but are made with cut kernels cooked with onion and chile and served in a cup.
Can I make esquites ahead of time?
Cook the corn up to 2 days ahead and refrigerate. Reheat it in a skillet and add the toppings only when serving.
Are esquites served hot or cold?
Traditionally hot or warm, straight from the pot at a street cart. In summer they are also good at room temperature.
How long does it take to make Esquites (Mexican Street Corn in a Cup)?
About 30 min in total: 15 min of preparation and 15 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Esquites (Mexican Street Corn in a Cup)?
About 290 kcal per serving, with 7 g of protein, 24 g of carbohydrates and 19 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 290 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 7 g |
| Carbohydrates | 24 g |
| Fat | 19 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
| Sodium | 450 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
