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Esquites corn salad with feta
Mexican corn salad bowl

Esquites with Feta & Lime (Mexican Street Corn in a Cup)

Author: Flavelo
Recipes Side Dishes
Esquites relies on the Maillard reaction of the corn kernels. By sautéing them until slightly charred, we develop a smoky sweetness that contrasts with the acidity of the lime and the creamy emulsion of mayonnaise and cheese. It is a study in balancing fat, acid, and heat.
🕒 Prep Time 15 mins
🍳 Cook Time 15 mins
⌛ Total Time 30 mins
🍽️ Servings 4 servings
🔥 Calories 350 kcal
🌍 Cuisine Mexican

Ingredients

Equipment Needed

  • Heavy Skillet: Essential for getting that "street stall" char on the corn. A thin pan will just heat the corn; a heavy pan roasts it.
  • Spatula: Use a flat metal or wooden spatula to scrape up the caramelized brown bits (flavor!) from the bottom of the pan.

Allergen Information

⚠️ Dairy
⚠️ Eggs (in Mayo)

Instructions

1 ✓

Heat butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the corn and onion. Sauté for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Tip: To get the smoky flavor, let the corn sit undisturbed for 2-3 minutes at a time to brown the bottom layer.
2 ✓

Add the garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant, then remove from heat.

Tip: Adding garlic at the beginning would result in burnt, bitter garlic by the time the corn is cooked.
3 ✓

While warm, transfer to a bowl and stir in the mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, and salt.

Tip: Mixing while warm allows the fats (mayo/cream) to melt slightly, coating the kernels more evenly than if mixed cold.
4 ✓

Serve in cups topped generously with crumbled Feta and chili powder.

Tip: Feta is a salty cheese; taste the corn mixture before adding extra salt to avoid over-seasoning.

Recipe FAQ

Mayo substitute?
You can use Greek yogurt for a lighter version, though mayo provides the traditional richness.
Is it spicy?
That depends on your chili powder. Tajín adds lime tang and mild heat; Cayenne is very hot. Adjust to taste.
Can I use canned corn?
Yes, just drain and dry it very well before frying, otherwise it won't char.

Ingredients

  • 4 cups Corn Kernels (fresh or frozen)
  • 2 tbsp Butter
  • 1/2 medium White Onion (finely diced)
  • 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
  • 1/4 cup Mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp Sour Cream or Mexican Crema
  • 1/2 cup Feta Cheese (crumbled)
  • 1 whole Lime (juiced)
  • 1 tsp Chili Powder (or Tajín)
  • 1/2 tsp Salt