Mexican Corn, also known as Elote when served on the cob or Esquites when served off-the-cob, is a beloved street food in Mexico. This vibrant and flavorful dish is a perfect side for any meal, especially your favorite Mexican cuisine. Our recipe brings the authentic taste of Mexican street corn right to your kitchen, offering a cheesy, spicy, and utterly delicious experience.
Close up image of Mexican street corn topped with cotija and cilantro.
What is Mexican Street Corn? Elote vs. Esquites
Mexican street corn, in its most iconic form, is known as Elote. This refers to grilled corn on the cob slathered with a creamy mixture of mayonnaise or crema, sprinkled with cotija cheese, chili powder, and a squeeze of lime juice. The explosion of flavors – sweet corn, tangy cream, salty cheese, and spicy chili – is what makes Elote so irresistible.
Esquites, on the other hand, is the off-the-cob version of Elote. It offers the same fantastic flavors but in a convenient, spoonable format. Esquites is perfect for those who prefer to avoid the mess of eating corn on the cob or want a side dish that’s easier to serve and eat with other dishes. This recipe focuses on Esquites, bringing you all the authentic flavors of Mexican street corn in a simple skillet preparation.
Corn kernels piled in a cast iron skillet with butter on top.
Why You’ll Love This Mexican Corn Recipe
This recipe is inspired by the popular Mexican street corn, and even takes cues from restaurant-style preparations like Torchy’s Tacos, known for their flavorful sides. You’ll love this recipe because:
- Authentic Flavor: It captures the true taste of Mexican street corn with simple, fresh ingredients.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 20 minutes, it’s a perfect side for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings.
- Versatile: Enjoy it warm or cold, as a side dish, or even as a topping for tacos or salads.
- Crowd-Pleasing: The combination of creamy, cheesy, and spicy flavors is a guaranteed hit with everyone.
- Customizable: Easily adjust the spice level and ingredients to your preference.
Simple Ingredients for Flavorful Mexican Corn
To make this delicious Mexican corn, you’ll need just a handful of readily available ingredients:
- Corn: Canned corn makes this recipe incredibly easy and quick. You can also use frozen corn (thawed) or fresh corn kernels cut off the cob for an even fresher taste.
- Butter: Adds richness and flavor to the corn as it cooks in the skillet.
- Mayonnaise: Provides the creamy base that coats the corn and binds the flavors together. For a lighter option, you can substitute with Mexican crema, Greek yogurt, or avocado mayo, though the flavor profile will slightly change.
- Lime Juice: Essential for that signature tangy zest that balances the richness and spice. Freshly squeezed lime juice is highly recommended.
- Chili Powder: Provides a mild heat and authentic Mexican flavor. Adjust the amount to your spice preference.
- Cotija Cheese: A firm, salty Mexican cheese that crumbles beautifully and adds a salty, savory note. If cotija is unavailable, you can substitute with feta or parmesan cheese.
- Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a bright, herbaceous finish. Parsley can be used as a substitute if you prefer.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors.
Ingredients for Mexican street corn mixed together in glass bowl.
How to Make Mexican Street Corn (Esquites Recipe)
Follow these simple steps to create your own delicious Mexican corn in a skillet:
- Sauté the Corn: Heat a large skillet over high heat. Add the drained corn to the skillet and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This step helps to slightly char and dry out the corn, enhancing its flavor.
- Melt Butter and Season: Remove the skillet from the heat. Add butter and salt to the hot corn and stir until the butter is melted and the corn is coated.
- Create the Creamy Base: In a separate bowl (or directly in the skillet, if preferred), combine the cooked corn, mayonnaise, and lime juice. Stir well to combine.
- Spice it Up: Add 1 teaspoon of chili powder to the corn mixture and mix thoroughly. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more chili powder for extra spice or lime juice for more tang.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the Mexican corn generously with crumbled cotija cheese, another sprinkle of chili powder, and freshly chopped cilantro. Serve immediately while warm for the best taste and texture.
Tips and Variations for Your Mexican Corn
- Fresh Corn Option: For an even more authentic flavor, use fresh corn on the cob. Grill the corn until slightly charred, then cut the kernels off the cob and proceed with the recipe.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chili powder to control the heat. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
- Cheese Variations: While cotija is traditional, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like crumbled queso fresco for a milder flavor or even a sprinkle of shredded Monterey Jack for extra meltiness.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve your Mexican corn warm as a side dish to tacos, enchiladas, grilled meats, or alongside other Mexican favorites like refried beans and Spanish rice. It’s also delicious cold as a corn salad or as a topping for nachos or taco bowls.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the corn mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just before serving, reheat gently and add the cheese and cilantro garnish.
Mexican street corn recipe off the cob in a white bowl.
Storing Leftover Mexican Corn
Store any leftover Mexican corn in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It can be enjoyed cold straight from the fridge or reheated gently in a skillet or microwave.
Enjoy the Taste of Mexico at Home
This easy Mexican corn recipe brings the vibrant flavors of authentic street food to your table. Whether you call it Mexican corn, Elote, or Esquites, this creamy, cheesy, and spicy side dish is sure to become a family favorite. Try this recipe tonight and experience the deliciousness of homemade Mexican corn!
