Mexican Street Corn Recipe
A fast skillet version of Mexican Street Corn, also known as esquites. This recipe features charred corn tossed in a creamy, tangy lime-mayo dressing, and topped with salty cotija cheese and fresh cilantro.
Equipment
- Mixing Bowls
- Cast Iron Skillet
- lemon squeezer
Ingredients
- 3 (15.25-ounce) cans corn drained
- 2 tablespoons butter
- kosher salt
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1-2 tablespoons lime juice
- 2 teaspoons chili powder divided
- cotija cheese
- cilantro roughly chopped
Instructions
- Set a cast iron skillet over high heat, add the drained corn, and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally instead of constantly. You want deep brown to nearly black spots on plenty of kernels and a nutty, toasted smell rather than a burnt one.
- Take the skillet off the heat, add the butter and a pinch of kosher salt, and stir until the butter fully coats the corn. The butter should melt quickly and leave the kernels glossy without making the pan look wet.
- Transfer the hot corn to a bowl, then mix in the mayonnaise, lime juice, and 1 teaspoon of the chili powder until evenly coated. Mixing off the heat keeps the mayo creamy so the sauce clings to the kernels instead of turning oily.
- Finish with cotija cheese, the remaining chili powder, and the roughly chopped cilantro, then serve right away. The final mixture should look creamy and speckled, with the toppings sitting on the corn rather than disappearing into it.
Notes
Get a Good Char: For the best flavor and texture, pat the corn very dry with paper towels before cooking. This helps it char and toast in the skillet rather than steam.
Creamy Sauce Tip: Transfer the hot corn to a separate bowl before mixing in the mayonnaise. This prevents the sauce from becoming oily and helps it cling to the kernels.
Cheese Substitutes: If you can't find Cotija, crumbly feta is the best substitute. Grated Parmesan also works but will have a nuttier flavor.
Storage: Store leftovers in a covered container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave. The texture is best when fresh.
Nutrition information is an estimate based on common ingredients and serving sizes. Values may vary depending on brands, portions, and substitutions.