Mexican Dinner Esquites for a Delicious Side

Mexican dinner esquites, a traditional street food, provide a delightful side dish that enhances any meal. This tasty corn salad offers a medley of flavors and textures, making it a perfect companion for various entrees. Whether you're serving grilled meats, tacos, or vegetarian dishes, esquites can elevate your dining experience.

Esquites are made primarily from fresh corn kernels, which are sautéed until slightly charred to bring out their natural sweetness. The addition of spices, fresh herbs, and creamy components makes this dish irresistible. Below is a simple recipe to prepare Mexican dinner esquites at home.

Ingredients

  • 4 cups fresh corn kernels (about 6-8 ears of corn)
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or butter
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • Salt, to taste
  • 1/2 cup crumbled cheese (Cotija or feta)
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
  • Chili flakes (optional, for extra heat)

Instructions

  1. Heat the vegetable oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add the corn kernels and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 6-8 minutes or until the corn is charred and tender.
  3. Sprinkle in the chili powder and salt, mixing well to incorporate the flavors.
  4. Remove the skillet from heat and let the corn mixture cool slightly.
  5. In a bowl, combine the mayonnaise and lime juice, stirring until smooth. Then add this mixture to the corn, incorporating it evenly throughout.
  6. Fold in the crumbled cheese and chopped cilantro, ensuring a well-mixed ensemble that bursts with flavor.
  7. If you enjoy a bit of spice, sprinkle chili flakes on top before serving.

Serve the esquites warm or at room temperature as a side dish. This vibrant salad not only adds color to your plate but also brings a refreshing contrast to heartier dishes. The combination of sweet corn, zesty lime, and creamy mayonnaise creates a flavorful experience that everyone will love.

Variations

Feel free to customize your esquites to suit your taste. Consider adding diced avocado for creaminess, jalapeños for heat, or a splash of hot sauce for an extra kick. You can also swap the cilantro for fresh parsley if you prefer a milder herb flavor.

Mexican dinner esquites are not just limited to Mexican meals; they also pair brilliantly with grilled fish, fried chicken, or even as a topping for nachos. This versatile dish will quickly become a favorite in your culinary repertoire.

In summary, Mexican dinner esquites are a flavorful and simple side dish that complements a wide variety of meals. Their vibrant flavors and delightful textures make them a must-try for anyone looking to add a bit of zest to their dining table.