This grilled esquites recipe is a cherished Mexican street food, consisting of char grilled corn cut off the cob and combined with a harmonious blend of lime juice, mayonnaise, cotija cheese, and a dusting of tajin seasoning. This beloved dish delivers a delightful combination of creamy, tangy, and spicy flavors, served as a side dish or appetizer.
Course Appetizer, Side Dish
Cuisine Mexican
Keyword Grilled Esquites Recipes
Prep Time 20 minutesminutes
Cook Time 10 minutesminutes
Servings 8
Calories 108kcal
Author Bon Appeteach
Ingredients
4Corn Cobs
2tspOlive Oil
1/2tspSalt
1/2tspPepper
2Jalapenos
3Green Onions
1/2cupRed Onion
3clovesGarlicminced
1cupFresh Cilantrominced
1/2cupCotija
3tbspMayo
1tspTajin
Instructions
Grilling Instructions
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (around 400 F). and set the grill for direct grilling (over the fire source).
Lightly oil the ears of corn and season with salt and pepper.
Over direct heat, place the corn on the cob and the jalapenos directly onto the grates.
Place the corn directly on the grill grates. Grill for about 10 minutes, rotating every 2-3 minutes. The corn should have some brown or blackened spots around the kernels when it's done. Additionally, rotate the jalapenos as well until the outside skin is completely charred and black.
Remove the corn and the jalapenos from the grill and let cool briefly. You can place the jalapenos into a grocery bag or plastic bag to allow them to continue steaming so the skin can peel easily.
Preparing the Esquites
Once the corn on the cob has cooled enough to easily be handled, slice the kernels off the cob and place them into a large mixing bowl.
Next, peel the outside charred skin off of the two jalapenos. Use a knife to remove the stem and the seeds from inside. Dice the jalapeno finely and add to the bowl.
Mix in the sliced green onion, red onion, garlic, cilantro, cotija, mayo, and Tajin. Toss to full combine and test taste to adjust seasonings as needed.
Serve with extra cotija or cilantro over the top and enjoy.
Notes
If you do not have a grill, use a broiler to broil the jalapenos and roast or boil the corn (or use frozen or canned corn if needed).