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Esquites en Vaso

Mexico's beloved street corn in a cup: charred corn kernels tossed with mayonnaise, cotija cheese, lime juice, chili powder, and epazote - rich, tangy, and addictive.

22 minEasyServes 4350 cal/serving

MexicanAppetizerStovetopVegetarianHalal-friendlyGluten-FreeNut-FreeSesame-FreeLow-SodiumPork-FreeAlcohol-Free

Ingredients

  • 4 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 tbsp fresh epazote (or fresh cilantro), chopped
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
  • 1/2 tsp chili powder (or Tajin)
  • 1/4 cup cotija cheese (or feta cheese), crumbled
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt

Instructions

  1. 1

    Heat a large skillet over high heat until very hot. Add 2 tbsp unsalted butter and let it melt and foam.

  2. 2

    Add 4 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels in an even layer. Let cook undisturbed for 2 to 3 minutes until the corn begins to char on one side, then stir and continue cooking until most kernels have some golden-brown color, about 5 to 7 minutes total.

  3. 3

    Add 2 tbsp chopped fresh epazote (or fresh cilantro) and 1/2 tsp kosher salt to the pan, stir for 30 seconds, then remove from heat.

  4. 4

    Divide the hot corn among cups or bowls. Top each serving with 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 2 tbsp fresh lime juice, and 1/2 tsp chili powder (or Tajin).

  5. 5

    Finish each cup with 1/4 cup crumbled cotija cheese (or feta cheese). Serve immediately.

Questions

Can I make Esquites en Vaso dairy-free?

Yes. The dairy in this entry is 2 tbsp unsalted butter, 1/4 cup cotija cheese (or feta cheese), crumbled. Swap the butter for olive oil where it melts, or a plant-based block butter where it is creamed; the cheese for a plant-based melting cheese (expect a milder flavor). The richness shifts slightly, but the method does not change.

How long does Esquites en Vaso keep?

Refrigerate leftovers within two hours and eat them within three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop.

Can I halve or double Esquites en Vaso?

Yes. As written it serves 4. Every ingredient in this entry carries precomputed half and double quantities, and the app's batch dial rewrites them inside each step. When doubling on the stovetop, use your widest pan or work in two batches so the food sears instead of steaming.

Serve it with

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