Mexican Street Corn Salad (Esquites) Recipe

• servings: 4 servings
• total time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

2 tablespoons (30ml) vegetable oil

4 ears fresh corn, shucked, kernels removed (about 3 cups fresh corn kernels)

Kosher salt

2 ounces (60g) feta or Cotija cheese, finely crumbled

1/2 cup finely sliced scallions, green parts only

1/2 cup (1/2 ounce) fresh cilantro leaves, finely chopped

1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and stemmed, finely chopped

1 to 2 medium cloves garlic, pressed or minced on a Microplane grater (about 1 to 2 teaspoons)

2 tablespoons (30ml) mayonnaise

1 tablespoon (15ml) fresh juice from 1 lime

Chili powder or hot chili flakes, to taste

Directions

Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet or wok over high heat until shimmering. Add corn kernels, season to taste with salt, toss once or twice, and cook without moving until charred on one side, about 2 minutes. Toss corn, stir, and repeat until charred on second side, about 2 minutes longer. Continue tossing and charring until corn is well charred all over, about 10 minutes total. Transfer to a large bowl.

Add cheese, scallions, cilantro, jalapeño, garlic, mayonnaise, lime juice, and chile powder and toss to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and more chile powder to taste. Serve immediately.