Ever wandered through a bustling Mexican market, captivated by the smoky aroma of street corn slathered in a creamy, cheesy sauce? That, my friends, is the magic of esquites! While the grilled corn itself is undeniably delicious, the star of the show is the vibrant and flavorful esquites sauce. This sauce, bursting with tangy lime, smoky chili, and creamy mayonnaise, is incredibly easy to make at home. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this taste of Mexico!
What is Esquites Sauce?
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s talk about what makes esquites sauce so special. This Mexican street food staple is traditionally made with mayonnaise, crema fresca (Mexican sour cream), cotija cheese, chili powder, and lime juice. It’s then generously slathered over grilled Mexican street corn, creating a symphony of flavors and textures that will leave you craving more.
Why you’ll love this recipe:
- Easy to make: This recipe requires minimal ingredients and can be whipped up in under 15 minutes.
- Versatile: While traditionally used for esquites, this sauce is incredibly versatile and can be used as a dip for chips, a topping for tacos, or even a spread for sandwiches.
- Customizable: Feel free to adjust the ingredients to your liking. Want it spicier? Add more chili powder! Prefer a tangier kick? Use more lime juice!
Ingredients
For a truly authentic esquites sauce, you’ll need:
- Mayonnaise: 1 cup, full-fat is recommended for a richer flavor
- Crema fresca: 1/2 cup (You can substitute with sour cream, but crema fresca adds a tangier flavor)
- Cotija cheese: 1/2 cup, crumbled (This hard, salty cheese is traditional, but you can use Parmesan cheese as a substitute)
- Chili powder: 1 tablespoon (Adjust to your spice preference)
- Lime juice: Juice of 1 lime, freshly squeezed is always best
- Salt and pepper: To taste
- Chopped cilantro: For garnish (Optional)
