Dinner

Esquites Fritters with Creamy Lime Sauce Recipe

Name: Esquites Fritters with Creamy Lime Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1/2 cup sour cream; 2 Tbsp. mayonnaise; 1 Tbsp. lime juice; 1 garlic clove, grated; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup cornmeal; 1 tsp. baking powder; 1 tsp. kosher salt; 1 tsp. granulated sugar; 1 tsp. chili powder; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 1/3 cup buttermilk, at room temperature; 1 large egg, at room temperature; 2 Tbsp. melted butter; 1 1/2 cups corn kernels, defrosted and drained if frozen; 1 jalapeño, seeds and veins removed, minced; 2 Tbsp. cotija cheese, crumbled, plus more for garnish; Vegetable oil, for frying; Fresh cilantro, for garnish; Lime wedges, for serving

Bylilan Sage June 27, 2026June 27, 2026

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Introduction

Esquites fritters are a delightful twist on the classic Mexican street corn salad, transformed into crispy, golden bites packed with bold flavors. These fritters pair perfectly with a tangy, creamy sauce and a squeeze of fresh lime, making them an irresistible appetizer or snack.

A white plate holds many golden brown corn fritters with visible corn kernels and sprinkled white cheese crumbs on top, garnished with green cilantro leaves and served with lime wedges at the edges. In the middle of the plate is a glass bowl filled with creamy white sauce, topped with a light dusting of red chili powder. A woman's hand is picking up one fritter, showing its crispy texture and the soft white cheese on the side dipped in sauce. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1/2 cup sour cream
2 Tbsp. mayonnaise
1 Tbsp. lime juice
1 garlic clove, grated
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup cornmeal
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. Kosher salt
1 tsp. granulated sugar
1 tsp. chili powder
Freshly ground black pepper
1/3 cup buttermilk, at room temperature
1 large egg, at room temperature
2 Tbsp. melted butter
1 1/2 cups corn kernels, defrosted and drained if frozen
1 jalapeño, seeds and veins removed, minced
2 Tbsp. cotija cheese, crumbled, plus more for garnish
Vegetable oil, for frying
Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Lime wedges, for serving

Instructions

Step 1: Make the sauce by whisking together sour cream, mayonnaise, lime juice, and grated garlic in a medium bowl. Set aside.
Step 2: In another medium bowl, combine flour, cornmeal, baking powder, salt, sugar, chili powder, and freshly ground black pepper. Whisk to blend.
Step 3: In a large bowl, whisk buttermilk, egg, and melted butter until smooth. Stir in corn kernels, minced jalapeño, and crumbled cotija cheese. Gradually fold in the dry ingredients until the batter has no dry spots.
Step 4: Heat about 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Drop heaping tablespoons of batter into the skillet and cook for about 2 minutes per side, until fritters are golden and crisp. Transfer to a paper-towel lined plate. Add more oil as needed and repeat with remaining batter.
Step 5: Serve the fritters garnished with additional cotija and fresh cilantro leaves. Offer the sauce on the side and lime wedges for squeezing.

Tips & Variations

For a milder version, omit the jalapeño or use a mild pepper instead.
Try adding finely chopped green onions or fresh herbs like parsley for extra freshness.
Use fresh corn kernels when in season for the sweetest flavor.
Serve with a dash of hot sauce for added heat and tang.

Storage

Store leftover fritters in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat to keep them crisp, or warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes. The sauce should be kept separately and can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.

How to Serve

A green speckled plate holds about fourteen golden-brown corn fritters arranged in a circular pattern, each fritter showing bits of yellow corn kernels and small green herbs, topped with a light sprinkling of white cheese and fresh green cilantro leaves. Between the fritters are four light green lime wedges. In the center of the plate is a clear bowl filled with creamy white sauce dusted with a small amount of orange-red spice on top. The plate is set on a pink surface with a white marbled texture, and around it are three glasses of light orange-colored drink with foam. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these fritters gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure your cornmeal is certified gluten-free. This will give similar texture and flavor.