In a large saute pan, heat bacon fat and butter on high until melted. Add in corn and spread out in pan - salt and pepper to taste, let cook without stirring for 3 - 5 minutes until some of the corn browns slightly. Add in garlic and mix, cooking for another 5 minutes or until just soft.
Remove from heat and pour corn into a large mixing bowl. Add in mayonnaise, smoked paprika, scallions, lime juice, zest and half of the cotija, bacon and cilantro. Mix until everything is well coated, then transfer into a serving bowl. Sprinkle remaining cotija, bacon and cilantro on top and serve.
Recipe by jessica burns at http://jessicaburns.com/2015/07/esquites/