Best Esquites Recipes

ESQUITES (MEXICAN CORN)

Steps:

• Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add corn and epazote. Cook, stirring frequently, until cooked to your preference, about 6 minutes. Remove from heat.
• Combine crema and lemon juice in a bowl; season with salt. Mix crema into the hot corn and transfer mixture to a serving dish. Let cool to room temperature.
• Sprinkle Cotija cheese and chipotle powder on top of corn and serve with lime wedges.

ESQUITES

Steps:

• Make the spice blend: Combine the salt, chili powder, ancho powder, paprika, garlic, guajillo powder and lime zest in a small bowl; set aside.
• Make the crema: Combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, cilantro and 1/2 teaspoon of the spice blend in a medium bowl; refrigerate until ready to use.
• Cook the corn: Heat a grill to high. Brush the corn with vegetable oil. Grill, turning occasionally, until tender, 8 to 10 minutes. Let cool.
• Cut the kernels off the cobs and transfer to a large bowl. Add 1/4 cup of the crema, 1/2 teaspoon of the spice blend and the cotija and cilantro; stir to combine. Top with more cotija and cilantro and sprinkle with more of the spice blend. Serve with lime wedges.

ESQUITES (MEXICAN ELOTES SALAD)

Steps:

• Heat oil in a large cast iron skillet over high heat until shimmering. Add corn kernels, in batches if necessary. Stir briefly; sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper. Cook, without stirring, until corn is slightly charred, about 2 minutes. Stir once and cook for 1 minute more. Remove from heat and set aside.
• Mix shallot, mayonnaise, and chile-lime seasoning together in a large bowl. Stir in the corn and jalapeno until well coated in dressing. Stir in 1/2 of the cilantro and Cotija cheese. Taste and season as desired. Top with the remaining cilantro. Serve each portion with a lime wedge.

ESQUITES (MEXICAN STREET CORN SALAD)

Steps:

• Heat oil in a large non-stick 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 well charred all over, about 10 minutes total. Transfer to a large bowl.
• Add mayonnaise, cheese, scallions, cilantro, jalapeno, garlic, lime juice, and chili powder and toss to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and more chili powder to taste. Serve immediately.

CREAMY CORN CUPS ("ESQUITES")

Steps:

• Bring a large saucepan of salted water to a boil over medium-high heat. Add the corn and cook until tender, about 5 to 7 minutes. Using tongs, transfer the corn to a platter and allow them to cool slightly. Using a serrated knife, remove the kernels from the corn. Divide the corn between 4 individual cups or small glasses. Put 1 tablespoon mayonnaise and 1 tablespoon butter in each glass. Sprinkle with cheese, chili powder, and salt. Serve with the lime wedges, if desired.

ESQUITES CON SALSA DE TOTOPOS

Steps:

• Esquites
• Bring a large stockpot of generously salted water to a boil. Place corn in pot, cover with a heavy plate to keep corn submerged, and remove pot from heat. Let corn sit until kernels are tender, about 10 minutes. Drain and transfer corn to a large bowl; let cool.
• Stir crema, mayonnaise, and 2 Tbsp. water in a medium bowl to combine, then mix in Cotija; season with salt. Cover and chill crema mixture until ready to serve.
• Salsa and assembly
• Crush tortilla chips very coarsely in a large resealable plastic bag. Set aside.
• Remove stems from guajillo and árbol chiles. Cut open with kitchen shears and scrape out most of the seeds and strings with your hands (wear disposable food-grade gloves if you have them). Break chiles into about ¼" pieces.
• Heat oil over low in a medium saucepan. Drop in a peanut and when oil starts bubbling gently around it, carefully add remaining peanuts. Cook, stirring often, until golden and fragrant, about 4 minutes. Add chiles and cook, stirring, until chiles starting to darken and puff, about 1 minute. Let cool 10 minutes.
• Transfer mixture to a food processor and process until peanuts and chiles are finely ground, about 2 minutes. Add sesame seeds, 1½ tsp. Diamond Crystal or ¾ tsp. Morton salt, and reserved tortilla chips. Pulse 3 times, just to combine (you want to preserve texture of sesame seeds and chips). Transfer salsa to a medium bowl and let cool. (The chile-peanut mixture will sink to the bottom while the chips stay afloat.)
• Cut corn in half crosswise and stand upright. Slice away kernels in wide sheets with a sharp knife, using a gentle sawing motion. Transfer corn to a large platter. Drizzle 2 Tbsp. lime juice over and sprinkle with salt. Spoon reserved crema mixture on top, then spoon ½ cup salsa over, making sure to dig out some chile-peanut mixture along with some chips; reserve remaining salsa for another use. Drizzle remaining lime juice over. Taste and season with more salt if needed. Do ahead: Salsa (without chips) can be made 1 month ahead. Cover and chill. Add chips up to 1 day ahead.

RANCH-STYLE ELOTE / ESQUITES (MEXICAN CORN) 3 WAYS #RSC

Steps:

• Start by making the dressing. In a small glass bowl, mix the Greek yogurt with milk and the "Hidden Valley Ranch" seasoning mix, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (up to 24 hours) -- and away we go! --.
• "Stove-top / Broiling method for Elote": On the stove-top, boil frozen corn on the cob according to package instructions, (or micro-wave, per instructions). If using fresh, remove husks and boil corn in large sauce pan until tender. IMPORTANT: Save about 1/2 c of the water from the boiling process (it contains the starch) for the "Esquites" preparation method.
• While corn is boiling, preheat oven to 500* F with a rack set in middle of oven.
• When the corn is cooked thru, remove the ears of corn to a platter.
• Okay, here is where we can 'part ways' on cooking methods -- but for now, I'm sticking with the stove-top / broiler method for "Elote".
• Now that the corn is cooked, line a baking tray with aluminum foil. Brush each ear of corn with the melted butter, salt and pepper lightly and place on tray (NO chili powder yet).
• Place tray in oven and bake for approx 15 minutes +/-, rotating (rolling) corn often, until all sides are lightly browned. Once you've reached your desired browning, remove the corn to that same platter that we dirtied earlier.
• "Grilled Elote" (the true way): The other alternative is using your grill to brown. If you are starting your corn on the grill, (while skipping the boiling method), be sure to remove silk only, and soak corn in water before grilling. Leave husks on while grilling, until your ready to brown them. when cooked thru, remove husks, brush with melted butter and grill ears, while turning, to desired browning has been achieved.
• (There you have the basics done. Now, were 'parting ways' again -- You can have one cob each that serves 4, or you can cut each cob in half to make 8 small servings. Now, at this point, you can shave the kernels off of the cob using a serrated knife, into a bowl, and "voila", we are now morphing into "Esquites" -- but please wait patiently for that).
• If you want "Elote", leave the cob in tact, slather it with the dressing we made earlier, heavily sprinkle on the grated Parm and add a little minced chives. (Heck, roll it thru them)! Squeeze a wedge of lemon over the whole thing, and add the touch of chili powder (if you so desire). Now your Americanized Ranch version of "Elote" is done.
• "Esquites": You've shaved the kernels off the cob after boiling and browning. Now put the kernels in a bowl, add the desired amount of water that the corn was boiled in (1/4-1/2 c), then throw in a heap of the dressing, cheese and chives and mix well. Squeeze a couple of lemon wedges 'over the top' (only after mixing). Enjoy!
• *** I used the following substitutions to make my "Ranched-up" version vs the traditional:.
• Greek Yogurt, milk & Ranch seasoning = mayo.
• Parmesan cheese = Cotija cheese.
• lemon = lime.

ESQUITES (MEXICAN STREET CORN SALAD)

Steps:

• Heat oil in a large non-stick 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 well charred all over, about 10 minutes total. Transfer to a large bowl. 2. Add mayonnaise, cheese, scallions, cilantro, jalapeño, garlic, lime juice, and chili powder and toss to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and more chili powder to taste. Serve immediately.

SPICED STREET CORN SALAD (ESQUITES)

Steps:

• Heat oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium heat until sizzling. Add corn and cook, stirring occasionally, until the corn is toasted and golden brown, 15 to 20 minutes. Add onion and garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. Remove from the heat and allow to cool, 10 to 15 minutes.
• Mix corn mixture, jalapeno, 3 tablespoons cotija cheese, mayonnaise, lime juice, cayenne, and salt together in a mixing bowl. Adjust seasonings, adding more of your preferred flavors if desired. Top with remaining cotija cheese and cilantro.

ESQUITES

Steps:

• Combine water and sugar in a large bowl and stir well. Leaving corn in husks, soak for at least 1 hour.
• Preheat an outdoor grill for low heat with mesquite chips in the wood box. Lightly oil the grate.
• Grill corn, still in husks, for 45 minutes. Remove from grill and let cool before shucking.
• Cut corn from the cobs and combine with chili powder. Saute corn kernels in a skillet over medium heat, tossing frequently, until you see come charring, about 5 minutes.
• Add cotija cheese, crema, cilantro, and salt and cook until warmed through, about 4 more minutes. Spritz with lime juice and serve immediately.

ESQUITES (MEXICAN CORN SALAD)

Steps:

• 1.Melt butter in skillet on medium-high.
• 2.Add corn and mix with butter.
• 3.Let corn char on bottom of pan. Then stir and char again.
• 4.Add the jalapeno, saute for a minute and then remove from heat.
• 5.Place into a bowl and add mayonnaise, garlic, green onions, cilantro, lime juice, cheese, chili powder and avocado.
• 6.Serve warm or chilled, your choice.

ESQUITES/ CREAMY CORN CUPS

Steps:

• 1. Bring a large saucepan of water sugared(about 3 Tablespoons sugar.) to a boil over medium-hi heat. Add the corn and cook until tender about 7 minutes. Using tongs, transfer the corn to a platter and allow them to cool ever so slightly. Using a serrated knife or a corn remover utensil, remove kernels from the cob. Place corn in a bowl with the Crema Mexicana, butter, and cheese, Divide mixture between 4 individual small glasses or cups. Sprinkle chili powder and salt on top to taste. Squeeze on a little lime juice. Oh this is to die for !!!

OH SO YUMMY BUTTERY CORN WITH LIME AND CHILE - AKA ESQUITES

Steps:

• STOVE TOP METHOD: Heat a large skillet on high heat and add corn to DRY skillet. Cook stirring loose kernels or turning cobs often until kernels begin to brown- about 3-5 minutes. If using, add the minced chile near the end and stir often to make sure it doesn't burn, cooking just until the pepper is soft. Go to step 3 --.
• GRILLING METHOD:my FAVE- grill corn over med hot coals turning to cook all sides and char a few of the kernels. If desired, grill a fresh chili pepper alongside the corn, dice and add to butter. Go to step 3 --.
• FINISH: Combine lime juice, salt, butter and chipotles and or peppers in 1/4 cup water. Pour into pan with kernels OR baste over corn at the end of the grilling time. Remove from grill to covered dish. Pour remaining sauce over corn.
• Sprinkle the salt and epazote or cilantro over the corn.
• Cover and remove from heat.
• Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
• Taste to make sure there is enough salt and lime for your taste.
• Serve with any of the toppings listed or use your creativity and come up with your own topping ideas. I LOVE it with lots of lime and chile and just an added pinch of salt!
• In mexico the vendors usually serve this on the cob, offering toppings like chili powder, mayo, catsup or a little cheese, a style that would be like our parmesan. People can top as they wish, walking along the street shopping and site seeing while snacking on this deliciously different treat.
• Hope you enjoy it!

ESQUITES

Steps:

• Slice the corn kernels off of the cob, and put them in a medium saucepan, with the butter, salt, and the water.
• Cook on medium heat, until fragrant, and fully cooked.
• To serve, pour the corn and broth in foam cups (typical), add some of the mayonnaise (to taste), chile powder and lime juice to taste.
• Enjoy.

ESQUITES

Steps:

• In a large cast iron or heavy skillet, heat oil over medium-high. Add corn, season with salt and pepper, and cook, stirring occasionally, until corn is nicely charred and softened, 8 to 10 minutes. Turn off the heat and let stand for 2 minutes. (This helps the corn pick up more char and smoky flavor.)
• Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine mayonnaise, crema, cilantro and lime juice; season with salt and pepper. Reserve 1/4 cup sauce in a small bowl for drizzling.
• Add seared corn to the large bowl, season with salt and pepper and toss to coat. Transfer to a large serving platter, spreading corn mixture in an even layer. Drizzle with the reserved sauce, and sprinkle with Cotija and chile powder. Garnish with more cilantro and serve with lime wedges.

CAESAR ESQUITES

Steps:

• Fill a large stockpot with water and bring to a boil. Add the corn, cover and cook until the kernels are tender, about 10 minutes. Drain and transfer the corn to a large bowl to cool completely.
• Add the sour cream, lime juice, Worcestershire sauce, anchovies and garlic to a medium bowl and stir to combine. Gradually whisk in the oil until thickened and emulsified; season with salt and pepper.
• Cut each ear of corn in half crosswise. Stand a piece upright and slice off the kernels, cutting close to the cob so they come off in wide sheets.
• Add about 1/2 cup of the dressing to the center of a large platter. Spread it with a spoon in a swishing motion, Put the sheets of corn on top of the dressing.
• Using a vegetable peeler, shave off 1/2 cup of Parmesan curls and scatter it over the corn. Then use a rasp grater to finish the dish with finely grated Parmesan. Serve with lime wedges and the remaining dressing on the side.

ESQUITES CON SALSA DE TOTOPOS

Steps:

• PreparationEsquites Bring a large stockpot of generously salted water to a boil. Place corn in pot, cover with a heavy plate to keep corn submerged, and remove pot from heat. Let corn sit until kernels are tender, about 10 minutes. Drain and transfer corn to a large bowl; let cool. Stir crema, mayonnaise, and 2 Tbsp. water in a medium bowl to combine, then mix in Cotija; season with salt. Cover and chill crema mixture until ready to serve. Salsa and assembly Crush tortilla chips very coarsely in a large resealable plastic bag. Set aside. Remove stems from guajillo and árbol chiles. Cut open with kitchen shears and scrape out most of the seeds and strings with your hands (wear disposable food-grade gloves if you have them). Break chiles into about ¼" pieces. Heat oil over low in a medium saucepan. Drop in a peanut and when oil starts bubbling gently around it, carefully add remaining peanuts. Cook, stirring often, until golden and fragrant, about 4 minutes. Add chiles and cook, stirring, until chiles starting to darken and puff, about 1 minute. Let cool 10 minutes. Transfer mixture to a food processor and process until peanuts and chiles are finely ground, about 2 minutes. Add sesame seeds, 1½ tsp. Diamond Crystal or ¾ tsp. Morton salt, and reserved tortilla chips. Pulse 3 times, just to combine (you want to preserve texture of sesame seeds and chips). Transfer salsa to a medium bowl and let cool. (The chile-peanut mixture will sink to the bottom while the chips stay afloat.) Cut corn in half crosswise and stand upright. Slice away kernels in wide sheets with a sharp knife, using a gentle sawing motion. Transfer corn to a large platter. Drizzle 2 Tbsp. lime juice over and sprinkle with salt. Spoon reserved crema mixture on top, then spoon ½ cup salsa over, making sure to dig out some chile-peanut mixture along with some chips; reserve remaining salsa for another use. Drizzle remaining lime juice over. Taste and season with more salt if needed. Do ahead: Salsa (without chips) can be made 1 month ahead. Cover and chill. Add chips up to 1 day ahead.