Esquites Mexican Elotes Salad is a delightful and refreshing salad inspired by traditional Mexican street food. This vibrant dish combines tender kernels of corn, creamy cotija cheese, tangy lime juice, and a medley of flavorful spices. The result is a colorful and delicious salad that's perfect for summer gatherings, potlucks, or as a light and healthy meal. Esquites is often made with fresh corn on the cob, but you can also use frozen or canned corn for convenience. The salad is typically served cold or at room temperature, making it an ideal dish for meal prepping or packing for lunch. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and let's embark on a culinary journey to create this delectable Esquites Mexican Elotes Salad.
Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!
ESQUITES
This esquites recipe yields a deliciously creamy, tangy and spicy Mexican corn salad. Serve it in a bowl or small individual cups, as it's typically served in Mexico. Esquites are also called elote en vaso. Recipe yields 4 small side servings and is easily doubled for a crowd; if doubling, give the corn extra time in the pan to turn nicely golden.
Provided by Cookie and Kate
Categories Side dish
Time 20m
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Melt the butter in a large skillet, preferably cast iron, over medium heat. Once melted, add the corn and the salt (if using frozen corn, no need to defrost first). Cook, stirring just every minute or so, until the corn is warmed through and turning golden on the edges, about 5 to 8 minutes (turn the heat down to low if the corn starts jumping out of the pan).
- Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds, then remove the skillet from the heat. Let the corn cool for a few minutes, then transfer it to a medium mixing bowl.
- Add the remaining ingredients to the bowl (the mayonnaise, optional jalapeño, lime juice, chili powder, optional cayenne, cheese and cilantro). Stir to combine. Season to taste with additional salt, if needed.
- To serve, divide the mixture between small cups and garnish individual servings with a wedge of lime, perhaps a sprinkle of additional cheese and chili powder. Leftovers keep well, refrigerated, for about 4 days.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 283 calories, Sugar 7.4 g, Sodium 518.8 mg, Fat 20.7 g, SaturatedFat 6.3 g, TransFat 0 g, Carbohydrate 23 g, Fiber 2.7 g, Protein 5.5 g, Cholesterol 37.8 mg
MEXICAN STREET CORN SALAD (ESQUITES) RECIPE
This esquites recipe offers all the delights of Mexican street corn (elotes) in salad form, and you don't even have to fire up the grill to make it.
Provided by J. Kenji López-Alt
Categories Side Dish Appetizers and Hors d'Oeuvres Quick and Easy Sides
Time 20m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- 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.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 276 kcal, Carbohydrate 26 g, Cholesterol 17 mg, Fiber 3 g, Protein 7 g, SaturatedFat 4 g, Sodium 361 mg, Sugar 6 g, Fat 18 g, ServingSize Serves 4, UnsaturatedFat 0 g
ESQUITES
Esquites are the salad form of elotes, charcoal-grilled Mexican corn on the cob that is slathered with a creamy sauce, seasoned with chile powder and lime juice and topped with Cotija, a crumbly, aged Mexican cheese. This version doesn't require a grill, and instead chars the corn kernels in a hot skillet until browned and caramelized. Cotija brings salty, milky accents to the salad. Ancho chile powder adds smoky notes, but you can use any type of chile powder you favor. Leftovers transform quickly into a great pasta salad the next day; simply toss with cooked pasta and olive oil.
Provided by Kay Chun
Categories salads and dressings, vegetables, side dish
Time 15m
Yield 6 to 8 servings
Number Of Ingredients 9
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.
Tips:
- For the best flavor, use fresh corn on the cob. If using frozen corn, thaw it completely before using.
- To make the esquites ahead of time, cook the corn and let it cool completely. Then, transfer the corn to a container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, simply reheat the corn in a saucepan over medium heat until warmed through.
- To add a bit of spice, add a pinch of chili powder or cayenne pepper to the esquites.
- For a more creamy texture, add a dollop of sour cream or Mexican crema to the esquites.
- Garnish the esquites with chopped cilantro, cotija cheese, and lime wedges before serving.
Conclusion:
Esquites is a delicious and versatile Mexican street food that can be enjoyed as a snack, appetizer, or side dish. It's easy to make and can be customized to your own taste preferences. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy Mexican dish, give esquites a try!
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