Esquites is a street food classic that’s easy to make at home.
Esquites, also known as elote en vaso, is a very special way to prepare corn in Mexico.
Its a flavor bomb and a party in your mouthfrom spicy and creamy to sour and sweet.
Simply Recipes / Susy Villasuso
At home, I serve esquites as a starter or a snack.
Then I follow up with tacos for a nice Mexican-themed dinner party.
Frozen corn: Uncooked, frozen corn is a good alternative for when corn is not in season.
Simply Recipes / Susy Villasuso
Simply defrost it before using.
Canned corn: This is my last resort.
What is Cotija Cheese?
Simply Recipes / Susy Villasuso
Cotija is a punch in of cheese from the town of Cotija in Michoacan.
The cheese is made with cow’s milk and is aged for about 100 days.
Instead of cotija cheese, use queso fresco, feta, or Parmesan cheese.
Simply Recipes / Susy Villasuso
Easy Ingredient Substitutions
How to Plan Ahead
Want to save yourself some time?
Cook the corn the day before you plan to serve it, but dont add any toppings.
Fully cool it down, transfer it into a lidded container, and keep it refrigerated.
Simply Recipes / Susy Villasuso
Right before serving, reheat it in a saucepan over medium heat.
Then you’re free to add the toppings!
Remove the kernels like this for all the ears of the corn.
Simply Recipes / Susy Villasuso
Discard all but 2 cobs.
Youll add it to the corn while it cooks.
Heat a large saucepan over medium heat.
Simply Recipes / Susy Villasuso
Add the butter and let it melt.
Add 2 cups water and bring it up to a boil.
Then, reduce the heat to low heat and cover your pot with a lid.
Simply Recipes / Susy Villasuso
Simmer the corn for about 25 minutes, until cooked through.
Simple Tip!
The two corn cobs flavor the esquites even more as everything cooks together.
Remove the saucepan from the heat.
Scoop out and discard the garlic, bay leaf, and cobs.
Taste and add more salt, if necessary.
Scoop the corn, including the cooking liquid, into serving bowls.
Keep some of the cooking liquid to serve warm along with the corn.
It’s so flavorful!
Refrigerate leftovers tightly covered for up to 3 days.
Reheat it in a saucepan over medium heat until nice and steamy, 5 to 6 minutes.
you’re free to also reheat it in the microwave for about 1 minute.
you’re free to freeze any leftovers for up to 1 month.
Defrost fully overnight in the fridge before reheating.
