Seafood

Baked Fish with Pepita Habanero Pesto

Posted on by Pati Jinich
Baked Fish with Pepita Habanero Pesto
Print Recipe
4.20 from 5 votes

Baked Fish with Pepita Habanero Pesto

Baked Fish with Pepita Habanero Pesto recipe from Pati’s Mexican Table Season 12, Episode 9 “Pink”
Cook Time10 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: fish, habanero, pumpkin seeds
Servings: 4 servings
Author: Pati Jinich

Ingredients

  • Unsalted butter to grease the baking dish
  • 1 1/2 pounds mild flaky fresh fish filets like grouper, flounder, or tilapia
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • Kosher or coarse sea salt to taste
  • Coarsely ground black pepper
  • 1 cup Pepita Habanero Pesto
  • Pine nuts, cilantro, or basil for garnish, optional

Instructions

  • Set the rack in the middle of the oven and preheat to 400°F.
  • Butter a baking dish big enough to hold the fish in a single layer. Place the fish filets in the baking dish. Squeeze the lime juice over the fish and sprinkle with just a bit of salt and pepper.
  • When ready to bake, cover each fish filet with 3 to 4 tablespoons of the pesto. Bake the fish for 10 to 15 minutes depending on the thickness of the fish, until it’s cooked and flakes easily with a fork. Serve immediately, garnished with pine nuts, cilantro, or basil, if desired.

Notes

Pescado al Horno con Pesto de Pepita y Habanero

Green Ceviche

Posted on by Pati Jinich
Green Ceviche
Print Recipe
4.41 from 5 votes

Green Ceviche

Green Ceviche recipe from Pati’s Mexican Table Season 12, Episode 9 “Pink”
Cook Time0 minutes
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: Avocado, cucumber, fish
Servings: 4 servings
Author: Pati Jinich

Ingredients

For the sauce:

  • 1 habanero
  • 1/2 red onion quartered
  • 2 garlic cloves unpeeled
  • 1 1/2 cups bitter orange juice or sub for 1/2 cup each lime, lemon and orange juice
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon kosher or coarse sea salt or to taste
  • 1/2 cup cilantro leaves and upper part of stems chopped
  • 1 large cucumber peeled and seeded, coarsely chopped
  • 1 celery stalk coarsely chopped

For the ceviche:

  • 1 pound red snapper filet or mild fish like grouper, trout, flounder, sole or rockfish, cut into 1/2“ dice
  • 1 cup (about 1 large) cucumber finely diced and seeded
  • 1 cup (about 1 large) avocado finely diced
  • 1/2 cup peeled and finely diced green apple

For garnish:

  • 1/4 cup fresh chives
  • 1/4 cup cilantro leaves
  • 1/2 cup raw shelled pepitas lightly toasted and coarsely chopped
  • Tortilla chips or tostadas to serve

Instructions

To make the sauce:

  • On a preheated comal set over medium heat, toast the habanero, onion and unpeeled garlic for about 6 to 8 minutes, or until charred on the outside and soft inside. Remove from the heat.
  • Peel the garlic cloves, stem the chile, and add to the jar of a blender along with the toasted onion, bitter orange juice, olive oil, salt, cilantro, cucumber and celery. Puree until completely smooth.

To make the ceviche:

  • Place fish in a medium bowl. Pour bitter orange sauce over it. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes outside the refrigerator, or up to 24 hours covered in the refrigerator. When ready to eat. Add the diced cucumber, avocado and apple. Garnish with chives, cilantro and pepitas. Eat with tostadas or tortilla chips.

Notes

Ceviche Verde

Honey Glazed Pork Belly, Arrachera and Shrimp Fried Rice

Posted on by Pati Jinich
Honey Glazed Pork Belly, Arrachera and Shrimp Fried Rice
Print Recipe
4.67 from 6 votes

Honey Glazed Pork Belly, Arrachera and Shrimp Fried Rice

Honey Glazed Pork Belly, Arrachera and Shrimp Fried Rice from Pati's Mexican Table Season 11, Episode 8 "Texas BBQ in the Orange Belt"
Cook Time3 hours
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: meat, pork belly, rice, Shrimp
Servings: 6 to 8 servings
Author: Pati Jinich

Ingredients

  • 4 cups water divided
  • 1/3 cup honey for pork belly brine, plus 1 tablespoon for cooking sauce
  • 1/4 cup kosher or coarse sea salt plus more for seasoning
  • 1 pound pork belly
  • 1 pound skirt steak diced into bite-sized pieces
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 pound medium-sized shrimp peeled and patted dry
  • ¼ cup soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons unseasoned rice vinegar
  • 3 tablespoons sauce from chipotles in adobo sauce
  • Zest of an orange
  • ¼ cup fresh squeezed orange juice
  • 3 garlic cloves pressed or minced
  • 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
  • 1 to 2 serrano or jalapeño chiles stemmed, finely chopped (seeds on optional)
  • 1 teaspoon dried piquín chiles chopped or crushed (seeds on optional)
  • 3 eggs lightly beaten
  • 1 cup diced carrots from about 2 medium peeled carrots
  • 2 cups fresh asparagus dry bottoms removed, stalks peeled below the tops, and cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 cup shelled peas
  • 8 scallions root ends removed, thinly sliced, reserve a tablespoon for garnish
  • 4½ cups cooked white rice cooked from 1½ cup uncooked rice

Instructions

  • Mix 3 cups water with the honey and ¼ cup salt in a saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat and stir until the honey dilutes and the salt dissolves, just a minute. Remove from heat and set aside until it cools.
  • Place the pork belly in a container that fits it. Pour cooled honey brine over pork belly, cover, and marinate for 12 to 24 hours in the refrigerator.
  • When ready to cook the pork belly, remove it from the refrigerator. Preheat the oven to 300℉ with the rack in the middle position.
  • Uncover the container that has the pork belly in the brine and pour the remaining cup of water onto the bottom of the dish. Cover tightly with aluminum foil and roast for 2 hours and 30 minutes, or until pork belly is fork tender.
  • Remove the aluminum foil, increase heat to 400℉ and roast for about 20 minutes until the top has crisped and browned and the inner fat has melted considerably. Remove from the oven and let cool.
  • Once cool enough to handle, remove the pork belly from the baking dish and cut into 1-inch pieces. Pour all the pork belly fat from the baking dish into a bowl. Set aside both the pork belly and its fat.
  • Place the diced skirt steak in a bowl and season with salt and pepper to taste. Place cleaned shrimp in another bowl and season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • In a small bowl combine the soy sauce, remaining tablespoon of honey, rice vinegar, sauce from chipotles in adobo, orange zest and juice, garlic, ginger, serrano chile, and dried piquín chile and mix well to combine. Set aside.
  • In a small nonstick skillet set over medium heat, add a tablespoon of the rendered pork belly fat. Once hot, add the beaten eggs and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste. Cook, moving the edges towards the center as it cooks, to create a flat omelet. Once set and cooked on the bottom, flip so it cooks on the other side. Transfer to a chopping board and cut into bite sized pieces. Set aside.
  • In an extended wok or large saute pan over high heat, heat 2 tablespoons of the rendered pork belly fat (or vegetable oil). Once very hot but not smoking, add the skirt steak and cook for about 2 minutes per side, it should brown all over, but you don’t want to overcook it. Scrape onto a bowl.
  • Add 2 more tablespoons of the rendered pork belly fat (or vegetable oil). Add the shrimp and cook for about 1 minute per side, just like the steak, it should brown a bit all over, but you don’t want to overcook them. Scrape into the same bowl as the steak.
  • Reduce heat to medium high. Add 2 more tablespoons of the rendered pork belly fat (or vegetable oil), add the asparagus and carrots, sprinkle with a bit of salt and pepper, and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, until softened but still with a firm bite. Incorporate the peas and scallions and cook for a couple minutes.
  • Raise heat to high, add the rice and stir. Pour in the soy sauce mixture, add the steak, shrimp, reserved pork belly, and omelet, and toss well to combine. Let it cook for another couple of minutes.
  • Garnish with the reserved scallions and serve. This dish makes amazing leftovers!

Notes

Arroz Frito con Pork Belly con Miel, Arrachera y Camarones

Shrimp Enchiladas in a Rich Tomato Sauce

Posted on by Pati Jinich

Shrimp Enchiladas in a Rich Tomato Sauce
Print Recipe
4.67 from 15 votes

Shrimp Enchiladas in a Rich Tomato Sauce

Shrimp Enchiladas in a Rich Tomato Sauce, from Pati’s Mexican Table Season 7, Episode 11 "New York"
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time1 hour 20 minutes
Total Time1 hour 25 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: corn tortillas, Enchilada, pati's mexican table, Recipe, red sauce, seafood, Shrimp
Servings: 6 Servings
Author: Pati Jinich

Ingredients

For enchiladas:

  • 1 1/2 pounds medium shrimp
  • 5 sprigs fresh parsley
  • 2 garlic cloves peeled
  • 3 to 4 bay leaves
  • 1 teaspoon kosher or sea salt divided, or to taste
  • 1 1/2 pounds ripe tomatoes
  • 1 to 2 serrano or jalapeño chiles to taste
  • 4 scallions trimmed and coarsely chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon grated nutmeg
  • 3 tablespoons canola or safflower oil divided
  • 1 cup Mexican cream Latin style crema, or heavy cream, plus a bit more for garnish
  • 12 Corn tortillas
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

For garnish:

  • 4 scallions trimmed and light green and white parts thinly sliced
  • 1 ripe avocado halved, pitted, meat scooped out and sliced
  • 2 ounces queso fresco farmer’s cheese or mild feta, crumbled (½ cup)

Instructions

  • Remove the shells and tails from the shrimp and reserve. Rinse the shrimp and pat dry. Cut each one into 3 or 4 bite-size pieces.
  • In a medium saucepan, combine the shrimp shells and tails, parsley, 1 of the garlic cloves, bay leaves and ½ teaspoon of the salt. Cover with water, place over medium-high heat and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium and simmer 20 minutes. Strain the broth into a large measuring cup or heat-proof bowl.
  • Combine the tomatoes, remaining garlic, and chile(s) in a medium saucepan. Cover with water, and bring to a simmer over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer uncovered until the tomatoes are thoroughly soft, about 10 minutes.
  • Using a slotted spoon, transfer the tomatoes and garlic clove to a blender. Add the 4 coarsely chopped scallions; if you have simmered 2 chiles, begin by adding only 1 of them to the blender, then once you taste the finished puree you can decide if you want to add the other. Add ½ teaspoon salt, the grated nutmeg, and 1 cup of the strained shrimp shell broth. Purée until completely smooth, taste and add the other chile if you would like more chile presence and heat (the sauce will become milder as it cooks and other ingredients are added).
  • Rinse and dry the saucepan, add a tablespoon of the oil and heat over medium heat until hot but not smoking. Add the pureed tomato sauce, being careful to avoid sputters, and cover partially with a lid. Simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens, seasons and deepens in color to a much darker red, about 10 minutes. Uncover, reduce heat to medium-low and stir in the cream. Keep at a steady low simmer for 8 to 10 more minutes, or until the sauce is thick, creamy, and coats the back of a wooden spoon. Taste and adjust salt. Remove from the heat and keep warm.
  • Prepare the tortillas for enchiladas by either heating them in a comal or passing them through hot oil.
  • To cook the shrimp, work in batches so that they will sear and not steam. Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil and 1 tablespoon of the butter in a large skillet over high heat until hot, but not smoking, and the butter is bubbling. Add half the shrimp and season with salt. Cook for just a couple of minutes, stirring and flipping a few times, until just cooked through and lightly browned. Remove with a slotted spoon, add the remaining tablespoon of oil and butter to the skillet, and once the butter is foaming, cook the remaining shrimp.
  • Reheat the sauce if necessary. One by one, sauce and fill the tortillas. Glide each prepared tortilla through the sauce and place on a plate. Spoon about 3 tablespoons of the seared shrimp down the middle and fold in a half like a quesadilla. Place on a platter and continue with remaining the tortillas, overlapping the half moon-shaped enchiladas slightly. Once all of the enchiladas are filled, spoon the remaining tomato sauce on top. They should be sauced generously. Garnish with the sliced scallions, slices of avocado and crumbled cheese.

Notes

Entomatadas con Camarones

Ceviche Tostadas Puerto Vallarta

Posted on by Pati Jinich
ceviche tostadas
Print Recipe
4.38 from 8 votes

Ceviche Tostadas Puerto Vallarta

Ceviche Tostadas Puerto Vallarta recipe from Pati’s Mexican Table Season 10, Episode 10 “Quiero más Tacos”
Cook Time0 minutes
Course: Antojos, Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: Avocado, cilantro, fish, jalapeno, lime, serrano, Tomato
Servings: 10 tostadas
Author: Pati Jinich

Ingredients

  • 1 pound very fresh mackerel fillets or other saltwater fish fillets, such as grouper, halibut, striped bass, red snapper, or fluke, skinned, rinsed, and cut into 1-2 inch pieces
  • 1 cup peeled and coarsely chopped carrots
  • 1 cup fresh squeezed lime juice
  • 1 jalapeño or serrano chile halved, seeded if desired, and finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped white onion
  • 3 tablespoons chopped cilantro leaves
  • ½ teaspoon dried Mexican oregano
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • Pinch of freshly ground black pepper
  • 10 tostadas homemade or store bought
  • 1 large ripe tomato thinly sliced
  • 1 large ripe avocado halved, pitted, meat scooped out, and sliced

Instructions

  • Place the fish and carrots in a food processor and pulse 5-6 times, or until the mixture is finely chopped, taking care not to turn it into a puree. Alternatively you could mince with a sharp knife.
  • Place the fish mixture in a large bowl, pour the lime juice over it, and gently toss. Cover and marinate at room temperature for 30-45 minutes.
  • Drain the fish mixture through a fine mesh sieve, pressing out as much liquid as possible with the back of a spoon. Return the fish to the bowl and stir in the chile, onion, cilantro, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 12 hours, so all the flavors come together.
  • When ready to serve, taste the ceviche for salt and pepper and add more if necessary.
  • Mound 2-3 tablespoons of ceviche on top of each tostada. Top each with a slice of tomato and avocado and a final sprinkling of salt.

Notes

Tostadas de Ceviche Puerto Vallarta

Fried Shrimp Tacos with Apple Jicama Cucumber Slaw and Guacamole Salsa

Posted on by Pati Jinich
fried shrimp tacos
Print Recipe
4.17 from 6 votes

Fried Shrimp Tacos with Apple Jicama Cucumber Slaw and Guacamole Salsa

Fried Shrimp Tacos recipe from Pati’s Mexican Table Season 10, Episode 10 “Quiero más Tacos”
Cook Time10 minutes
Course: Antojos, Main Dish
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: Chipotle, cucumber, flour tortillas, guacamole, Jicama, Salsa, Shrimp
Servings: 4 to 6
Author: Pati Jinich

Ingredients

For the shrimp:

  • 1 cup all purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground chipotle chile
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt plus more to season shrimp
  • 1 1/4 cups seltzer
  • 1 pound large shrimp peeled and deveined (tails off)
  • Safflower oil

To serve:

Instructions

  • Combine the flour, cumin, chipotle, and salt together in a medium bowl. Whisk in the seltzer water to make a batter.
  • Season the shrimp with salt.
  • In a heavy, wide skillet or casserole, pour oil to a depth of 4 inches and heat over medium for at least 5 minutes. Test the heat by dipping a wooden spoon or the tip of a piece of shrimp into the oil — it should bubble happily around whatever you introduce into it. Set a cooling rack on a baking sheet and cover the rack with paper towels. If you don’t have a cooling rack, just cover the baking sheet with paper towels.
  • Dip the shrimp into the batter and carefully drop into the hot oil. Fry until golden and crisp, turning once, about 2-3 minutes. Transfer to the cooling rack and season with salt.
  • Serve the shrimp on a warm tortilla topped with the slaw and guacamole salsa.

Notes

Tacos de Camarón con Ensalada de Jícama, Manzana y Pepino y Salsa de Guacamole

Chicken and Shrimp Fried Rice Mexicano

Posted on by Pati Jinich
chicken and shrimp fried rice mexicano
Print Recipe
4.24 from 13 votes

Chicken and Shrimp Fried Rice Mexicano

A quick and easy fried rice with chicken and shrimp, incorporating a few Mexican ingredients I always have on hand.
Cook Time15 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Chinese
Keyword: chicken, Eggs, rice, Shrimp
Servings: 4 to 6 servings
Author: Pati Jinich

Ingredients

  • 1½ pounds skinless boneless chicken breasts, cut into bite size pieces
  • 1 pound peeled medium sized shrimp cleaned and patted dry
  • ½ cup soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar or grated piloncillo
  • 2 tablespoons unseasoned rice vinegar
  • 3 tablespoons sauce from chipotles in adobo sauce more to taste
  • 4 garlic cloves peeled and pressed or finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons grated fresh ginger
  • 1 serrano or jalapeño chile stemmed and finely chopped
  • 9 tablespoons vegetable oil divided
  • 3 eggs lightly beaten
  • 1 cup diced carrots from about 2 medium sized carrots
  • 1½ cups diced fresh asparagus bottoms of stalks peeled and dry base cut off
  • 1 cup shelled peas
  • 8 to 10 scallions root ends removed, white, light green and green parts sliced, reserving a tablespoon or so for garnish
  • 4½ cups cooked white rice cooked from 1½ cups raw rice
  • Kosher salt to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Place the chicken in a bowl, season with salt and pepper to taste. In another bowl, place the cleaned shrimp and season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, chipotle in adobo sauce, garlic, ginger and chile, and mix well to combine. Set aside.
  • In a medium non-stick skillet, heat one tablespoon of the oil. Once hot, add the beaten eggs, sprinkle with a bit of salt and pepper. Cook, moving the edges towards the center as it cooks, to create a flat omelet. Once set and cooked in the bottom, flip so it cooks on the other side. Transfer to a chopping board and cut into bite size pieces. Set aside.
  • In an extended large sauté pan or wok, set over high heat, heat 2 tablespoons of the oil. Once very hot but not smoking, add the chicken, cooking it in batches if need be to avoid overcrowding the pan. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side, scrape onto a large bowl. Add 2 more tablespoons of the oil. Repeat with the shrimp, cooking them in batches if need be, for 1 to 2 minutes per side, just until browned and crisp on the outside but not over cooked. Scrape onto the bowl with the chicken.
  • In the same pan, add 2 more tablespoons the oil, reduce the heat to medium high and add the carrots and asparagus. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste, and let them cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened but still with a firm bite. Add the peas and the scallions, stir, and cook for another couple minutes. Scrape onto a separate bowl and set aside.
  • Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil in the same pan and raise heat to high. Once hot, add the rice, cook it in the oil for a minute or two as you stir. Whisk the soy sauce mixture and pour it over the rice. Add the vegetables, the chicken, the shrimp and the omelet pieces, and toss to combine. Let it all cook together for a minute or two and serve. Garnish with the reserved scallion slices.

Notes

Arroz frito mexicano con pollo y camarón


Beachside Snapper

Posted on by Pati Jinich
Beachside Snapper
Print Recipe
4.58 from 7 votes

Beachside Snapper

Beachside Snapper recipe from Pati's Mexican Table Season 9, Episode 8 "Super Sonoran"
Prep Time30 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: anaheim chiles, Beach, corn tortillas, fish, lime, mexican crema, Mexico, pati’s mexican table, Pescado, red snapper, snapper, Sonora, Sonoran, tacos, whole fish, Worcestershire sauce, Zarandeado
Servings: 4 to 6 servings
Author: Pati Jinich

Ingredients

  • 4 1/2 to 5 pounds whole red snapper split in half and deboned, with the skin left on
  • 1 ripe tomato
  • 1/2 white onion peeled and quartered
  • 6 garlic cloves unpeeled
  • 2 fresh Anaheim chiles
  • 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons Mexican crema
  • 3 tablespoons yellow mustard
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter softened
  • 1 teaspoon kosher or sea salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Vegetable oil for brushing the aluminum foil
  • 1 red bell pepper stemmed, seeded and cut in 2-inch matchsticks
  • 1 yellow bell pepper stemmed, seeded and cut in 2-inch matchsticks
  • 1 green bell pepper stemmed, seeded and cut in 2-inch matchsticks
  • 1/2 red onion peeled, slivered

To serve:

  • 10 to 12 corn tortillas homemade or store bought
  • 2 or 3 limes quartered
  • Your favorite hot sauce

Instructions

  • Preheat the broiler. Cover a baking sheet with foil. Place the tomato, white onion, garlic and Anaheim chiles on the baking sheet and roast under the broiler for about 10 minutes, turning the vegetables halfway through, until charred and the tomatoes have begun to release their juices. The garlic will probably be done before the other vegetables. Remove them from the heat when charred. Alternatively, you can char everything on a preheated comal, skillet or griddle set over medium-low heat, or on a grill. Remove from the heat.
  • Transfer the Anaheim chiles to a bowl and cover tightly or to a plastic bag, and seal. Allow to sweat for 10 minutes, then peel, stem and seed. Peel the garlic when it’s cool enough to handle.
  • Place the roasted vegetables, including any juices from the baking sheet or bowl, in a blender. Add the lime juice, mayonnaise, crema, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, butter, salt and pepper. Puree until completely smooth.
  • Position the rack in the middle of the oven and preheat to 450°F. Cover a large baking sheet with aluminum foil. Brush the foil with vegetable oil.
  • Rinse the fish fillets, pat dry, and place skin side down on the baking sheet. Reserve 1/2 cup of the sauce and spread the rest very generously over the fish, creating a very thick layer.
  • Bake the fish anywhere from 20 to 30 minutes –- depending on the thickness of the fish, until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily when poked with a fork, and the sauce is nicely browned and a little crusty on top.
  • Meanwhile, preheat a comal over medium heat, and in a medium bowl combine the bell peppers, slivered red onion and reserved sauce. Toss well.
  • Heat the corn tortillas on the hot comal for about a minute per side, or until they are heated through and beginning to speckle and very lightly toast on both sides. Place in a tortilla warmer or wrap in a clean kitchen towel.
  • Place the bell pepper/sauce mix and the tortillas on the table along with the quartered limes and your favorite hot sauce.
  • Bring the fish to the table as soon as it is ready. Let everyone assemble their tacos with a piece of fish, the peppers and sauce, a squeeze of lime and hot sauce to taste.

Notes

Pescado Zarandeado

Dirty Rice with Clams

Posted on by Pati Jinich
Dirty Rice with Clams
Print Recipe
4.41 from 5 votes

Dirty Rice with Clams

Dirty Rice with Clams recipe from Pati's Mexican Table Season 9, Episode 8 "Super Sonoran"
Prep Time25 minutes
Cook Time45 minutes
Course: Main Dish, Side Dish
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: Almejas, arroz, chile colorado, clams, Colorado chiles, dirty rice, guajillo chiles, Mexican rice, Mexico, new mexico, pati’s mexican table, Sonora, Sonoran
Servings: 4 to 6 servings
Author: Pati Jinich

Ingredients

  • 5 dozen littleneck clams
  • 2 dried Colorado, New Mexico or guajillo chiles stemmed and seeded
  • 1 pound ripe roma tomatoes
  • 3 peeled garlic cloves
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 2 1/2 teaspoons salt divided, or to taste
  • 5 tablespoons olive oil divided
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2/3 cup finely chopped white onion
  • 2/3 cup finely chopped red bell pepper
  • 2/3 cup finely chopped leeks white and light green parts
  • 2/3 cup peeled and finely chopped carrots
  • 2/3 cup beer
  • 1 to 2 cups water or your choice of chicken, vegetable or seafood broth, or as needed
  • 2 cups white rice or jasmine white rice
  • Fresh parsley or cilantro leaves or a combination of both for garnish

Instructions

  • Rinse and scrub the clams under a thin stream of cold water. Discard any that are open or broken. Drain well.
  • Place the chiles, tomatoes and garlic cloves in a medium saucepan, cover with water and bring to a boil over medium high heat. Cook for 10 to 12 minutes, until the chiles have plumped and rehydrated and the garlic and tomatoes are fully cooked, soft and mushy, but not falling apart. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the tomatoes, chiles and garlic to a blender, along with 1 cup of the cooking liquid, and allow to cool slightly. Add the cumin, oregano and 1 teaspoon salt. Puree until completely smooth. Set aside.
  • Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter over medium-high heat in a large wide casserole or lidded sauté pan. When the butter begins to foam add the onion, bell pepper, leek and carrot, and cook, stirring often, for about 5 to 6 minutes, until the vegetables have fully softened and begun to lightly brown along the edges. Stir in the wine or beer and 1/2 teaspoon salt, and simmer until the wine or beer has just about evaporated, about 4 to 5 minutes. The vegetables should be quite soft and moist but not wet.
  • Pour the tomato puree over the vegetables, bring to a boil and add all the clams. Cover the pot, reduce the heat to medium and cook for 7 to 8 minutes, until the shells open. Turn off heat and leave undisturbed for 5 more minutes. Uncover and, using a slotted spoon or tongs, remove all the clams and place in a bowl. Transfer the sauce and vegetables to a bowl or a large heatproof measuring cup and wipe the casserole or sauté pan clean. Add enough water or broth to the sauce to measure 5 cups.
  • Remove about 3 dozen clams from the shells and discard the shells.
  • Heat the remaining 3 tablespoons olive oil over medium-high heat in the casserole or sauté pan until hot but not smoking. Add the rice and cook, stirring often, until it crackles, becomes milky white, and feels heavier as you stir it, about 3 to 4 minutes. Don’t let it brown. Stir in the reserved sauce and veggies and the remaining teaspoon salt. Stir well, add all the clams, both shelled and those still in their shells, bring back to a boil, cover and reduce heat to low. Cook for 15 minutes, until most of the liquid has evaporated and the rice has cooked. Taste the rice, and if it seems a bit too dente or not fully cooked and all of the liquid has almost evaporated, add another 1/4 to 1/2 cup water or broth, scrape the bottom, cover and cook for a few more minutes.
  • When ready to serve fluff with a fork, garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro or both and dig in.

Notes

Arroz con Almejas

Double Stacked Shrimp and Cheese Tacos

Posted on by Pati Jinich
Double Stacked Shrimp and Cheese Tacos
Print Recipe
5 from 6 votes

Double Stacked Shrimp and Cheese Tacos

Double Stacked Shrimp and Cheese Tacos recipe from Pati's Mexican Table Season 9, Episode 7 "Legends of the Sonoran Sea"
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Course: Antojos, Main Dish
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: Avocado, cheese, Chiles, corn tortillas, Mexico, Oaxaca cheese, pati’s mexican table, Shrimp, Sonora, Sonoran, tacos
Servings: 6 to 8 double tacos
Author: Pati Jinich

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds ripe tomatoes
  • 4 garlic cloves peeled
  • 2 to 3 chiles de árbol stemmed, keep the seeds (more to taste)
  • 2 teaspoons oregano
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon kosher or sea salt or to taste, plus more for seasoning the shrimp
  • 3 tablespoons vegetable oil divided, plus more to cook the tacos
  • 2 pounds medium shrimp rinsed, shelled, and butterflied
  • Freshly ground pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter divided
  • 12 to 16 corn tortillas
  • 3 cups melty shredded cheese such as mozzarella, asadero, Oaxaca, quesadilla, or Monterey Jack
  • 1 large ripe avocado halved, pitted, thinly sliced

Instructions

  • Combine the tomatoes, garlic and chiles de árbol in a medium saucepan, cover with water and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium and cook for about 10 minutes, until the tomatoes and garlic are completely soft and the chiles are plump and rehydrated. Transfer to a blender with 1 cup of the cooking liquid. Add the oregano, tomato paste and salt, and puree until completely smooth.
  • Heat the 1 tablespoon of the oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Once hot, pour in the tomato puree, cover partially and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 to 6 minutes, until the mixture has thickened and darkened, and the flavors have intensified. Turn off the heat.
  • Season the butterflied shrimp with salt and pepper. Melt 1 tablespoon butter with 1 tablespoon oil in a large sauté pan over high heat. Once the butter begins to foam, add half the shrimp and quickly sear for a minute or so per side. They should be browned and just cooked through. Be careful not to overcook or the shrimp will be rubbery. Scrape into a bowl. Melt another tablespoon butter and oil together and repeat with the second batch.
  • Heat a comal, griddle or large skillet, preferably nonstick or cast iron, over medium heat. Add a tablespoon or two of oil to the surface.
  • One by one, lightly sauce the tortillas: briefly dip them into the tomato sauce, making sure the entire tortilla is coated (I like to use a pair of rubber tipped tongs but you could also just use you hands) and lay as many as will fit on the comal or griddle without overlapping. Top each tortilla with 2 to 3 tablespoons shredded cheese. Leave for a couple of minutes, until the cheese begins to melt and the bottoms of the sauced tortillas begin to dry and brown a little. Then, using a spatula, stack two sauced, browned and cheese-topped tortillas, one on top of another.
  • Don’t worry if the tortilla that you scrape up to stack on top of the other one sticks and tears a little bit or if it is not sitting evenly on top. Spoon some seared shrimp on top of each stack, gently fold with a spatula and continue cooking for a couple of minutes, until the cheese has completely melted and begun to ooze out and create a crust.
  • Remove from the heat and serve hot. Top with slices of ripe avocado.

Notes

Tacos Bravos de Toño

Sonoran Style Shrimp and Scallop Tostada

Posted on by Pati Jinich
Sonoran Style Shrimp and Scallop Tostada
Print Recipe
4.60 from 5 votes

Sonoran Style Shrimp and Scallop Tostada

Sonoran Style Shrimp and Scallop Tostada recipe from Pati's Mexican Table Season 9, Episode 7 "Legends of the Sonoran Sea"
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Course: Antojos, Main Dish
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: Cachoreada, chiltepín chiles, mayonnaise, Mexico, pati’s mexican table, Salsa, Scallops, Shrimp, Sonora, Sonoran, tostadas
Servings: 6 to 8 big tostadas
Author: Pati Jinich

Ingredients

For the mayonnaise:

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • Zest of 1 lime
  • Pinch of kosher or sea salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste

For the tostadas:

Instructions

To make the mayonnaise:

  • In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise with the lime zest. Season with salt and black pepper. Mix well and set aside.

To make the tostadas:

  • Have the three salsas prepared and ready to use, and the tostadas within reach.
  • Season the shrimp and scallops with the salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon butter and 1 tablespoon oil in a very large skillet over high heat. Once the butter has begun to foam, add the shrimp. Cook for 1 or 2 minutes per side, just until nicely seared and browned on the outside but not overcooked inside. Scrape into a bowl. Return the skillet to the heat, add the remaining butter and oil, and once the butter foams, add the scallops. Cook for a minute per side, until the tops and bottoms are browned and the middles are no longer translucent, and remove from the heat. The scallops should be medium rare. As soon as you can handle them, slice thin and set aside.
  • Spread about a tablespoon of the mayonnaise on each tostada, top with a layer of sliced scallops, a couple of tablespoons of the salsa bandera, and then a layer of the shrimp. Crown with avocado slices. Top the avocado slices with a couple of tablespoons of salsa negra and add apple chiltepin salsita or another hot sauce to taste. Serve immediately, passing more salsa negra around the table for people to add as desired.

Notes

Cachoreada

Cheese and Shrimp Pasta Bake

Posted on by Pati Jinich
Cheese and Shrimp Pasta Bake
Print Recipe
5 from 9 votes

Cheese and Shrimp Pasta Bake

Cheese and Shrimp Pasta Bake recipe from Pati’s Mexican Table Season 8, Episode 12 “Home Cooking Sinaloa Style"
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time55 minutes
Total Time1 hour 10 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: anaheim chiles, asadero cheese, chile de arbol, chiltepín chiles, green onions, mexican crema, Monterrey Jack cheese, Oaxaca cheese, pasta, pati’s mexican table, queso anejo, scallions, Shrimp, tomato paste, Tomatoes
Servings: 8 servings
Author: Pati Jinich

Ingredients

  • 3 fresh Anaheim chiles
  • 4 tablespoons olive oil divided
  • 1 white onion diced
  • 3 pounds ripe on the vine tomatoes washed and quartered
  • 4 garlic cloves finely chopped or pressed
  • 1 teaspoon kosher or sea salt or to taste, divided, plus more to season shrimp
  • 1 6- ounce can tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon crushed dried chiltepín chiles chile de árbol, or red pepper flakes
  • 1 pound short and small pasta such as rigatoni or shells
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 pounds large shrimp peeled and deveined
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 2 cups Mexican crema
  • 1 cup grated asadero or quesadilla cheese can also substitute with Monterey Jack or Muenster
  • 1 1/2 cup grated Oaxaca cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated añejo cheese or parmesan
  • 3 to 4 scallions white and light green parts thinly sliced, for garnish

Instructions

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  • Place the Anaheim chiles on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil. Put under the broiler for about 10 minutes, flipping a couple times in between, until charred on all sides. Immediately transfer the charred chiles to a plastic bag and seal tightly to sweat them for at least 5 minutes. Take the chiles out of the bag, let cool slightly, then peel off the skin and remove the stems and seeds. Coarsely chop the chiles and set aside.
  • Heat an oven-proof heavy bottomed skillet or casserole over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons oil and heat until the oil is rippling. Add the onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until it is translucent and starts to brown at the edges.
  • While the onion is cooking, add the tomatoes to a blender. Pulse in the blender until the tomatoes are crushed but are still a little chunky. Set aside until ready to use.
  • Add the garlic and chopped Anaheim chiles to the pan with the onion, stir, and season with 1/4 teaspoon salt. Cook for another couple minutes until the garlic starts to brown. Add the tomato paste, stir it into the vegetables, and let it cook and season for another minute. Pour in the crushed tomatoes from the blender and stir making sure to scrape the bottom of the pan to scrape up any browned bits. Season with the remaining 3/4 teaspoon salt and the crushed dried chiles. Bring to a boil, and then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 30 minutes until the sauce has thickened and is flavorful. Turn off the heat when ready.
  • Set a rack on the upper third of the oven and preheat to 450°F.
  • Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions for al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • Heat a large nonstick skillet over high heat. Melt the butter and the remaining 2 tablespoons oil. When melted, sizzling, and hot, add the shrimp in a couple batches and season with salt and pepper to taste. Saute a couple minutes until the shrimp are just cooked. Transfer the shrimp to a bowl or plate and repeat with the remaining shrimp. Chop half of the shrimp, leaving half whole to top the pasta.
  • Add the pasta to the sauce along with the chopped shrimp and the crema and toss to coat. Top with the remaining whole shrimp and cover with the grated asadero, Oaxaca, and añejo cheeses. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the top is bubbling and golden brown. Sprinkle the top with scallions.

Notes

Cazuela de Pasta con Camarones y Queso

Lobster Chilaquiles

Posted on by Pati Jinich
Lobster Chilaquiles
Print Recipe
4.67 from 6 votes

Lobster Chilaquiles

Lobster Chilaquiles recipe from Pati’s Mexican Table Season 8, Episode 6 "El Fuerte, Magic Town"
Prep Time25 minutes
Cook Time45 minutes
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: chilaquiles, Chipotle, cilantro, corn tortillas, jalapeno, lobsters, mexican crema, morita chiles, onion, pati’s mexican table, queso fresco, tomatillos, Tomatoes, tortilla chips
Servings: 4 servings
Author: Pati Jinich

Ingredients

For the salsa:

  • 2 to 3 dried morita or chipotle chiles
  • 1 1/2 pounds about 6 ripe Roma tomatoes
  • 1 1/2 pounds about 12 tomatillos, husked and rinsed
  • 1/2 white onion cut into large pieces
  • 2 to 3 fresh jalapeños stemmed
  • 3 unpeeled garlic cloves
  • 1 teaspoon kosher or coarse sea salt or to taste
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

For the tortilla chips:

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 12 corn tortillas cut into triangles
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher or sea salt or to taste

For the lobsters:

  • 4 1- and-a-quarter to 1-and-a-half pound live lobsters or you can substitute thawed lobster tails

For the toppings:

  • 1 cup crumbled queso fresco
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped white onion
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • Mexican crema to taste

Instructions

To make the salsa:

  • Place the morita chiles in a small bowl, cover with hot water, and let them sit and soften for at least 10 minutes.
  • Place the tomatoes, tomatillos, onion chunks, jalapeños, and unpeeled garlic cloves on an aluminum foil lined baking sheet. Place under the broiler and roast 12 to 15 minutes, flipping a couple times in between, until the skin of tomatoes and tomatillos has completely blistered and charred, they seem very mushy, and their juices have started to come out. The garlic cloves and chiles must also have blackened and charred. Remove from the broiler and let cool.
  • When cool enough to handle, peel the garlic cloves and place in a blender along with the jalapeños, tomatoes, tomatillos, and onion. Take the morita chiles out of the soaking water, remove their stems and seeds, and add to the blender with the rest of the ingredients. Add salt and puree until completely smooth. If you want, you can add the chiles one at a time and taste for heat.
  • In a medium saucepan, heat one tablespoon oil over medium heat. Once hot, pour in the salsa and quickly cover partially with a lid, as it will splatter all over the place. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring a couple times in between.

To make the tortilla chips:

  • Place rack in the middle of oven and preheat to 375°F.
  • Brush a baking sheet with a couple tablespoons oil. Spread the tortilla pieces all over and sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon salt or to taste. Bake the tortilla chips for 25 to 30 minutes or until crisp and golden brown, flipping in between. Remove from the oven when ready.

To cook the lobsters:

  • Place lobsters on a baking sheet in the freezer for 10 minutes before cooking.
  • When ready to cook, place a lobster in the center of a chopping board with the head towards you (you can put some paper towels or a thin kitchen towel under so it will be steady and will soak up any juices that come out). Hold the lobster tightly in place by the tail and place the tip of a very sharp knife where the head separates from the body, with the sharp edge of the knife facing the head. With much determination jab the tip of the knife in and pull the blade down straight between the eyes and onto the chopping board. Repeat with the other 3 lobsters.
  • Then, flip the lobsters over and cut the tail right down the middle. Clean the inner parts with a spoon.
  • Preheat an outdoor or indoor grill, or grill pan, on medium-high heat. Generously brush the lobsters with the prepared salsa. Place cut side down flat on the grill and cook for 5 to 6 minutes. Flip to the other side, and cook for another 5 to 6 minutes. Remove from the heat.
  • Leave 4 halves of the lobsters intact, just as they came off the grill. Remove the meat from the remaining 4 halves, both from the tail and the claws and coarsely chop.

To make the queso topping:

  • In a small bowl, combine the crumbled queso, white onion, and cilantro.

To assemble:

  • Pour the salsa into a large bowl, add the tortilla chips and chopped lobster meat and toss. Divide the chilaquiles among 4 plates and place one of the intact lobster halves on each. Top with the queso topping and Mexican crema to taste.

Notes

Chilaquiles con Langosta

Habanero Shrimp Burger with Habanero Tartar Sauce

Posted on by Pati Jinich
Habanero Shrimp Burger
Print Recipe
3.84 from 6 votes

Habanero Shrimp Burger with Habanero Tartar Sauce

Habanero Shrimp Burger with Habanero Tartar Sauce recipe from Pati’s Mexican Table Season 8, Episode 10 “Surfside Eats"
Prep Time25 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Total Time35 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: Avocado, bacon, burger, carrots, cilantro, habanero, lime, mayonnaise, pati’s mexican table, Shrimp, tartar sauce
Servings: 6 burgers
Author: Pati Jinich

Ingredients

  • 1 habanero chile seeded and finely chopped (about 1 tablespoon)
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon coarsely chopped cilantro leaves and upper part of stems
  • 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup peeled and chopped carrot
  • 1 large egg
  • 3 tablespoons bread crumbs
  • 3/4 teaspoon kosher or sea salt plus more to sprinkle on burgers
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 pounds medium-sized shrimp rinsed, peeled and patted dry, divided
  • Vegetable oil to brush on the burgers
  • 6 brioche or burger buns lightly toasted before serving
  • 6 butter lettuce leaves
  • 1 batch Habanero Tartar Sauce
  • 12 slices of bacon cooked until crisp
  • 1 ripe avocado halved, pitted, thinly sliced

Instructions

  • In the bowl of a food processor, add the habanero, lime juice, cilantro, mayonnaise, carrot, egg, bread crumbs, salt, pepper, and a quarter pound of the shrimp. Pulse until completely smooth. Add the remaining shrimp and pulse a couple times, until you have a coarse ground meat mixture.
  • Cover a small sheet pan or tray with wax paper. Put some lukewarm water in a bowl and use it to wet your hands as you shape the mixture onto 6 burger patties. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 15 to 30 minutes.
  • Heat a grill or grill pan on medium heat. Generously brush the shrimp burger patties with oil and sprinkle with salt. Place on the grill or grill pan and cook for about 5 minutes per side, until browned on both sides and the color inside has changed to a darker pink.
  • Lightly toast the buns in the oven or on a heated skillet. On the bottom half, place a lettuce leaf, some habanero tarter sauce, a shrimp burger, a couple slices of bacon, a couple slices of avocado, more tartar sauce to taste, and top with the top bun. Repeat with the rest of the burgers.

Notes

Hamburguesa de Camarón con Salsa Tártara de Habanero

Lobster Rolls with Chipotle Mayo, Pickled Jalapeños and Serrano Cocktail Sauce

Posted on by Pati Jinich
Lobster Rolls with Chipotle Mayo, Pickled Jalapeños and Serrano Cocktail Sauce
Print Recipe
4.50 from 6 votes

Lobster Rolls with Chipotle Mayo, Pickled Jalapeños and Serrano Cocktail Sauce

Lobster Rolls with Chipotle Mayo, Pickled Jalapeños and Serrano Cocktail Sauce recipe from Pati’s Mexican Table Season 8, Episode 6 "El Fuerte, Magic Town"
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Total Time25 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Mexican
Keyword: celery, Chipotle Mayonnaise, lobsters, pati’s mexican table, Pickled Jalapeños, red onion
Servings: 8 lobster rolls
Author: Pati Jinich

Ingredients

  • Kosher or sea salt
  • 4 1-and-a-quarter to 1-and-a-half pound live lobsters or substitute for thawed lobster tails
  • 2 sticks of celery cleaned and finely chopped (about 1 cup)
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped red onion
  • 3/4 cup chopped pickled jalapeños
  • 1/2 cup Homemade Chipotle Mayonnaise
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Unsalted butter
  • 8 brioche buns or hot dog rolls
  • Salted potato chips
  • Serrano Cocktail Sauce

Instructions

  • Fill a large stock pot three-quarters of the way full with water, counting how many quarts of water you pour. Add 1 tablespoon salt per quart of water. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
  • Place the lobsters in the water, head first, cover, and reduce heat to medium. Cook for 10 minutes, at a medium simmer, until the lobsters shells have turned completely red. Carefully remove them from the pot with the help of tongs, place on a baking sheet, and let cool.
  • When the lobsters have cooled enough to handle, remove their meat. First, remove the tail and place it upside down on a chopping board, stick a fork into the tail and pull out the meat. You can break the shell with a lobster or nut cracker. Use the cracker to break the claws and take out their meat.
  • Coarsely chop the meat and place in a bowl. Mix in the celery, red onion, pickled jalapeños, and chipotle mayonnaise. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Put a large skillet over medium-low heat. Rub with butter. Place on the closed buns and let them toast for a minute per side. Remove and gently open without breaking them apart. Break potato chips and use them to make a first base layer, then spoon in a generous amount of the lobster salad. Serve with the serrano cocktail sauce and let your guests decide if and how much they would like.

Notes

Rollos de Langosta con Mayonesa de Chipotle, Jalapeños en Vinagre y Salsa Coctel de Serrano

Shrimp, Bacon and Crispy Chickpea Tacos with Salsa de Guacamole

Posted on by Pati Jinich
Shrimp, Bacon and Crispy Chickpea Tacos with Smooth Guacamole
Print Recipe
3.86 from 7 votes

Shrimp, Bacon and Crispy Chickpea Tacos with Salsa de Guacamole

Shrimp, Bacon and Crispy Chickpea Tacos with Salsa de Guacamole recipe from Pati’s Mexican Table Season 8, Episode 4 "Los Mochis, Street Taco Favorites"
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: almonds, bacon, chickpeas, corn tortillas, guacamole, guajillo chiles, pati’s mexican table, Shrimp, tacos
Servings: 8 to 10 tacos approximately
Author: Pati Jinich

Ingredients

  • 12 ounces bacon about 8 thick slices, coarsely chopped
  • 1 cup cooked chickpeas rinsed, drained, patted dry
  • 3/4 teaspoons kosher or sea salt divided
  • 1 guajillo chile rinsed, stemmed, seeded, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons slivered almonds
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1 1/2 pounds shrimp rinsed, shelled and cleaned
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 2 garlic cloves chopped
  • Corn tortillas
  • Salsa de Guacamole

Instructions

  • In a large saute pan or casserole set over medium-high heat, fry the bacon for a couple minutes, until it starts rendering its fat. Add the chickpeas and 1/4 teaspoon of the salt and cook until lightly browned, about 6 to 7 minutes. Incorporate the guajillo chile and almonds, stir, cook for a minute, and scrape into a bowl.
  • Add the oil and butter to that same pan and once it melts and bubbles, add the shrimp and season with the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt and pepper. Cook for about a minute and once the shrimp begin to brown, add the garlic and continue cooking for another minute. Turn off the heat. Incorporate the bacon and chickpea mix and taste for salt.
  • Heat the corn tortillas on a preheated comal or skillet set over medium-low heat. Tuck the shrimp mixture into the heated tortillas and top with Salsa de Guacamole.

Notes

Tacos de Camarón, Tocino y Garbanzos Crujientes con Guacamole

Chipotle Oyster Soup

Posted on by Pati Jinich
Chipotle Oyster Soup
Print Recipe
4.78 from 9 votes

Chipotle Oyster Soup

Chipotle Oyster Soup recipe from Pati’s Mexican Table Season 8, Episode 2 “Altata, Hidden Gem by the Sea of Cortez”
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time50 minutes
Course: Soup
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: carrots, celery, chile de arbol, chipotles in adobo, leeks, onion, oysters, seafood, seafood broth, Tomatoes
Servings: 6 servings
Author: Pati Jinich

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 1/2 cups chopped white onion
  • 1 1/2 cups finely chopped celery divided
  • 1 1/2 cups finely chopped carrot divided
  • 1 1/2 cups finely chopped leeks divided
  • 5 garlic cloves finely chopped or pressed
  • 2 tablespoons about 4 chipotle chiles in adobo sauce and their sauce, chopped, or to taste
  • 1 chile de arbol stemmed and chopped, seeds included
  • 1 1/2 pounds about 6 Roma tomatoes, roasted and charred, chopped
  • 1 pound about 12 to 15 shucked oysters and their juices
  • 1 teaspoon kosher or sea salt or to taste
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 5 cups shrimp or seafood broth or substitute vegetable or chicken broth
  • Chopped cilantro leaves for garnish
  • Quartered limes to serve

Instructions

  • In a large casserole or soup pot, heat the oil over medium heat. Once hot add the onion and cook for 5 to 6 minutes until softened. Incorporate 1 cup each of the celery, carrot, and leeks (reserving half a cup of each for later use), cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the vegetables have wilted. Make room in the middle of the pot and add the garlic, chipotles in adobo, and chile de arbol, cook for a minute, then mix with the vegetables and cook for another minute. Add the tomatoes, the juices from the oysters, salt, and oregano and cook for about 6 to 7 minutes, until it is all simmering and thickening a bit. Add the broth, once it comes back to a simmer, continue simmering for another 10 minutes. Turn off heat.
  • Once it cools off a little, puree in batches in the blender until completely smooth. If you want a very silky soup, strain back into the soup pot.
  • Bring the pureed soup back to a simmer over medium heat, add the remaining half a cup each of the celery, carrot, and leeks and cook for 4 to 5 minutes. Incorporate the shucked oysters, cook for 1 minute until barely cooked through and turn off the heat.
  • Ladle into soup bowls, garnish with cilantro and offer your guests a quartered lime to squeeze in fresh juice before they eat.

Notes

Sopa de Ostion Enchipotlada

Shrimp Machaca and Potato Burritos

Posted on by Pati Jinich
Shrimp Machaca and Potato Burritos
Print Recipe
4.50 from 6 votes

Shrimp Machaca and Potato Burritos

Shrimp Machaca and Potato Burritos recipe from Pati’s Mexican Table Season 8, Episode 2 “Altata, Hidden Gem by the Sea of Cortez”
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time40 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: burritos, Chipotle, flour tortillas, pati’s mexican table, potatoes, seafood, serrano chiles, Shrimp
Servings: 8 burritos
Author: Pati Jinich

Ingredients

  • 2 dried morita or chipotle chiles
  • 1 pound medium-sized shrimp shelled and rinsed
  • 3/4 pound red potatoes peeled and cut into small dice
  • 3 tablespoons peanut oil
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped white onion
  • 1 serrano chile stemmed and finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves finely chopped or pressed
  • 3 tablespoons sesame seeds
  • 1 1/2 pounds ripe Roma tomatoes finely chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher or sea salt or to taste
  • Flour tortillas
  • Serrano Salsa Cruda

Instructions

  • Place the morita or chipotle chiles in a bowl, cover with hot water and let soak for 10 minutes. Remove from the water, stem, seed and finely chop.
  • In a medium pot, bring heavily salted water to a simmer over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 1 minute, just until cooked through. Remove with a spider or slotted spoon, set aside. When the shrimp have cooled down, working in batches, place in a plastic bag and mash with a meat pounder or a heavy flat-bottomed utensil (such as a small skillet or pan), until broken apart and mashed.
  • Add the potatoes to the same simmering water and cook for 5 to 6 minutes, until soft and cooked through. Drain and set aside.
  • Heat the peanut oil in a large skillet set over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened and beginning to brown. Add the serrano and morita or chipotle chiles, stir and cook for a minute. Add the garlic and sesame seeds, stir, and cook for another minute until the garlic is fragrant and the sesame seeds have toasted and browned. Add the tomatoes and salt and cook until the tomatoes become super soft and pasty, about 5 minutes.
  • Incorporate the mashed shrimp and cooked potatoes, stir well, and mash as it all comes together for another minute. Taste for salt.
  • Heat the tortillas on a preheated comal or skillet. Add 2 to 3 tablespoons of the shrimp machaca and potato filling to each tortilla and roll into burritos. Once assembled, you can heat them on the comal or skillet for another minute if you want them a bit toasted or eat them soft just as they are assembled. Serve with Serrano Salsa Cruda.

Notes

Burritos de Machaca de Camarón con Papa

Governor Shrimp Tacos

Posted on by Pati Jinich

Governor Shrimp Tacos
Print Recipe
4.50 from 6 votes

Governor Shrimp Tacos

Governor Shrimp Tacos recipe from Pati's Mexican Table Season 7, Episode 1 "Tijuana’s Culinary Revolution" 
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time35 minutes
Course: Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: Antojo, Mexican, pati's mexican table, Shrimp, Sinaloa, Taco
Servings: 6 Tacos
Author: Pati Jinich

Ingredients

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 1/2 white onion slivered
  • 2 poblano chiles stemmed, seeded, slivered
  • 5 garlic cloves finely chopped
  • 2 ripe Roma tomatoes cored, seeded, slivered
  • 3 tablespoons sauce from chipotles in adobo
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher or sea salt or to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper or to taste
  • 1 1/2 pounds (about 11-15) shelled large shrimp cut into large chunks
  • 3 cups shredded Oaxaca, mozzarella, asadero or Muenster cheese
  • 6 to 8 flour or corn tortillas
  • Sliced avocado for garnish
  • 1 Chile Manzano sliced and mixed with the juice of a lime, 1/4 red onion and salt to taste

Instructions

  • Heat the butter in a large nonstick skillet set over medium-high heat. Once it melts and begins to bubble, add the onion and poblano and cook until wilted, about 3 minutes. Add the garlic, stir, and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Incorporate the tomatoes, cook for a minute, and as they begin to soften, add the sauce from the chipotles in adobo, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, salt and pepper. Stir well, cook for another minute, then add the shrimp and cook just until they change color, about 1 to 2 minutes. Turn off heat and scrape into a bowl to prevent the shrimp from overcooking.
  • On a preheated comal set over low heat, heat the tortillas on both sides for a minute. Add about 1/2 cup of shredded cheese onto each one. Once the cheese begins to melt, add a generous amount of the shrimp mixture, fold in half and continue heating until cheese has completely melted and the tortillas have begun to lightly brown and create a crust.
  • Serve with sliced avocado and Manzano chiles and onion.

Video

Notes

Tacos Gobernador de Camarón

Spicy Clam Chorizo Pasta

Posted on by Pati Jinich

Spicy Clam Chorizo Pasta
Print Recipe
4.84 from 6 votes

Spicy Clam Chorizo Pasta

Spicy Clam Chorizo Pasta from Pati's Mexican Table, Season 7, Episode 6 "Loreto: Baja’s Hidden Gem"
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time40 minutes
Total Time55 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: Chorizo, clams, mexican pasta, pasta, pati's mexican table
Servings: 4 to 5 Servings
Author: Pati Jinich

Ingredients

  • 4 to 5 dozen small littleneck clams
  • 4 tablespoons olive oil divided
  • 1/2 pound chorizo casings removed and chopped
  • 1 cup finely chopped white onion
  • 5 garlic cloves pressed or finely chopped
  • 2 chiles de arbol stemmed, chopped (keep the seeds), or more to taste
  • 1 cup light beer that you like to drink
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher or sea salt or to taste
  • 1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 1 pound spaghetti
  • 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro leaves
  • 2 tablespoons chopped parsley leaves

Instructions

  • Rinse and scrub the clams under cold water, making sure they are closed and unbroken. Discard any that aren’t closed. Drain well.
  • Heat 2 tablespoons of the olive oil in a large pot or casserole set over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chorizo, breaking it into smaller pieces with two wooden spatulas or spoons, and fry until it begins to crisp and brown, about 4 minutes. Remove the chorizo with a slotted spoon and place in a bowl.
  • Add the 2 remaining tablespoons of olive oil to the rendered chorizo fat and reduce the heat to medium. Add the onion and cook, stirring often, for a couple minutes until softened. Add the garlic and chile de arbol and cook for a minute, until the garlic is fragrant and the chile de arbol begins to toast. Pour in the beer, add the salt, and once it comes to a simmer, incorporate the drained clams. Let it come to a simmer again, cover with a lid, and cook for 6 to 7 minutes, until the shells open.
  • Remove the lid and transfer the clams using a slotted spoon into a bowl, including the ones that may have fallen from the shells. Raise the heat to medium-high and continue to cook the beer-clam liquid for 6 to 7 minutes, so it strongly simmers and a lot of the alcohol evaporates. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste and honey. Stir well, reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring once in between.
  • Meanwhile, bring salted water to a boil in a large pot. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente, about 9 to 10 minutes.
  • Remove about 3 dozen clams from their shells and discard those shells. Remove the lid from the pot with the sauce and incorporate the cooked chorizo, shelled clams, and the clams still in their shells. Mix well.
  • Strain the spaghetti and add it to the sauce. Toss until it is coated. Transfer to a serving platter or individual bowls and garnish with the parsley and cilantro and serve.

Notes

Pasta con Salsa Picante de Chorizo y Almejas

Grilled Calamari, Radicchio and Endive Salad

Posted on by Pati Jinich

Grilled Calamari, Radicchio and Endive Salad
Print Recipe
4.86 from 7 votes

Grilled Calamari, Radicchio and Endive Salad

Grilled Calamari, Radicchio and Endive Salad from Pati's Mexican Table, Season 7, Episode 6 "Loreto: Baja’s Hidden Gem"
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: calamari, cannellini beans, chiles de arbol, endive, lettuce, pati's mexican table, pistachios, Radicchio, salad, squid
Servings: 4 to 5 Servings
Author: Pati Jinich

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 pounds calamari cleaned
  • Kosher or sea salt to taste
  • Freshly cracked black pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil plus more to oil grill and drizzle on lettuces
  • 2 chiles de arbol coarsely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves sliced
  • 1/4 cup pistachios coarsely chopped
  • 1 lemon halved
  • 1 small head radicchio quartered
  • 2 heads endive halved
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 1 15.5-ounce can cannellini beans rinsed and drained
  • 1/4 cup chopped cilantro

Instructions

  • Clean the calamari bodies, season with salt and pepper, and place on a paper towel-lined baking sheet. Pat dry thoroughly.
  • In a small skillet, heat the oil over low heat. Add the chile de arbol, garlic, pistachios and lemon, and cook for about 5 minutes, or until everything is toasted and the oil is infused with flavor. Remove from the heat. Use a slotted spoon to remove the lemon, pistachio, garlic and chiles and reserve. Pour the remaining oil into a large bowl.
  • Heat a grill or grill pan on high heat. Oil grill thoroughly. Add the calamari to the grill in batches. Grill until lightly charred and crispy on the edges. Transfer to a cutting board and repeat with the remaining calamari. Slice the calamari into ½-inch rings.
  • Drizzle the radicchio and endive with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Add them to the hot grill and grill for 1 to 2 minutes per side or until lightly charred and wilted. Remove from the grill and place on a platter.
  • In the large bowl with the seasoned oil, whisk in the red wine vinegar and squeeze in the juice from the fried lemon. Add the reserved pistachio mixture and the cannellini beans to the bowl and toss to coat. Spread over the grilled lettuces already on the platter, top with the calamari, and sprinkle with cilantro.

Notes

Ensalada de Calamar, Achicoria y Endivias Asadas

Sardine Empanadas

Posted on by Pati Jinich

Sardine Empanadas
Print Recipe
4.42 from 12 votes

Sardine Empanadas

Sardine Empanadas from Pati's Mexican Table, Season 7, Episode 7 "La Paz: The Heart of Baja Sur"
Prep Time30 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time1 hour
Course: Snack
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: Empanadas, fish, pati's mexican table, sardines
Servings: 20 Empanadas
Author: Pati Jinich

Ingredients

  • 1 pound frozen puff pastry
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1/2 cup white onion chopped
  • 2 cups white button mushrooms cleaned and diced 8 ounces
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher or sea salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 cup ripe Roma tomatoes chopped about 1/2 pound
  • 1/2 cup manzanilla olives stuffed with pimientos chopped
  • 1/4 cup pickled jalapeños chopped
  • 2 cans (3-4 ounces) of sardines in oil broken into chunks
  • 2 eggs separated
  • All-purpose flour for rolling out puff pastry

Instructions

  • Remove the puff pastry from the freezer and let it thaw on your countertop.
  • Heat the oil in a medium casserole or a sauté pan set over medium heat. Once hot, cook the onion for 3 to 4 minutes until it softens. Incorporate the mushrooms, sprinkle in the salt and pepper, and cook for another 5 to 6 minutes, until the juices come out and they begin to dry out, and the mushrooms start browning a bit. Add the tomatoes and cook for 6 to 7 minutes, until they start breaking down and becoming mushy and soft. Add the olives and jalapeños, mix well, and cook for another minute.
  • Remove from the heat, add the sardines, combine well and set aside.
  • Separate the egg whites from the egg yolks in two small bowls. Use a fork or a whisk to beat them separately.
  • Place the racks in the lower and upper thirds of the oven. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a couple of baking sheets with parchment paper.
  • Lightly sprinkle flour on the countertop and rub some on the rolling pin. Roll out the puff pastry to thinner than 1/4-inch and use a 4-to-5-inch round mold to cut circles. Add a generous tablespoon of the sardine filling in the middle of each round. Brush a bit of the beaten egg white around the edges each round. Fold each one into a half moon shape and press the sides.
  • Using a fork, press the side of the empanada to help seal and decorate it. Brush the egg yolk on top of the empanadas and place them on the prepared baking sheets. Place the empanadas in the oven. Bake anywhere from 20 to 22 minutes, until the tops of the empanadas have puffed and are a shiny golden brown.

Notes

Empanadas de Sardina 

Pan Seared Halibut with Five Pepper Sauce

Posted on by Pati Jinich

Pan Seared Halibut with Five Pepper Sauce
Print Recipe
4.63 from 8 votes

Pan Seared Halibut with Five Pepper Sauce

Pan Seared Halibut with Five Pepper Sauce from Pati's Mexican Table, Season 7,  Episode 7 "La Paz: The Heart of Baja Sur"
Prep Time30 minutes
Cook Time5 minutes
Total Time35 minutes
Keyword: fish, halibut, peppers, red snapper, rockfish, white fish
Servings: 6 Servings
Author: Pati Jinich

Ingredients

  • 1 red onion halved and slivered
  • 1 yellow bell pepper stemmed, seeded, julienned
  • 1 red bell pepper stemmed, seeded, julienned
  • 1 green bell pepper stemmed, seeded, julienned
  • 1 chile manzano stemmed, seeded, julienned
  • 1 jalapeño sliced into rounds
  • 1 cup peanut oil plus more for searing the fish
  • 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
  • 1 cup white wine vinegar
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar or grated piloncillo
  • 1 cup fish chicken, or vegetable broth
  • 2 teaspoons kosher or sea salt plus more to season the fish
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
  • 6 6-oz halibut rockfish or red snapper fillets (or any mild white fish)
  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves thinly sliced, for garnish
  • Corn tortillas for serving

Instructions

  • To make the five pepper sauce: Place the red onion, bell peppers, chile manzano and jalapeño in a medium heatproof bowl and set aside. Heat the peanut oil and sesame oil in a saucepan set over medium heat for a couple minutes. Once hot, pour in the vinegar, stir, and cook for a minute. Add the sugar, stir, and cook until it completely dilutes. Add the broth and the salt, stir, and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes, until the liquid has reduced and thickened. Remove from the heat. Pour it over the vegetables while hot. Add the lime juice, taste for salt, stir and let sit while you cook the fish.
  • Heat a couple tablespoons of peanut oil in a nonstick skillet set over medium-high heat. Season the fish fillets with salt and pepper to taste. Sear the fish for 5 to 6 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the fish, or until it can be flaked with a fork.
  • Transfer the fish to a platter and dress with the five pepper sauce. Serve with warmed corn tortillas.

Notes

Pescado con Salsa Agridulce Picante

Cali-Baja Fish Tacos

Posted on by Pati Jinich

Cali-Baja Fish Tacos
Print Recipe
4.45 from 9 votes

Cali-Baja Fish Tacos

Cali-Baja Fish Tacos recipe from Pati's Mexican Table Season 7, Episode 3 "Ensenada's Epic Seafood"
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Total Time40 minutes
Course: Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Mexican
Keyword: Antojo, Baja, California, Cod, fish, Mexican, Taco, Tilapia
Servings: 6 Servings
Author: Pati Jinich

Ingredients

  • 2 egg whites
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour plus extra flour for dusting the fish
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt or sea salt or to taste, plus more to season the fish
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 cup Mexican beer preferably a light beer (but anything short of a very dark bitter beer will work)
  • Safflower or canola oil for frying
  • 1 pound mild firm white fish such as cod, haddock, or halibut, cut into 1x4-inch strips
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste

To Serve:

Instructions

  • In the bowl of a standing mixer, set with the paddle attachment, beat the egg whites at medium speed until stiff, but not dry, peaks form. Remove the bowl from the mixer.
  • In another bowl, combine the all-purpose flour with the salt and cumin and whisk in the Mexican beer. In 4 additions, gently fold the flour mixture into the egg whites, taking care not to deflate the egg whites.
  • Pour the oil into a heavy, wide skillet or casserole to a depth of ¼” and heat over medium heat for at least 5 minutes. Test the heat by dipping a wooden spoon or the tip of a piece of fish into the oil: it should bubble happily around whatever you introduce into it. Set a cooling rack on a baking sheet and cover the rack with paper towels. If you don’t have a cooling rack, just cover the baking sheet with paper towels.
  • While the oil is heating, you can season and flour the fish strips. Season them lightly with salt and pepper. Place flour on a plate, and gently press each fish strip into the flour, flip over and flour the other side. Tap off excess flour and place on the rack.
  • When the oil is hot, one by one, dip the floured fish strips into the batter and immediately, but gently, place into the hot oil. Add as many as you can without crowding the pan. Fry until crisp and lightly golden brown, which should take 2 to 3 minutes; then flip and fry on the other side, for another 2 to 3 minutes or until crisp and lightly golden.
  • Remove with tongs - the type with the heat-proof coating on the ends are best, if you want to avoid tearing the batter - or a slotted spoon and place on the paper towel-covered rack. Cover loosely with foil to keep warm. Serve on a flour tortilla with salsa macha and creamy slaw. Optional, pickled red onion and a jalapeño marinated in fresh squeezed lime juice and salt to taste.

Notes

Tacos de Pescado Cali-Baja

Whole Fried Snapper with Hibiscus, Epazote and Oregano

Posted on by Pati Jinich

Huachinango Frito con Jamaica, Epazote y Oregano
Print Recipe
5 from 6 votes

Whole Fried Snapper with Hibiscus, Epazote and Oregano

Whole Fried Snapper with Hibiscus, Epazote and Oregano from Pati's Mexican Table, Season 7, Episode 8 "Road Trippin’ with Javier Plascencia"
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: chiles de arbol, fish, flowers, hibiscus, mojarras, pati's mexican table, red snapper
Servings: 4 to 6 Servings
Author: Pati Jinich

Ingredients

  • 1 cup dried hibiscus flowers chopped
  • 1/4 cup dried epazote leaves
  • 1/4 cup dried oregano
  • 2 to 3 chiles de arbol stemmed, toasted and chopped
  • 1 cup tablespoon all-purpose flour plus 1 tablespoon to coat the fish
  • 2 1/2 teaspoons kosher or sea salt divided, more to taste
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Zest of 1 lime
  • Zest of 1 orange
  • Vegetable oil for frying fish
  • 4 to 6 whole mojarras (or 2-3 pounds red snapper) opened and cleaned up
  • Juice of 2 limes
  • Juice of 2 oranges
  • 1/2 cup sliced scallions white and light green parts
  • 1/2 cup chopped cilantro leaves and upper part of the stems
  • Corn tortillas to serve

Instructions

  • To make the hibiscus powder: In a food processor, add the chopped hibiscus flowers, dried epazote, dried oregano, chiles de arbol, 1 tablespoon flour, 2 teaspoons of the salt and the black pepper. Pulse until completely ground. Incorporate the lime and orange zest, pulse again until mixed. Set aside.
  • Fill a large heavy cast iron pan or casserole halfway with oil set over medium heat to preheat.
  • Meanwhile, spread 1 cup of flour on a baking sheet. Rinse the fish and pat dry very well. Using a sharp knife, make 3 to 4 diagonal slices into both sides of the fish, going into the skin and meat, but stopping at the bones. Reserve 3 tablespoons of the hibiscus powder and set aside. Use the remaining hibiscus powder to season inside of the slices and over the fish. Then, one by one, place the seasoned fish on the baking sheet and pat them with the flour, giving them a light coat.
  • Test the oil with a small piece of fish to make sure that it will actively bubble around the fish. Then, one by one or two by two, without crowding the pan, drop in the fish and fry for 6 to 8 minutes per side, making sure that it is completely cooked – the meat should flake with a fork.
  • Transfer to a cooling rack or a cutting board covered with paper towel. Once you are done with all the fish, and they have drained, place on a large platter.
  • To make the hibiscus citrus chunky, chunky sauce: Combine the 3 reserved tablespoons of hibiscus powder, the lime juice, orange juice, and ½ teaspoon of the salt in a small mixing bowl. Stir and add the scallions and cilantro, mix well. Taste and add more salt if need be.
  • Serve the fish along with the hibiscus citrus chunky, chunky sauce and warm corn tortillas.

Notes

Huachinango Frito con Jamaica, Epazote y Orégano 

Bibb Lettuce Salad with Grilled Shrimp

Posted on by Pati Jinich

Bibb Lettuce Salad with Grilled Shrimp
Print Recipe
4.34 from 6 votes

Bibb Lettuce Salad with Grilled Shrimp

Bibb Lettuce Salad with Grilled Shrimp from Pati's Mexican Table, Season 7, Episode 9 "The Godmother of Cabo Cuisine"
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Course: Salad
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: cashew, Edith Jimenez, jalapeno, lettuce, pati's mexican table, salad, Shrimp
Servings: 6 to 8 Servings
Author: Pati Jinich

Ingredients

Vinaigrette:

  • 1 cup chopped red onion
  • 1/2 cup chopped shallot
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh ginger
  • 1 jalapeño stemmed and finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 1/4 teaspoon salt divided, plus more to season shrimp
  • 1/3 cup red wine vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon honey

Salad:

  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 pound large shrimp shelled
  • 3 heads Boston Bibb lettuce
  • 2/3 cup roasted cashews coarsely chopped

Instructions

To make the vinaigrette:

  • Preheat oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Place the red onion, shallot, ginger and jalapeños in a small baking sheet. Cover with the olive and vegetable oils and sprinkle on 1 teaspoon salt. Place in the oven and roast for 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and be sure to reserve the oil from the baking sheet.
  • In a small bowl, whisk the red wine vinegar with the Dijon, honey, black pepper and remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt. Continue whisking well as you drizzle in the oil from the roasted red onion mix. Incorporate all the roasted red onion, shallots, ginger and chile, mix well, taste for salt and add more if need be.

To make the salad:

  • Preheat your grill, or a grill pan, on medium-high heat. Brush with olive oil. Season the shrimp with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Grill for a 2-3 minutes per side, until cooked through.
  • Cut the lettuce heads into 4 quarters and place them on a serving platter. Dress with the vinaigrette and top with the grilled shrimp and cashews.

Notes

Ensalada con Camarones Asados

Almond, Guajillo and Garlic Flounder

Posted on by Pati Jinich

Almond, Guajillo and Garlic Flounder
Print Recipe
4.25 from 4 votes

Almond, Guajillo and Garlic Flounder

Almond, Guajillo and Garlic Flounder, from Pati’s Mexican Table Season 7, Episode 10 "Los Cabos by Land & Sea"
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time5 minutes
Total Time15 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: almond, fish, flounder, Guajillo, pati's mexican table, Recipe, seafood, sole
Servings: 4 Servings
Author: Pati Jinich

Ingredients

  • 1 pound flounder or sole fish fillets
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher or sea salt
  • Freshly Ground black pepper to taste
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter divided
  • 3 tablespoons vegetable oil divided
  • 15 garlic cloves peeled and sliced
  • 2 chiles guajillo stemmed, seeded, thinly sliced
  • 1/3 cup slivered almonds
  • 2 limes halved

Instructions

  • Season the fish fillets with the salt and pepper.
  • Heat 2 tablespoons of the butter and 2 tablespoons of the oil in a large nonstick skillet set over medium-high heat. Once the butter melts and bubbles, add the fish fillets in a single layer, without overcrowding the pan (you can also cook them in two batches).
  • Sear for 1 to 2 minutes per side. Before flipping, run a metal spatula under the fish to make sure there is a layer of butter and oil beneath the fish to make it easier to turn. Flip and cook for 1 or 2 minutes on the other side, until the fish is cooked though and can be flaked with a fork.
  • Place the cooked fish on a serving platter.
  • Add the remaining 1 tablespoon butter and 1 tablespoon oil to skillet, scrape the bottom of the pan well. Add the garlic and chiles guajillo, stir, and cook for half a minute before adding the slivered almonds. Stir as it all browns and crisps, no more than a minute. Scrape over the fish. Serve with halved limes and insist that your guests squeeze lime juice over the fish before they eat it.

Notes

Pescado al Ajillo con Almendras y Guajillo 

Mary-Mex Crab Dip

Posted on by Pati Jinich

Mary-Mex Crab Dip
Print Recipe
5 from 4 votes

Mary-Mex Crab Dip

Mary-Mex Crab Dip, from Pati’s Mexican Table Season 7, Episode 13 "Mex’d Up American Regional Favorites"
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time35 minutes
Total Time40 minutes
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: American, Mexican
Keyword: Antojo, chiles toreados, cotija cheese, crab, dip, Recipe, seafood
Servings: 6 Servings
Author: Pati Jinich

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup Mexican crema
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup crumbled Cotija cheese divided
  • 1/2 cup shredded Muenster cheese
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 3 tablespoons chiles toreados chopped and drained
  • 1 pound jumbo lump crab meat picked through to remove any shells
  • 4 scallions, thinly sliced
  • Crackers, crostini, or chips for serving

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • In a medium bowl, stir together the crema, mayonnaise, ¼ cup of Cotija cheese, Muenster cheese, lime juice, Worcestershire and cayenne until combined.
  • Fold in the chiles, crab meat, and the white and light green parts of the scallions (reserve the rest for garnish), being careful not to break the crab up too much.
  • Transfer the mixture to an oven safe dish. Sprinkle remaining Cotija cheese on the top. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until it is bubbly and golden brown. Sprinkle on the reserved scallions. Serve with crostini, crackers or chips.

Notes

Dip de Cangrejo Mary-Mex

Story Goes… Governor Shrimp Tacos

Posted on by Pati Jinich

The story goes, governor shrimp tacos, or tacos gobernador de camarón, were created in the state of Sinaloa in the early 1990s to surprise governor Francisco Labastida Ochoa, after he told a few friends how much he loved his wife’s shrimp tacos. That bit of information was passed on to the owners of Los Arcos in Mazatlán restaurant, before he headed there to visit.

The chef was given the quest not only try to match the governor’s wife’s tacos, which no one besides the governor had tried, but to beat them. So quite a few taco recipes were developed and tested. When the governor showed up to eat, he liked them so much he named them “tacos gobernador.”

Now, I do not know if that story is entirely true. But, what I do know is, these tacos became so popular you no longer only find them at Los Arcos in Mazatlán. They are all over Sinaloa and beyond. I had them as far away as Los Angeles and Miami.  Yet, I saw the most renditions on the 800 mile drive throughout the entire Baja Peninsula.

I felt more than obliged to offer my take on tacos gobernador, since my travels in Baja are featured on “Pati’s Mexican Table” in my new season premiering in a few weeks (you can watch the trailer here). And I am thrilled to share my recipe with you, as we all love these tacos in my home!

So what’s in tacos gobernador? First, a combination of shrimp and cheese makes them a cross between a taco and a quesadilla. A ton of cheese is really essential.

Second, cooked onion that is often accompanied by other vegetables, typically bell peppers and sometimes poblano chiles. If you ask me what I prefer, hands down, not even a second of hesitation, poblano chiles. I absolutely adore them. I feel lukewarm about green bell peppers to put it mildly. So my take has a combination of slivered onions and poblanos with just a bit of tomato.

Third, the seasonings. Some renditions have no sauce, only salt and pepper. Some have a simple to a more seasoned tomato sauce. I go for a seasoned, very thick sauce that is almost a paste, really. It combines tomato paste, La Costeña chipotles in adobo and the W sauce — Worcestershire — or as we call it in Mexico “salsa inglesa.”

Lastly, you can opt for corn or flour tortillas. There are no strict guidelines here, different from other kinds of tacos.

There are so many reasons why I like these tacos so much. They end up being a complete meal, they are so easy to prepare, they are irresistibly delicious and messy, the cheese creates an inviting crust as it melts… and they have a great story behind them. I do love a good story.

Governor Shrimp Tacos
Print Recipe
4.50 from 6 votes

Governor Shrimp Tacos

Governor Shrimp Tacos recipe from Pati's Mexican Table Season 7, Episode 1 "Tijuana’s Culinary Revolution" 
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time35 minutes
Course: Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: Antojo, Mexican, pati’s mexican table, Shrimp, Sinaloa, Taco
Servings: 6 Tacos
Author: Pati Jinich

Ingredients

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 1/2 white onion slivered
  • 2 poblano chiles stemmed, seeded, slivered
  • 5 garlic cloves finely chopped
  • 2 ripe Roma tomatoes cored, seeded, slivered
  • 3 tablespoons sauce from chipotles in adobo
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher or sea salt or to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper or to taste
  • 1 1/2 pounds (about 11-15) shelled large shrimp cut into large chunks
  • 3 cups shredded Oaxaca, mozzarella, asadero or Muenster cheese
  • 6 to 8 flour or corn tortillas
  • Sliced avocado for garnish
  • 1 Chile Manzano sliced and mixed with the juice of a lime, 1/4 red onion and salt to taste

Instructions

  • Heat the butter in a large nonstick skillet set over medium-high heat. Once it melts and begins to bubble, add the onion and poblano and cook until wilted, about 3 minutes. Add the garlic, stir, and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Incorporate the tomatoes, cook for a minute, and as they begin to soften, add the sauce from the chipotles in adobo, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, salt and pepper. Stir well, cook for another minute, then add the shrimp and cook just until they change color, about 1 to 2 minutes. Turn off heat and scrape into a bowl to prevent the shrimp from overcooking.
  • On a preheated comal set over low heat, heat the tortillas on both sides for a minute. Add about 1/2 cup of shredded cheese onto each one. Once the cheese begins to melt, add a generous amount of the shrimp mixture, fold in half and continue heating until cheese has completely melted and the tortillas have begun to lightly brown and create a crust.
  • Serve with sliced avocado and Manzano chiles and onion.

Video

Notes

Tacos Gobernador de Camarón

Scallop Aguachile at the James Beard House

Posted on by Pati Jinich

Mexican cuisine is riding such a high wave these days.

Compared to when I first moved to the US, 20 years ago, you can now find all the ingredients you need to prepare Mexican food. People are not only eating Mexican food out, but are bringing it into their home kitchens. There’s the #tacotuesday and the #taconight. Wherever you travel to in the US, there’s Mexican food to be found in airports, restaurants, hotels, fast food chains, and the offerings continue to increase and get better. It seems like the more people get to know Mexican cuisine, the more they want to taste it, to cook it, to explore its depth.

It is such a thrill to be part of this movement. I particularly enjoy traveling through the US to cook whenever I get an invitation. And I was beyond ecstatic when I got the request from the James Beard House in New York City to whip up their Cinco de Mayo dinner. What an honor! But of course, the pressure was on. What theme, which menu, what drinks? So much to share!

To be sure, Cinco de Mayo is not a big celebration in Mexico. It is a somber occasion honored in the state of Puebla, where the Cinco de Mayo Battle took place in 1862. It was a battle between a small Mexican militia against a big French army, and while the Mexicans won, with the odds stacked against them, the French won right back. Yet, move the clock forward a few years and Mexico regained its Independence.

Now, for whatever reason, which many have unsuccessfully tried to explain, Cinco has become the biggest Mexican-themed party abroad. I was bewildered at first when I started getting invites to Cinco de Mayo parties from our American friends. But then, of course, happily joined the excitement of the Cinco train. Listen, if there is an open door to celebrate anything and everything that we love and are proud of about Mexico, and share our food, cuisine and culture: count me in!

menu from the dinner at the James Beard House

Photo courtesy Clay Williams (@ultraclay)

As a Mexican immigrant, to be invited to the James Beard House, such a prestigious place and institution, made me feel proud and like my food is worth it. But, it also made me feel like Mexican food has really started to earn its rightful place in the eyes of the culinary world of the US.

You can see the menu above. Because I really couldn’t choose a Mexican region to focus on, I opted for what I called a Mexican culinary compass: different foods from different places from Mexico, a few childhood favorites, and a couple new dishes from my kitchen. Carnitas from Michoacán, caldo de camarón from Acapulco, gorditas from Oaxaca…

The first course of the formal sit-down dinner menu, after the cocktail hour, was a scallop aguachile inspired by the coastal region of the Sea of Cortez.

The team from the James Beard House is a joy to work with. We prepped the day before, as it was a long menu! Then my production team and I got so excited with the occasion that we decided to make it part of an episode of the next season of Pati’s Mexican Table, which will premiere in September 2018.

Pati Jinich plating her classic scallop aguachile at the James Beard House

Photo courtesy Clay Williams (@ultraclay)

But meanwhile, I leave you with the scallop aguachile recipe. It is SO GOOD. And it could not be simpler. It helps break so many myths about Mexican food. Not all Mexican food is fried, or laborious, or covered in cheese, or severely spiced up, or takes forever to prepare. In fact, most Mexican food is healthy, soulful, delicious, nutritious. It gives beautiful ingredients, like the plump, silky and sweet fresh sea scallops a chance to shine by just dressing them beautifully, lightly and kindly.

scallop aguachile

Photo courtesy Clay Williams (@ultraclay)

Mexican cuisine is indeed riding such a high wave today. And I can see the high tide ahead, with the wave getting even bigger and higher. So excited and honored to have the possibility to continue to ride it and bring the fruits of this journey to your shore.

Print Recipe
4.80 from 5 votes

Scallop Aguachile

The first course from Pati's Cinco de Mayo dinner at the James Beard House in New York was a scallop aguachile inspired by the Mexican coastal region of the Sea of Cortez.
Prep Time15 minutes
Resting Time15 minutes
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: Aguachile, Ceviche, jalapeno, lime, Scallops
Servings: 4 servings
Author: Pati Jinich

Ingredients

  • 1 pound large fresh scallops
  • 1/4 cup lime juice freshly squeezed
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 cup red onion slivered
  • 1 serrano or jalapeño chile thinly sliced
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher or sea salt or more to taste

Instructions

  • In a bowl, combine the lime juice, olive oil, onion, serrano and salt. Whisk and let sit for at least 15 minutes, or cover and refrigerate up to 12 hours.
  • When ready to serve, remove lime juice mix from the refrigerator. Slice the fresh scallops thinly and horizontally, up to 1/8” width. Spread on a platter. Whisk the lime juice sauce and pour in its entirety over the scallops, arranging so that the onion and chile are spread evenly throughout. Serve immediately.

Notes

Aguachile de Callo de Hacha

Sardine Empanadas

Posted on by Pati Jinich

What to do with a couple cans of sardines? Do what the people from landlocked Aguascalientes do: make the tastiest empanadas.

Over the past dozen years, I have been amazed by so many things, as I’ve ventured into a deep exploration of Mexico’s cuisine to share it with the world – or whoever will listen. Its richness, its diversity, its depth, its accessibility, its generosity… One thing that has also stood out, everywhere, is the resourcefulness of its people.

You know the saying, if all you have are lemons, make lemonade. That exponentially applies to the Mexican spirit.

Take the state of Nuevo Leon that is so rich in oranges. You will find everything from orange cake, orange cookies, orange drinks, orange chicken, orange candy, to amazing orange preserves.

Aguascalientes is a place deeply inland, with no water outside its borders and no water within its borders – no lakes, no rivers. Bien tierra adentro, as we say. Historically, the only fish and seafood that has been available there, for the most part, is that which can be preserved: salted, dried, pickled, or canned. Hence, these sardine empanadas, a dish that truly embellishes the sardines.

I was intrigued when I stumbled upon this recipe as a specialty of the region. It jumped out at me like a jack-in-the-box screaming: test me please! See, I inherited a deep taste for sardines. A funny ingredient to dig, I know. Pretty basic and not much glamour about them…

Oh, but it’s the lightly salty, oily, peculiar rich taste and kind of pasty consistency to them that I grew to appreciate from two men I love. My father, whose favorite torta – and he is a heck of a torta maker – has sardines, avocado, onion and pickled jalapeños. And my grandfather, my father’s father, who was an angel that happened to land on earth – ok, fine, he was a Polish man fleeing persecution, who found refuge in Mexico when he was merely a teen – loved eating sardines on saltine crackers smeared with butter.

Pati with her Grandpa
With my grandfather, like 25 years ago…

Turns out, you really only need basic ingredients to make these empanadas. And they end up gorgeous, inside and out.

Here is a bird’s eye view of the empanadas.

sardine empanadas

You know why they have such deep and shimmering golden brown color on the top? Because in Aguascalientes, they brush the empanadas with only the egg yolks. No worries, you won’t waste the egg whites. You can use them to help seal the inner seam of the empanada.

As far as the filling: Sardines are combined with mushrooms that are seasoned and browned over softened onions and mixed with mushy cooked tomatoes, olives and pickled jalapeños. The sardine flavor is nuanced by the combination, yet not hidden. It is embellished in a way.

The mushrooms are a non-competing companion that makes the filling more substantial and adds a nice soft bite. The puff pastry becomes the perfect wrapping to envelop the savory, lightly spicy, teasingly rich mixture.

Ok, here is an inside photo, so you can see the chunky and moist filling too.

sardine empanadas

You can make them for lunch or dinner and eat them with a green salad on the side. You can also make them mini and have them as appetizers. You can eat them hot, right out of the oven. Or you can eat them at room temperature. And you know I am going to say this: they are actually also delicious cold.

The best thing is, if you have leftovers, everyone will have a delicious to-go lunch for school or work.

Sardine Empanadas
Print Recipe
4.42 from 12 votes

Sardine Empanadas

Sardine Empanadas from Pati's Mexican Table, Season 7, Episode 7 "La Paz: The Heart of Baja Sur"
Prep Time30 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time1 hour
Course: Snack
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: Empanadas, fish, pati’s mexican table, sardines
Servings: 20 Empanadas
Author: Pati Jinich

Ingredients

  • 1 pound frozen puff pastry
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1/2 cup white onion chopped
  • 2 cups white button mushrooms cleaned and diced 8 ounces
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher or sea salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 cup ripe Roma tomatoes chopped about 1/2 pound
  • 1/2 cup manzanilla olives stuffed with pimientos chopped
  • 1/4 cup pickled jalapeños chopped
  • 2 cans (3-4 ounces) of sardines in oil broken into chunks
  • 2 eggs separated
  • All-purpose flour for rolling out puff pastry

Instructions

  • Remove the puff pastry from the freezer and let it thaw on your countertop.
  • Heat the oil in a medium casserole or a sauté pan set over medium heat. Once hot, cook the onion for 3 to 4 minutes until it softens. Incorporate the mushrooms, sprinkle in the salt and pepper, and cook for another 5 to 6 minutes, until the juices come out and they begin to dry out, and the mushrooms start browning a bit. Add the tomatoes and cook for 6 to 7 minutes, until they start breaking down and becoming mushy and soft. Add the olives and jalapeños, mix well, and cook for another minute.
  • Remove from the heat, add the sardines, combine well and set aside.
  • Separate the egg whites from the egg yolks in two small bowls. Use a fork or a whisk to beat them separately.
  • Place the racks in the lower and upper thirds of the oven. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a couple of baking sheets with parchment paper.
  • Lightly sprinkle flour on the countertop and rub some on the rolling pin. Roll out the puff pastry to thinner than 1/4-inch and use a 4-to-5-inch round mold to cut circles. Add a generous tablespoon of the sardine filling in the middle of each round. Brush a bit of the beaten egg white around the edges each round. Fold each one into a half moon shape and press the sides.
  • Using a fork, press the side of the empanada to help seal and decorate it. Brush the egg yolk on top of the empanadas and place them on the prepared baking sheets. Place the empanadas in the oven. Bake anywhere from 20 to 22 minutes, until the tops of the empanadas have puffed and are a shiny golden brown.

Notes

Empanadas de Sardina 

Sweet and Sour Mexican Style Fish

Posted on by Pati Jinich

Pati Jinich pescado agridulce or sweet and sour Mexican style fish
Print Recipe
4.72 from 7 votes

Sweet and Sour Mexican Style Fish

Sweet and Sour Mexican Style Fish recipe from Pati's Mexican Table Season 6, Episode 8 "In Search of La Mixteca"
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time40 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: canela, cinnamon, fish, olives, tomatillos
Servings: 6 servings
Author: Pati Jinich

Ingredients

  • 4 tablespoons olive oil divided
  • 1 cup white onion slivered
  • 4 garlic cloves finely chopped
  • 1 pound ripe Roma tomatoes diced
  • 1 pound tomatillos husked and rinsed, diced
  • 1 teaspoon kosher or coarse sea salt plus more to season fish
  • 1 teaspoon brown sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
  • 1/4 teaspoon Ground ceylon cinnamon or canela
  • 1/4 cup slivered almonds
  • 1/4 cup sliced manzanilla olives stuffed with pimientos
  • 2 pounds halibut filet skin on, cut into 6 pieces

Instructions

  • Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet set over medium heat. Once hot, add the onion and cook for a couple minutes, until it starts to wilt. Add the garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Incorporate the tomatoes, tomatillos and sprinkle in the salt, sugar, allspice, and cinnamon. Mix well and cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables have softened.
  • Incorporate the almonds and olives and continue cooking for another 7 to 8 minutes. Turn off the heat.
  • Season fish with salt to taste. Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil in a large casserole set over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the fish skin side down and cook for one to two minutes, until the skin begins to brown.
  • Scrape the chunky sauce over the fish, cover the casserole and reduce heat to low. Cook for 10 minutes. I like to serve it over rice or steamed potatoes.

Notes

Pescado Agridulce

Pickled Poblano Rajas Tuna Melt

Posted on by Pati Jinich

Pati Jinich poblano rajas tuna melt
Print Recipe
4.41 from 5 votes

Pickled Poblano Rajas Tuna Melt

Pickled Poblano Rajas Tuna Melt recipe from Pati's Mexican Table Season 6, Episode 13 "More Than Just a Meal"
Prep Time2 minutes
Cook Time5 minutes
Total Time7 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: pati's mexican table, Poblano, Sandwich, tuna, tuna melt
Servings: 4 sandwiches
Author: Pati Jinich

Ingredients

  • 2 7-ounce cans of tuna in water or oil drained
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
  • To taste kosher or coarse sea salt
  • 8 slices rye bread lightly toasted
  • 2 Pickled Poblanos stems removed and sliced into strips
  • 4 thick slices muenster cheese or 8 thin slices

Instructions

  • In a mixing bowl, mash the tuna with a fork until well shredded. Combine it with the mayo, lime juice and salt to taste.
  • Pre-heat the broiler, or you can use toaster oven.
  • Divide the tuna mixture between four slices of bread. Divide the poblano strips on top of the tuna, and top with the cheese. Place under broiler, or in the toaster oven, until the cheese is melted.
  • Place the remaining slices of toasted bread on top to close the sandwiches and serve.

Notes

Sándwich de Atún con Rajas de Poblano en Escabeche

Caldo de Oso

Posted on by Pati Jinich

There is no bear in this soup. Nor is the soup named after any bear. In fact, there are zero bears to be found in the state of Chihuahua, where this soup comes from. Yet, I admit Pepe was right, it is a spectacular soup, and it is called caldo de oso (or bear soup).

I met Pepe a few months ago at a Telemundo news interview, while on book tour in Denver. He was the producer. As he walked me out of the building, we got caught up in a long, detailed conversation about soup, even though I was in a hurry to catch a plane. I don’t know what hooked me more in wanting to know every little thing about this soup: its curious name, how much he seemed to adore it, or the fact that I’ve never tried it although I’ve been to Chihuahua many times.

Well, here we go again. Another story, out of hundreds and hundreds of incredible stories and recipes I have learned while traveling the US. It turns out, each and every single Mexican I have met here is as passionate as I am about the Mexican food we grew up with. We are all a bunch of nostalgic food fanatics.

Anyway, back to the soup.

It turns out caldo de oso is insanely popular in Chihuahua. The thing is, it is not to be found in restaurants, but in homes. One reason I may have missed it all the times I visited. And considering how dearly loved it is, it makes the origin of its name even funnier.

Here goes the true story:

Almost a century ago, workers building the La Boquilla Dam, on the Conchos River in Camargo, used to make a fish soup every day with catfish, which were bountiful in that river. After eating it so often, instead of calling it caldo de pescado (or fish soup), they started calling it caldo odioso, which translates to hateful soup.

From saying caldo odioso again and again, the soup got the nickname caldo de oso – from the shortened odi-oso to oso. It is a common Mexican practice to make words smaller and use them in their diminutives or cute nicknames. And the name stuck: caldo de oso! However, other than the workers at the dam who ate it everyday, people in Chihuahua absolutely adore this soup.

So, Pepe gave me some tips, and he told me in detail how his mom makes it. I thoroughly researched it and tested it in my kitchen. And let me tell you, caldo de oso is totally worth the heavy nostalgia for it that Pepe carries around.

Caldo de Oso or Bear Soup recipe by Pati Jinich
Print Recipe
4.70 from 10 votes

Bear Soup

There is no bear in this soup. Nor is the soup named after any bear. In fact, there are zero bears to be found in the state of Chihuahua, where this soup comes from. Yet, I admit Pepe was right, it is a spectacular soup, and it is called caldo de oso (or bear soup). It turns out caldo de oso is insanely popular in Chihuahua. The thing is, it is not to be found in restaurants, but in homes.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time40 minutes
Course: Soup
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: ancho chiles, carrots, catfish, cilantro, fish broth, lime, onion, pati's mexican table, Pickled Jalapeños, potatoes, Tomatoes
Servings: 6 to 8 servings
Author: Pati Jinich

Ingredients

  • 2 dried ancho chiles stemmed and seeded
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 2/3 cup white onion finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic finely chopped
  • 2 pounds ripe Roma tomatoes chopped
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 8 cups seafood or fish broth or water
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried marjoram
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 teaspoon kosher or coarse sea salt or to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 whole pickled jalapeño diced
  • 2 tablespoons vinegary sauce from pickled jalapeños
  • 2 cups carrots peeled and diced
  • 2 cups potatoes peeled and diced
  • 2 pounds catfish fillets cut into 2" pieces
  • 2 limes cut into wedges, to serve
  • 1/4 cup cilantro roughly chopped, to serve

Instructions

  • Place the ancho chiles in a bowl, cover with 2 cups boiling water, and let them sit for 10 minutes until they plump up and rehydrate.
  • In a soup pot, heat the butter and oil over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and bubbly, add the onion and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, until softened and the edges begin to brown. Add the garlic, stir and cook for a minute until fragrant. Increase the heat to medium-high and incorporate the chopped tomato, cook for 6 to 7 minutes, until softened. Sprinkle the flour on top of the cooking vegetables, stir well, and let cook for another minute or so, stirring frequently, until the flour starts to brown and smell toasty. Pour in the broth or water and bring to a simmer.
  • Meanwhile, place the ancho chiles along with a cup of their soaking water into a blender, and puree until completely smooth. Add the chile puree, along with the thyme, marjoram, oregano, cumin, bay leaf, salt, pepper, pickled jalapeño and its vinegar to the soup, and mix well. Once it returns to a simmer, reduce the heat to medium, and let it cook for 15 minutes with the lid ajar.
  • Add the carrots, potatoes, and fish pieces and continue to cook for 10 more minutes, until vegetables and fish are completely cooked through.
  • Serve hot, along with lime wedges and chopped cilantro for people to add to their taste. I like it with crusty bread, such as a baguette, on the side.

Notes

Caldo de Oso

Bacalao Navideño

Posted on by Pati Jinich

Bacalao Navideno
Print Recipe
4.15 from 7 votes

Christmas Salted Cod

Christmas Salted Cod recipe from Pati's Mexican Table Season 5, Episode 13 “José Andrés Takes Over"
Prep Time2 days
Cook Time45 minutes
Total Time2 days 45 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: almonds, Bacalao, chiles güeros, Christmas dishes, olives, pati's mexican table, potatoes, salted cod fish
Servings: 6 servings
Author: Pati Jinich

Ingredients

  • 1 pound dried salted cod
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 1 white onion peeled, halved, thinly sliced
  • 4 cloves garlic finely chopped or pressed
  • 1 1/2 pounds ripe tomatoes chopped, or a 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
  • 2 red bell peppers roasted, sweated, peeled and diced
  • 1 pound baby potatoes peeled, halved if larger than 1-inch
  • 2 teaspoons white distilled vinegar
  • 1/4 cup fresh Italian parsley chopped
  • 1/3 cup slivered almonds
  • 1/4 cup manzanilla olives stuffed with pimientos thinly sliced
  • 8 to 10 pickled pepperoncini peppers or chiles güeros plus more for serving
  • French baguette to slice and toast

Instructions

  • 48 hours before you wish to make the dish, begin preparing your salt cod for cooking. Place in a bowl, cover with water and place in the refrigerator. The next day drain, rinse and cover with water again. Place it back in the refrigerator for 10 to 12 hours. Drain, rinse and cover with water again. Refrigerate for another 10 to 12 hours, drain and rinse. Shred the fish and it is ready to use.
  • Heat the olive oil in a large casserole over medium heat. Once hot, add the onion and cook for 5 minutes, stirring often, until softened and beginning to brown around the edges. Stir in the garlic and cook until fragrant, about a minute. Stir in the tomatoes and roasted red bell peppers, cover partially and cook, stirring from time to time, for 10 minutes, or until the mixture has thickened and darkened in color. It should look somewhat chunky.
  • Meanwhile, in a separate, medium saucepan, boil the potatoes in salted water for about 10 minutes, until just tender; when you insert the tip of a knife it should go all the way in, but the potatoes should not fall apart. Drain and set aside.
  • Stir the shredded cod into the tomato mixture. Add the vinegar, parsley, almonds and olives, stir together and continue to cook, partially covered for another 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally and scraping the bottom of the pan, until the ingredients are well amalgamated and the sauce has thickened even more.
  • Reduce heat to low, stir in the cooked potatoes and the pickled pepperoncini peppers, cover the casserole and simmer for 5 more minutes. The mixture should be very moist and juicy, but not soupy. No need to add salt. Serve with additional pickled pepperoncini, and if you’d like, white rice on the side.

Notes

Bacalao Navideño

Snapper Ceviche “Veracruz”

Posted on by Pati Jinich

ceviche veracruz
Print Recipe
4.84 from 6 votes

Snapper Ceviche "Veracruz"

Snapper Ceviche "Veracruz" recipe from Pati's Mexican Table Season 5, Episode 13 “José Andrés Takes Over"
Prep Time1 hour
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time1 hour 15 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: capers, Ceviche, fish, jalapeno, José Andrés, olives, pati's mexican table, pickled red onions, red snapper, serrano chiles
Servings: 4 servings
Author: Pati Jinich

Ingredients

  • 1 cup kosher salt divided, plus more for seasoning
  • 3/4 pound red snapper filet
  • 4 white pearl onions peeled into petals
  • 2 Roma or plum tomatoes
  • 2/3 cup Spanish manzanilla olives
  • 1/3 cup freshly squeezed lime juice (about 3 large limes)

To garnish:

  • 4 Spanish manzanilla olives sliced into very thin round slivers
  • 28 Pickled Red Onion Slices
  • 28 fresh capers
  • 1 jalapeño or serrano chile sliced very thinly (optional)
  • 20 cilantro leaves
  • 12 nasturtium leaves
  • 12 sorrel leaves
  • 12 watercress leaves
  • Pinch edible flowers such as nasturtium blossom, mustard blossom, marigold petals
  • Pinch ground chile piquín
  • Extra-virgin olive oil and Maldon sea salt to finish

Instructions

  • Cover the bottom of a small rectangular pan with half of the salt. Place fish on top of the salt layer and cover with the remaining salt. Cover pan with plastic wrap and place in refrigerator for one hour.
  • To a pot of heavily salted boiling water, add the onion petals and cook for 20 seconds. Using a wire skimmer or spider, remove the onions, season with salt and submerge them in a bowl of ice water to halt the cooking process and set aside for garnish.
  • Using a sharp knife, slice off the top and bottom of each plum tomato. Locate the fleshy dividing wall of one segment inside the tomato. Slice alongside the dividing wall and open up the flesh of the tomato to expose the seeds. Remove the seeds and their pulp by slicing around the core of the tomato. Keep the seeds and their surrounding gel intact to create tomato seed “hearts” and set the "hearts" aside for garnish. Roughly chop the remaining outer tomato flesh.
  • Drain the 2/3 cup olives and remove pits. Add the chopped outer tomato flesh, the pitted olives, and lime juice to a blender and puree until smooth. Pass the mixture through a fine mesh strainer, then set aside.
  • Remove the fish from the refrigerator and rinse away the excess salt with water. Pat the fish dry with a paper towel. Holding a sharp knife at a 45-degree angle, cut the fish into thin slices.
  • Spoon the olive tomato puree onto serving dishes. With tongs, place snapper slices on top of the dressing. Add olive slivers, pickled onion slices, onion petals, capers, tomato hearts, and (if desired) jalapeño slices. Drizzle on more puree, then garnish with cilantro, nasturtium, sorrel, watercress, and edible blossoms. Finish with ground chile piquín, olive oil, and sea salt. Serve immediately.

Notes

Ceviche "Veracruz", recipe courtesy of José Andrés

Shrimp Rolls with Pepita and Cilantro Pesto

Posted on by Pati Jinich

shrimp rolls with pepita and cilantro pesto recipe
Print Recipe
3.86 from 7 votes

Shrimp Rolls with Pepita and Cilantro Pesto

Shrimp Rolls with Pepita and Cilantro Pesto recipe from Pati's Mexican Table Season 5, Episode 10 “Cancún: We Meet Again”
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time20 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: Avocado, cilantro, grill recipes, grilling, pati's mexican table, Shrimp
Servings: 4 servings
Author: Pati Jinich

Ingredients

  • 1 teaspoon olive oil plus more for brushing buns
  • 1 small clove garlic