Jul 13 2026
RestaurantsMercadoCali-af Recipe

Cali-af Recipe

Inspired by Mercado
Time1h
Serves4

Fried Cheese, Chicken Tinga, Elote, Cotija, Cilantro

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Ingredients

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Fried Cheese

Method

Fried Cheese

  1. 1

    Prepare the Cheese

    Grate the cheddar cheese and mix it with cornstarch in a bowl until well combined.

  2. 2

    Fry the Cheese

    Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat. Once hot, scoop tablespoons of the cheese mixture and fry until golden brown. Remove and drain on paper towels.

Chicken Tinga

  1. 3

    Cook the Chicken

    In a pot, add the chicken breast and cover with water. Boil until fully cooked, about 15 minutes. Shred the chicken and set aside.

  2. 4

    Sauté the Aromatics

    In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add sliced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until onion is translucent.

  3. 5

    Add the Sauce

    Stir in chipotle peppers, tomato sauce, chicken broth, and season with salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer.

  4. 6

    Combine Chicken and Sauce

    Add the shredded chicken to the skillet and mix well. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.

Elote

  1. 7

    Cook the Corn

    Grill or boil the corn on the cob until tender, approximately 10 minutes.

  2. 8

    Prepare the Topping

    In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, crumbled Cotija cheese, chili powder, and lime juice until well blended.

  3. 9

    Assemble the Elote

    Remove corn from heat and spread the mayonnaise mixture over each ear of corn. Serve immediately.

Garnish

  1. 10

    Add Cilantro

    Sprinkle chopped cilantro over the finished dish for garnish.

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