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Flavorful Grilled Corn with Cotija and Zesty Lime

grilled corn with cotija and lime - featured image

A simple and satisfying grilled corn recipe featuring smoky char, tangy lime, and salty Cotija cheese, perfect for summer gatherings and easy BBQ side dishes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 ears fresh corn on the cob, husked
  • ½ cup Cotija cheese, crumbled
  • 2 large limes, juiced and zested
  • ¼ cup mayonnaise (full-fat recommended)
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • Salt to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted

Instructions

  1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, about 375°F to 400°F (190°C to 200°C), which takes around 10 minutes.
  2. Husk the corn, removing all silk strands. Rinse and pat dry each ear. Brush each ear evenly with about 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of melted butter.
  3. Place the corn directly on the grill grates. Turn every 2-3 minutes to char all sides evenly, grilling for 12-15 minutes until kernels are softened and have grill marks.
  4. While the corn grills, combine mayonnaise, juice of 1 lime, chili powder, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. Stir until smooth.
  5. Transfer grilled corn to a serving platter. Generously coat each ear with the mayo-lime sauce while still warm.
  6. Sprinkle crumbled Cotija cheese over the corn, about 2 tablespoons (30 g) per ear or more to taste.
  7. Zest the remaining lime over the corn and scatter chopped cilantro on top.
  8. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.

Notes

Use fresh lime juice for best flavor; bottled lime juice can taste bitter. Brush corn with butter to prevent drying and help caramelize. Turn corn frequently to avoid burning. If no grill is available, roast corn in the oven at 425°F (220°C) for about 20 minutes. For dairy-free, substitute vegan mayo and dairy-free cheese alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled corn, Cotija cheese, lime, summer recipe, BBQ side dish, easy grilled corn, Mexican street corn, elote, smoky corn