Description
Smoky, charred corn on the cob slathered in a creamy chili-lime sauce and topped with cotija cheese. The ultimate Mexican street food favorite!
Ingredients
8 ears corn on the cob, husks removed
1 tbsp vegetable oil or cooking spray
½ cup mayonnaise
½ cup sour cream or Mexican crema
½ cup crumbled cotija cheese
½ teaspoon chili powder
1 pinch cayenne pepper (optional)
½ cup chopped fresh cilantro
2 limes, quartered for serving
Instructions
1. Grill (Recommended): Preheat grill to medium-high. Lightly oil the corn and grill for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until tender and charred in spots.
2. Oven-Roast: Preheat oven to 425°F. Place oiled corn on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway. Broil for 1-2 minutes for extra char.
3. Boil: Add corn to a large pot of boiling salted water. Cook for 5-7 minutes until tender.
4. Make the Sauce: While the corn cooks, whisk together mayonnaise and sour cream in a small bowl until smooth.
5. Coat the Corn: As soon as the corn is cooked and still hot, brush the creamy sauce generously over all sides of each cob.
6. Add Toppings: Immediately sprinkle the coated corn with crumbled cotija cheese, chili powder, and cayenne (if using).
7. Garnish and Serve: Top with fresh cilantro and serve immediately with lime wedges for squeezing.
Notes
Cheese Substitutes: If you can’t find Cotija, crumbled Feta is a great substitute. Queso Fresco offers a milder flavor.
No-Mayo Version: For a mayo-free sauce, whisk together ¾ cup sour cream, ¼ cup Greek yogurt, and the juice of one lime.
Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chili powder and cayenne to your preference. Tajín can also be used for a tangy-spicy kick.
Storage: Store leftover cooked corn and the sauce separately in the refrigerator for up to 3 days for best results.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish, Appetizer
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ear
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 270mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 15mg