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Crispy Grilled Elote Corn Recipe with Tajin Lime Butter and Cotija Cheese

crispy grilled elote corn - featured image

A simple and bold grilled corn recipe featuring tangy Tajin lime butter and salty Cotija cheese for an authentic street-style elote experience.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 ears fresh corn on the cob, husked
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 tablespoons Tajin seasoning
  • Juice of 1 lime (about 2 tablespoons)
  • 1/2 cup Cotija cheese, crumbled
  • Pinch of salt, to taste (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Remove the husks and silk from 4 ears of fresh corn. Rinse and pat dry.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter with 2 tablespoons Tajin seasoning and the juice of 1 lime. Mix until evenly blended.
  3. Preheat grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F). If using charcoal, wait until coals are white-hot.
  4. Place corn directly on grill grates. Grill for 10-12 minutes, turning every 2-3 minutes until golden brown with crispy spots.
  5. Remove corn from grill and immediately slather generously with the Tajin lime butter.
  6. Sprinkle 1/2 cup crumbled Cotija cheese evenly over the buttered corn.
  7. Add a pinch of salt if needed and garnish with chopped cilantro. Serve immediately while warm.

Notes

Use fresh lime juice for best flavor. Rotate corn often on the grill to avoid burning. Apply butter immediately after grilling while corn is hot. For dairy-free, substitute butter and cheese with plant-based alternatives. If no grill, roast corn in a 450°F oven for 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled corn, elote, Tajin lime butter, Cotija cheese, Mexican street corn, summer recipe, barbecue side dish