Authentic Mexican Street Corn with Cotija Cheese & Lime (Print version)

Charred corn on the cob brushed with creamy lime sauce, rolled in Cotija, and finished with chile and cilantro.

# Ingredients:

For the corn

01 - 4 large ears fresh corn, husked and silk removed
02 - 1 tablespoon neutral oil, for the grill grates
03 - 1/4 teaspoon fine salt

For the creamy lime coating

04 - 1/3 cup (75 g) mayonnaise
05 - 2 tablespoons (30 g) Mexican crema or sour cream
06 - 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice, plus lime wedges for serving
07 - 1/4 teaspoon ancho chile powder or cayenne, plus more for finishing

For finishing

08 - 3/4 cup (85 g) finely crumbled Cotija cheese
09 - 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
10 - Extra lime wedges, for serving

# Instructions:

01 - Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Clean the grates and brush lightly with neutral oil.
02 - In a small bowl, stir together the mayonnaise, crema, lime juice, 1/4 teaspoon chile powder, and a pinch of salt until smooth.
03 - Season the corn lightly with salt. Grill for 8-10 minutes, turning every 2 minutes, until the kernels are tender and lightly charred in spots.
04 - While the corn is still hot, brush each ear all over with the creamy lime sauce. Use enough to coat the kernels without piling it on thick.
05 - Sprinkle or roll each ear in crumbled Cotija. Dust with more chile powder and add chopped cilantro.
06 - Serve immediately with lime wedges. Squeeze fresh lime over the corn right before eating.

# Good to know:

01 - Best served hot right after topping.
02 - For less heat, use mild ancho chile powder instead of cayenne.
03 - Boiled corn can be used, but a quick char adds better flavor.