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Flavorful Mexican Street Corn on the Cob Recipe with Chili Butter and Cotija

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A quick and easy Mexican street corn recipe featuring grilled corn slathered with chili butter, fresh lime, and crumbly cotija cheese, perfect for summer BBQs and casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 ears fresh corn on the cob, husked
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Zest of 1 lime
  • Juice of 1 lime (about 1 tablespoon per ear)
  • 1/2 cup cotija cheese, crumbled
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, finely chopped (optional)
  • Salt to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chili butter by combining softened unsalted butter, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and lime zest in a mixing bowl. Mix until smooth, about 3 minutes.
  2. Heat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (around 400°F / 200°C). Grill the husked corn for 10-12 minutes, turning every 2-3 minutes until kernels are charred and caramelized.
  3. Remove corn from grill and immediately spread a generous layer of chili butter over each ear while hot.
  4. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the buttered corn, about 1 tablespoon per ear, then sprinkle crumbled cotija cheese evenly, pressing lightly to adhere.
  5. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped cilantro if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

Use softened butter for easy mixing. Apply chili butter while corn is hot for best melting and flavor absorption. Adjust chili powder to control heat. Cotija cheese is preferred for authentic texture; feta can be substituted. Avoid overcooking corn to maintain sweetness and tenderness. Store leftovers wrapped in plastic or foil in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheat gently.

Nutrition

Keywords: Mexican street corn, elote, chili butter, cotija cheese, grilled corn, summer BBQ, spicy corn, easy side dish

Find it online: https://blixfood.com/flavorful-mexican-street-corn-on-the-cob-recipe-with-chili-butter-and-cotija-perfect-for-summer-bbqs/