Mexican Street Corn Elote (Ready-to-Print Version)

Smoky grilled corn with butter, cotija, chili powder, cilantro, and lime for a flavorful side dish.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 4 ears fresh corn on the cob, husks removed
02 - 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
03 - 1 lime, cut into wedges

→ Dairy

04 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
05 - ½ cup crumbled cotija cheese

→ Spices and Seasonings

06 - 1 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
07 - 1 teaspoon salt

# Step-by-Step Guide:

01 - Remove husks and silk from the corn ears, then pat dry to promote even caramelization on the grill.
02 - Heat grill to medium-high temperature, ensuring it is ready for searing.
03 - Brush each ear generously with melted butter, then grill, rotating every 2 to 3 minutes until all sides are lightly charred, approximately 8 to 10 minutes total.
04 - Immediately roll hot corn in crumbled cotija cheese to adhere, then sprinkle with chili powder, chopped cilantro, and salt.
05 - Plate corn ears alongside lime wedges for squeezing over the top just before eating.

# Handy Tips:

01 - For enhanced adhesion of cheese, brush grilled corn lightly with Mexican crema or mayonnaise before applying cheese.
02 - Rotate corn evenly on the grill to achieve uniform deep char marks without burning.
03 - Use freshly crumbled cotija cheese rather than pre-grated for authentic texture and melt.