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Flavorful Grilled Elote Corn Recipe with Tajin Crema and Cotija Cheese Made Easy

grilled elote corn recipe - featured image

This grilled elote corn recipe combines smoky, tangy Tajin crema with salty Cotija cheese for a bold, comforting summer side that’s quick and easy to make.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 ears fresh corn on the cob, husked
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • ½ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt for tangier twist)
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon Tajin seasoning, plus extra for sprinkling
  • ½ cup Cotija cheese, crumbled
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, finely chopped (optional)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Pinch of freshly ground black pepper (optional)

Instructions

  1. Husk and clean the 4 ears of corn, removing all silky strands. Rinse and pat dry.
  2. In a medium mixing bowl, combine ½ cup sour cream, 2 tablespoons mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice, and 1 teaspoon Tajin seasoning. Whisk until smooth and set aside.
  3. Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F/200°C). Allow 5 minutes for it to get hot.
  4. Using a basting brush, generously coat each ear of corn with melted butter.
  5. Place the buttered corn on the grill or pan. Turn every 2-3 minutes to cook evenly and get golden grill marks all around, about 10-12 minutes total.
  6. Remove the corn from heat and, while still warm, slather each ear generously with the Tajin crema using a spoon or brush.
  7. Sprinkle crumbled Cotija cheese over the crema-coated corn. Add a pinch of extra Tajin for more zing, then garnish with chopped cilantro if desired.
  8. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.

Notes

Use a basting brush to evenly coat corn with butter to prevent soggy spots and keep kernels juicy. The Tajin crema can be made ahead and chilled; bring to room temperature before spreading. If Cotija cheese is unavailable, feta is a good substitute. For dairy-free versions, use coconut yogurt and vegan cheese alternatives. Frozen corn can be used off-season by sautéing instead of grilling.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled elote, Mexican street corn, Tajin crema, Cotija cheese, summer side dish, grilled corn recipe, easy corn recipe