Honey-Lime Grilled Corn with Tajín and Cotija Cheese

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Sweet corn grilled to smoky perfection, brushed with honey-lime butter, and dusted with tangy Tajín and salty Cotija cheese for a lively summer side. This mexican-inspired grilling ready in about 22 minutes pairs ears, husked Fresh corn on the cob, melted Unsalted butter, Honey for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 12 min Serves 6 Mexican cuisine 180 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). In a small bowl, whisk together 4 tbsp melted unsalted butter, 2 tbsp honey, and 2 tbsp lime juice until combined.
  2. Step 2: Brush each of the 6 husked ears of fresh corn generously with the honey-lime butter mixture. Place the corn on the grill and cook for 10-12 minutes, turning every 2-3 minutes, until kernels are slightly charred and tender.
  3. Step 3: Remove corn from the grill and while still warm, sprinkle each ear with 2 tsp Tajín seasoning, 1/3 cup crumbled Cotija cheese evenly distributed among the ears, 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, and 1/2 tsp salt. Serve immediately for a vibrant summer side dish.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Honey-Lime Grilled Corn with Tajín and Cotija Cheese take to make?

Total time is about 22 minutes (10 min prep + 12 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Honey-Lime Grilled Corn with Tajín and Cotija Cheese?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep melted unsalted butter from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Honey-Lime Grilled Corn with Tajín and Cotija Cheese?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Honey-Lime Grilled Corn with Tajín and Cotija Cheese for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Honey-Lime Grilled Corn with Tajín and Cotija Cheese?

Mexican grilling like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.