Mexican Street Food-Inspired Grilled Corn with Cotija and Lime

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

Sweet corn grilled until lightly charred then topped with tangy lime, salty Cotija cheese, and smoky chili powder for a classic street snack. This mexican-inspired street food (vegetarian) ready in about 17 minutes pairs ears, husked fresh corn on the cob, mayonnaise, fresh lime juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 210 calories and feeds 4, 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: 5 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 210 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Grill 4 ears of husked fresh corn on the cob for 10-12 minutes, turning every 2-3 minutes until the kernels are tender and have light char marks.
  2. Step 2: While the corn grills, mix 1/4 cup mayonnaise with 2 tbsp fresh lime juice and 1/2 tsp salt in a small bowl until smooth.
  3. Step 3: Remove the corn from the grill and immediately brush each ear generously with the lime-mayo mixture while hot.
  4. Step 4: Sprinkle 1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese evenly over the coated corn, then dust 1 tsp chili powder on top for smoky heat.
  5. Step 5: Garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro and serve the grilled corn warm as a flavorful street food treat.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Mexican Street Food-Inspired Grilled Corn with Cotija and Lime take to make?

Total time is about 17 minutes (5 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 Mexican Street Food-Inspired Grilled Corn with Cotija and Lime?

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 mayonnaise from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Mexican Street Food-Inspired Grilled Corn with Cotija and Lime?

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 Mexican Street Food-Inspired Grilled Corn with Cotija and Lime for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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.

Is Mexican Street Food-Inspired Grilled Corn with Cotija and Lime vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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