Grilled Corn with Chipotle Mayonnaise and Cotija Cheese

Grilled Corn with Chipotle Mayonnaise and Cotija Cheese Recipe

The Grilled Corn with Chipotle Mayonnaise and Cotija Cheese is a traditional Mexican dish that stands out for its combination of smoky, spicy, and creamy flavors. Perfect as an appetizer at any gathering or to enjoy during a barbecue, this dish highlights the natural flavor of corn accompanied by a simple yet characterful sauce.

Preparation time

This dish requires little time to achieve delicious results and ensure a practical and pleasant culinary experience.

• Preparation: 10 minutes
• Cooking: 20 minutes
• Total: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4 people
• Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

For the corn

• 4 tender corn cobs cut in half
• Salted water (amount needed for cooking)

For the sauce and toppings

• 1/3 cup La Morena or Philadelphia mayonnaise (according to preference)
• 1–2 tablespoons La Costeña chipotle in adobo
• 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1/2 cup grated Los Altos cotija cheese
• Chili powder to taste (like Tajín)
• Chopped cilantro (optional for garnish)
• Lime wedges for serving

If you don't have cotija cheese, you can substitute it with crumbled fresh cheese or even Parmesan to maintain that characteristic salty and creamy texture.

Utensils we will use

• Pot for cooking
• Grill or skillet with capacity for grilling
• Bowl for mixing mayonnaise with chipotle
• Knife and cutting board
• Brush or spoon for spreading mayonnaise
• Cheese grater

Preparation

1. Pre-cooking the corn

• Wash and prepare the corn: Wash the corn cobs under running water to remove any dirt. Cut each corn cob in half to facilitate handling.
• Boil the salted water: In a pot, fill with enough water to cover the corn cobs and add a generous amount of salt. The salt helps enhance the flavor of the corn and soften the kernels during cooking.
• Cook the corn cobs: Place the corn cobs in the water and let them cook for 10 minutes, or until tender when pierced with a fork. This step ensures the corn is soft before grilling.

2. Preparing and heating the grill

• Light the grill: Heat the grill to medium-high temperature. It should be hot enough to properly mark the corn cobs without burning them.
• Prepare surface: If using a grill pan, lightly grease it to prevent the corn from sticking.

3. Grilling the corn

• Place the corn cobs on the grill: Once cooked, remove the corn cobs from the water and carefully dry them with a cloth or paper towel.
• Toast and mark: Grill the corn cobs on all sides for approximately 5 to 7 minutes, turning them to achieve an even golden color and those characteristic grill marks. Look for an intense golden tone without burning the corn to maintain its juiciness.

4. Preparing the chipotle mayonnaise

• Mix ingredients: In a bowl, mix the mayonnaise with chipotle chili in adobo and lemon juice. Adjust the amount of chipotle according to your preferred spice level, starting with one tablespoon to moderate the flavor.
• Practical tip: Use mayonnaise at room temperature so it spreads easily and doesn't form lumps upon contact with the hot corn cob.

5. Applying the sauce and toppings

• Spread the chipotle mayonnaise: With the help of a brush or spoon, generously spread the mixture over each grilled corn cob, ensuring even coverage.
• Add cotija cheese: Immediately sprinkle the grated cheese. The dry texture of cotija creates a delicious contrast with the creaminess of the mayonnaise.
• Finish with chili powder and cilantro: Add chili powder to taste to enhance the spicy flavor and, if desired, garnish with chopped cilantro for a touch of herbal freshness.

6. To finish and serve

Before serving, offer lime wedges for each person to add the acidic touch they prefer. This final combination enhances the flavor and creates a balance between creamy, spicy, and acidic that makes this snack irresistible. Serve the corn hot to fully enjoy its texture and smoky aroma. They are a perfect accompaniment for barbecues or as a snack during any outdoor event.

Nutritional Benefits of Grilled Corn with Chipotle Mayonnaise and Cotija Cheese

This dish combines ingredients that provide various fundamental nutrients for a balanced diet.

• Calories: 250 kcal per serving
• Proteins: 8 g
• Fats: 18 g (healthy fats mainly from mayonnaise and cheese)
• Carbohydrates: 20 g (mainly from corn)
• Fiber: Present in corn, important for good digestion

Additionally, corn is a source of vitamin A and folic acid, essential for visual health and cell formation. Recommended products, such as mayonnaise from reliable brands and Los Altos cotija cheese, guarantee quality and authentic flavor.

5 tricks to make your Grilled Corn with Chipotle Mayonnaise and Cotija Cheese perfect

1. Choose fresh and tender corn: The best corn for this recipe is freshly harvested. Look in local farmers' markets, as its flavor and texture will make a difference in the final result.
2. Control the cooking: Do not overcook the corn in water; ten minutes is ideal to leave them tender without losing their natural flavor and allowing the kernels to maintain their integrity.
3. Distribute the mayonnaise well: Apply the sauce with a brush or spoon to achieve an even coating that ensures every bite has the perfect balance of flavor.
4. Use a hot grill: This achieves a quick toast and defined marks without the corn losing texture or juiciness.
5. Complement with lemon and cilantro: The acidity of the lemon and the freshness of the cilantro enhance the dish, making it fresher and more balanced.

If you enjoy this recipe, you can also try other delights like the zucchini and corn cream to continue exploring the flavors of Mexican food.

When is it ideal to enjoy Grilled Corn with Chipotle Mayonnaise and Cotija Cheese?

This dish is a versatile classic for different occasions. It is ideal for family gatherings and outdoor barbecues because the smoky aroma of the corn attracts both adults and children. Furthermore, its spicy and creamy flavor makes it refreshing and pleasant during the summer. It is also very appropriate for Mexican cultural celebrations where "antojitos" (snacks/street food) play a leading role, such as Day of the Dead. Finally, it works wonderfully as a snack for sporting events or as an accompaniment for meats at a barbecue, offering a special flavor that complements any menu.

Comparison of recipes similar to Grilled Corn with Chipotle Mayonnaise and Cotija Cheese

Sharing the experience with Grilled Corn with Chipotle Mayonnaise and Cotija Cheese

The kitchen is a space to experiment and share. We invite you to tell us how this recipe turned out for you of grilled corn with chipotle mayonnaise and cotija cheese. Did you try adjusting the spice? Did you incorporate any extra ingredients like fresh cilantro or a touch of chili powder? Also, if you are interested in exploring more Mexican dishes with corn, you can discover the quinoa salad with edamame or the fluffy cornbread with cheese. Leave your comment and share your own tricks to enrich this essential snack in your kitchen.

Culinary Glossary for Grilled Corn with Chipotle Mayonnaise and Cotija Cheese

• Elote: Fresh corn on the cob, base of this recipe.
• 11. Chipotle: Ripe and dried jalapeño chili that is smoked and preserved in adobo, providing spicy and smoky flavor.
• Cotija Cheese: Dry and salty Mexican cheese that crumbles easily, ideal for sprinkling.
• Tajín: Mexican spice blend based on chili powder, salt, and dehydrated lime.
• Marinade: Thick sauce made from chilies, vinegar, and spices used to preserve and season.