Spicy Charred Corn with Cilantro Aioli & Queso Fresco

Spicy Charred Corn with Cilantro Aioli & Queso Fresco is a vibrant dish that promises to awaken your taste buds with its delicious depth of flavor. The combination of sweet corn, smoky grill marks, and a creamy, zesty aioli topped with crumbly queso fresco makes for an irresistible summer treat. This recipe invites you to indulge in a delightful blend of textures and tastes, all prepared in a few simple steps. Perfect for family gatherings or casual weeknight dinners, this dish is sure to become a staple at your dining table!

Ingredients

To create this mouthwatering dish, you’ll need the following simple yet flavorful ingredients:

5 medium ears of sweet corn – Fresh, juicy, and bursting with sweetness, these ears are the star of the show.
2 tablespoons butter – This rich, creamy butter enhances the corn’s natural sweetness and adds a luxurious texture.
Kosher salt, as needed – Seasoning that brings out the vibrant flavors of the corn.
1/3 cup mayonnaise – Creamy and smooth, it acts as a base for the zesty aioli.
1 clove garlic, minced – Aromatic and flavorful, garlic adds a lovely depth to the aioli.
Zest from 1 lime – Bright and fragrant, the zest infuses the dish with refreshing citrus notes.
Juice from 1 lime – Adds acidity and balances the richness of the aioli.
1/3 cup (packed) cilantro, chopped – Fresh and herbaceous, cilantro lends a vibrant color and flavor.
1/4 cup crumbled cotija cheese – Salty and crumbly, this cheese adds a delightful texture to the corn.
1/4 teaspoon chili powder – Earthy and slightly spicy, it enhances the flavor profile of the dish.
Pinch cayenne pepper – This ingredient offers an added kick of heat.
Lime wedges, for serving – Fresh lime wedges complement the dish beautifully.

Step-by-Step Directions

Preheat the Grill: Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. This ensures a nice char on the corn.
Prepare the Corn: Gently pull the husks back from the corn without removing them completely. Rub the corn all over with butter. Season generously with kosher salt for added flavor.
Grill the Corn: Place the prepared corn on the grill. Grill for about 15 to 20 minutes, turning occasionally until the kernels become tender and you see some charred spots.
Cool Slightly: Once the corn is nicely charred and cooked, remove it from the grill and set it aside to cool slightly.
Make the Aioli: In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, minced garlic, lime zest, and lime juice until smooth and combined.
Prepare the Cilantro: Using a mortar and pestle, mash the chopped cilantro into a paste. This releases its essential oils and flavor.
Combine the Aioli and Cilantro: Whisk the cilantro paste into the mayonnaise mixture. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Serve the Corn: Slather the charred corn with the cilantro aioli. Sprinkle with chili powder and cayenne pepper, and finish with crumbled cotija cheese. Serve warm with lime wedges on the side.

Tips & Tricks

Don’t Skip the Zest: Adding lime zest into the aioli enhances the lime flavor, making it even more vibrant.
Check for Freshness: Choose ears of corn that have bright green husks and plump, juicy kernels for the best taste.
Experiment with Cheese: Feel free to substitute cotija cheese with feta or queso blanco if you prefer some variety.
Adjust the Heat: If you like it spicier, increase the cayenne pepper, or add some finely chopped jalapeños to the aioli.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

Spicy Charred Corn with Cilantro Aioli & Queso Fresco pairs wonderfully with grilled meats like steak, chicken, or shrimp. It can also be served as a star side at summer barbecues, picnics, or fiestas. Complement it with refreshing beverages like a classic margarita or a fruity mocktail for a perfect summer spread. Adding a fresh salad or some grilled veggies can round out the meal nicely!

Nutritional Information

Each serving of Spicy Charred Corn with Cilantro Aioli & Queso Fresco contains approximately 250 calories, 15 grams of fat, and 5 grams of protein. The dish is a good source of vitamins and minerals from the corn and fresh herbs. Remember to enjoy this as part of a balanced diet rich in various food groups for overall wellness.

Storing Tips & Variations

To store leftover corn, place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it on the grill or in the oven to bring back its delightful flavors. For variations, try adding different spices to the aioli or using other cheeses like mozzarella. You can also switch out the cilantro for fresh parsley or mint based on your preference.

Conclusion

Now that you have the recipe for Spicy Charred Corn with Cilantro Aioli & Queso Fresco, it’s time to fire up the grill and enjoy this delightful dish! This recipe is not just delicious but also a great way to bring friends and family together around the table. Don’t forget to share your experience trying this recipe or any twists you made!

FAQs

Can I use frozen corn?
Yes, you can use frozen corn. Just ensure you cook it until it’s heated through and slightly charred.
Is this recipe vegan-friendly?
You can make a vegan version by substituting mayonnaise with a plant-based alternative and omitting the queso fresco.
How can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare the aioli in advance and grill the corn just before serving to enjoy it fresh.
What if I don’t have a grill?
If you don’t have a grill, you can char the corn in a broiler or on a stovetop griddle.
Can I add other toppings?
Absolutely! Consider adding diced avocado, pickled red onions, or even a drizzle of hot sauce for extra flavor.

Spicy Charred Corn with Cilantro Aioli & Queso Fresco

A vibrant dish featuring sweet corn grilled to perfection and topped with a creamy cilantro aioli and crumbled queso fresco, perfect for summer gatherings.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 20

Total Time 35

Course Appetizer, Side Dish

Cuisine American, Mexican

Servings 5 servings

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

5 medium ears 5 medium ears of sweet corn Fresh, juicy, and bursting with sweetness.
2 tablespoons 2 tablespoons butter Adds a luxurious texture.
to taste pinch Kosher salt Seasoning to enhance flavor.

For the Aioli

1/3 cup 1/3 cup mayonnaise Acts as a base for the aioli.
1 clove 1 clove garlic, minced Adds aromatic flavor.
zest from 1 lime Zest from 1 lime Infuses with refreshing citrus notes.
juice from 1 lime Juice from 1 lime Balances richness.
1/3 cup 1/3 cup (packed) cilantro, chopped Lends vibrant flavor.

Toppings

1/4 cup 1/4 cup crumbled cotija cheese Salty and crumbly texture.
1/4 teaspoon 1/4 teaspoon chili powder Enhances the flavor profile.
pinch Pinch cayenne pepper Adds an extra kick of heat.
Lime wedges, for serving Complements the dish.

Instructions

Preparation

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
Gently pull the husks back from the corn without removing them completely. Rub the corn with butter and season with kosher salt.

Grilling

Place the prepared corn on the grill. Grill for 15 to 20 minutes, turning occasionally until tender with charred spots.
Remove from grill and set aside to cool slightly.

Make the Aioli

In a small mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, minced garlic, lime zest, and lime juice until smooth.
Mash chopped cilantro into a paste using a mortar and pestle.
Whisk the cilantro paste into the mayonnaise mixture. Refrigerate until ready to serve.