Elote Style Microwave Corn Cotija (Printable)

Sweet corn coated in creamy sauce, lime, chili, and Cotija cheese, prepared in minutes using a microwave.

# What You'll Need:

→ Corn

01 - 4 ears fresh corn, husked

→ Sauce

02 - 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
03 - 3 tablespoons sour cream
04 - 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice

→ Cheese and Seasoning

05 - 1/2 cup Cotija cheese, crumbled
06 - 1 teaspoon chili powder
07 - 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
08 - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
09 - Lime wedges for serving

# How-To Steps:

01 - Wrap each ear of corn in a damp paper towel and microwave all together on high for 5 to 6 minutes, turning halfway through, until tender. Let cool slightly.
02 - In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, sour cream, and lime juice until smooth.
03 - Carefully unwrap the corn and, while still warm, brush each cob generously with the sauce mixture.
04 - Sprinkle crumbled Cotija cheese over the coated corn, pressing gently so it adheres.
05 - Dust with chili powder and smoked paprika.
06 - Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve with lime wedges for squeezing.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • Ready in under 20 minutes from husk to plate, no outdoor grill required.
  • That creamy-tangy sauce and melty cheese somehow make corn taste like a celebration.
  • It's actually a crowd-pleaser that adults and kids genuinely fight over.
02 -
  • Don't skip the damp paper towel in the microwave because dry corn tastes like disappointment and no amount of cheese fixes that.
  • If the sauce breaks or looks separated, that's fine and actually happens sometimes but still tastes incredible on the corn.
03 -
  • Mix your sauce ahead of time and refrigerate it so you're only focused on timing the corn perfectly when guests arrive.
  • Fresh lime juice really does matter here because it's one of the only bright flavors competing with the salt and fat, so don't skip it for anything bottled.
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