Grilled Corn with Hot Paprika Oil and Manchego Cheese (Maíz Rustido)

Charred sweet corn gets dressed up with a smoky paprika oil, sharp aged Manchego cheese, and bright citrus in this Spanish-inspired side dish. The combination of grilled corn, spicy pimentón, and salty Manchego creates an elevated take on Mexican street corn.

4 servings
30 min

Ingredients

  • 1 whole lime
  • 3 ears corn
  • 1 teaspoon hot pimentón (smoked paprika)
  • 4 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 ounce aged Manchego cheese
  • 1 pinch Maldon sea salt

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1.

    Heat a grill to high. (As an alternative, you could use a rack set over a gas burner.)

    10 min

  2. 2.

    Trim the top and bottom off the lime. Remove and reserve the zest. Slice between the membranes to release the lime segments. Reserve in a large bowl. Grill the corn, turning to char evenly, until dark brown all over and tender, about 5 minutes. When cool enough to handle, cut the kernels off the cobs. Transfer to the bowl containing the lime segments and toss until well mixed. Divide among serving dishes.

    15 min

  3. 3.

    Mix the pimentón and oil in a small bowl and drizzle all over the corn. Shave the cheese directly over the corn mixture with a microplane, then sprinkle the lime zest on top. Sprinkle with Maldon salt and serve immediately.

    5 min