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Flavorful Grilled Corn on the Cob with Chili Lime Butter

grilled corn on the cob with chili lime butter - featured image

A quick and easy grilled corn on the cob recipe featuring a zesty chili lime butter that adds smoky, spicy, and bright flavors to sweet corn. Perfect for summer cookouts and weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 ears fresh corn on the cob, husked
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • Zest and juice of 1 large lime
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, plus more for sprinkling
  • A pinch of freshly ground black pepper (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped cilantro (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chili lime butter: In a mixing bowl, combine softened butter with lime zest and juice, chili powder, garlic powder, and sea salt. Mix until smooth. Stir in cilantro if using. Set aside.
  2. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (around 375°F). Oil the grates lightly to prevent sticking.
  3. Husk the corn, removing all silk threads. Rinse under cold water and pat dry. Leave a small bit of husk on the bottom as a handle if desired.
  4. Place the corn directly on the grill grates. Turn every 2-3 minutes for 10-12 minutes until kernels blister and develop golden and blackened spots.
  5. Brush the corn generously with chili lime butter when almost done grilling. Turn and brush the other side. Close the grill lid for a minute to let the butter melt and soak in.
  6. Remove corn from the grill and brush with any remaining butter. Sprinkle with extra sea salt or chili powder if desired. Serve immediately while warm.

Notes

For a dairy-free option, substitute butter with vegan margarine or coconut oil. If fresh lime is unavailable, bottled lime juice can be used but will be less vibrant. Smoked paprika can replace chili powder for a smoky flavor. Avoid overcooking corn to prevent dryness. Butter should be softened but not melted before mixing. Keep grill temperature medium-high for best results.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled corn, chili lime butter, summer recipe, easy side dish, barbecue, corn on the cob, spicy butter, lime zest