Ah, summer! There’s just something magical about it, isn’t there? The sun is shining, the days are longer, and the smell of something delicious on the grill fills the air. One of my absolute favorite summer treats has to be *grilled corn on the cob with chili lime butter*. Trust me, it’s a quintessential dish that brings people together! I can’t tell you how many backyard barbecues I’ve hosted where this dish steals the show. The moment you take that first bite, the sweetness of the corn paired with that zesty chili lime butter is pure bliss. It’s like a burst of sunshine right in your mouth! Plus, it’s so simple to make, which means more time enjoying the warm weather with friends and family. Honestly, I can hardly resist going back for seconds (or thirds!). If you haven’t tried this yet, you’re in for a treat that’s just perfect for summer gatherings. Let’s get grilling!
Ingredients List
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 4 ears of corn, husked
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
How to Prepare *Grilled Corn on the Cob with Chili Lime Butter*
Prepping the Corn
First things first, let’s get that corn ready! Start by husking the corn, removing all those green outer layers. It’s super satisfying to peel them away, and you’ll want to make sure you get rid of all the silk too—those little threads can be pesky! Once that’s done, here’s a little tip I swear by: soak the corn in water for about 30 minutes before grilling. This helps keep the corn moist and juicy while it cooks. It’s like giving it a little spa treatment!
Making the Chili Lime Butter
Now, let’s whip up that delicious chili lime butter. In a bowl, combine 1/2 cup of softened unsalted butter, 2 tablespoons of fresh lime juice, 1 teaspoon of chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and a pinch of 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper for that extra kick. Use a fork to mix everything together until it’s nice and creamy. You want it to be well combined but don’t worry about making it super smooth. The little flecks of spice will add to the flavor!
Grilling the Corn
Alright, it’s time to fire up the grill! Preheat it to medium-high heat—this is key for getting that perfect char. Once it’s hot, take your soaked corn and brush it generously with your chili lime butter mixture. Don’t be shy! Then, place the corn directly on the grill. Grill the corn for about 10-15 minutes, turning it every few minutes so all sides get that lovely char and flavor. You’ll know it’s ready when the kernels start to look a bit golden and tender. Yum!
Finishing Touches
Once the corn is off the grill, go ahead and brush it with any remaining chili lime butter you have left. This is the moment to really amp up that flavor! If you want to take it over the top, serve with extra lime wedges on the side. Squeezing a bit more lime juice on top just brightens everything up! Trust me, it’s the perfect finishing touch that will have everyone coming back for more!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s super quick to whip up—perfect for those busy summer days!
- Minimal ingredients mean maximum flavor, making it easy to impress your guests.
- The combination of sweet corn and zesty chili lime butter is absolutely irresistible.
- Grilling adds a smoky depth that takes this dish to the next level.
- It’s a crowd-pleaser that pairs beautifully with any summer barbecue spread.
- You can easily adjust the spice level to suit your taste—more chili for heat, or less for a milder kick!
- It’s vegetarian-friendly, making it a great option for all your friends and family.
- Leftovers (if there are any!) are just as tasty, so you can enjoy them the next day.
Tips for Success
To make sure your *grilled corn on the cob with chili lime butter* turns out absolutely perfect every time, here are some of my go-to tips!
- Soak for Success: Remember that soaking the corn for about 30 minutes really helps keep it juicy on the grill. You can even add a bit of sugar to the water for an extra touch of sweetness.
- Adjust the Spice: If you’re not a fan of too much heat, feel free to cut back on the cayenne pepper. You can also experiment with different spices; smoked paprika adds a lovely flavor without the heat!
- Don’t Forget the Lime: Serving with extra lime wedges is a must! A little squeeze of fresh lime juice right before eating makes all the flavors pop even more.
- Grill Marks Matter: For those beautiful char marks, make sure to turn the corn every few minutes. Don’t rush it—let each side get that nice golden color!
- Try Adding Cheese: For something extra indulgent, sprinkle some cotija cheese on top after brushing with the butter. It adds a wonderful salty creaminess!
- Keep It Warm: If you’re grilling for a crowd, wrap the grilled corn in foil to keep it warm until you’re ready to serve. It’ll stay nice and toasty!
- Enjoy It Fresh: For the best flavor, try to enjoy your corn right off the grill. It’s when it’s at its sweetest and most delicious!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk numbers! For those of you keeping an eye on what you’re munching on, here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for one ear of our *grilled corn on the cob with chili lime butter*:
- Calories: 180
- Fat: 16g
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, like how much butter you slather on! But hey, with all that delicious flavor, it’s totally worth it, right?
FAQ Section
Got questions about making the best *grilled corn on the cob with chili lime butter*? I’ve got you covered! Here are some common inquiries I often hear, along with my handy answers to help you get the most out of this delicious dish.
Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh?
While fresh corn is definitely ideal for that sweet, juicy flavor, you can use frozen corn if you’re in a pinch! Just make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before grilling. It won’t have the same texture, but it’ll still be tasty!
What if I don’t have chili powder?
No worries! You can substitute with paprika for a milder flavor or even cumin for a different twist. If you want some heat, try adding a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes instead!
Can I make the chili lime butter ahead of time?
Absolutely! Just mix it up and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It should keep well for up to a week. Just remember to bring it to room temperature before using it to make spreading easier.
How can I make this dish dairy-free?
If you want to skip the butter, you can try using a dairy-free butter substitute or even olive oil for brushing. It’ll still be delicious, just a little different in flavor!
What are some variations I can try?
Oh, the possibilities are endless! You could mix in some garlic powder for a savory kick, or try adding fresh herbs like cilantro for a burst of freshness. You might even want to sprinkle some crumbled feta or cotija cheese on top for a Mediterranean flair!
Can I grill the corn in the husk?
Yes, grilling corn in the husk can help keep it moist and adds a subtle smoky flavor. Just soak the corn in water for about 30 minutes before grilling, and then place it directly on the grill for about 15-20 minutes. Be sure to peel back the husks carefully to avoid burning yourself!
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
While fresh corn is definitely best, you can prep the chili lime butter ahead of time. Just grill the corn right before you’re ready to serve for the ultimate fresh flavor! If you have leftovers, they’re still tasty the next day, but I recommend enjoying them fresh off the grill for the best experience.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you find yourself with any leftover *grilled corn on the cob with chili lime butter* (which, let’s be honest, is rare!), here’s how to store it properly so you can enjoy those delicious flavors later. First, let the corn cool down to room temperature. Once it’s cooled, wrap each ear of corn tightly in aluminum foil or place it in an airtight container. This will help keep it from drying out in the fridge.
Store the wrapped corn in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, you can reheat the corn on the grill for a few minutes until it’s warmed through, which will also help restore that lovely char. Alternatively, you can pop it in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes if you’re in a hurry—just make sure to remove the foil first! I find that reheating on the grill gives it that fresh-off-the-grill taste, but the microwave is a quick fix if you need it!
So, whether you’re savoring it fresh from the grill or reheating those leftovers, you’ll still get to enjoy that amazing chili lime butter flavor. Yum!
Print
Grilled Corn on the Cob with Chili Lime Butter Magic
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Grilled corn on the cob with chili lime butter is a delicious summer treat.
Ingredients
- 4 ears of corn, husked
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Husk the corn and remove all silk.
- In a bowl, mix butter, lime juice, chili powder, salt, and cayenne.
- Brush the corn with the chili lime butter mixture.
- Place the corn on the grill and cook for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally.
- Remove from grill and brush with remaining butter mixture before serving.
Notes
- Soak corn in water for 30 minutes for extra moisture.
- Adjust chili powder for desired spice level.
- Serve with lime wedges for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ear of corn
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: grilled corn, chili lime butter, corn on the cob
