Oh my goodness, let me tell you about grilled corn on the cob with chili lime butter! This dish is a total game-changer for summer barbecues. I can still remember the first time I tried it; the sweet, juicy corn paired with that zesty, buttery kick just blew me away! The smoky char from the grill, combined with the bright acidity of lime and the warm spice of chili powder, creates a flavor explosion that you won’t be able to resist. It’s like a little bite of summer on a stick! Trust me, once you make this, you’ll be dreaming about it all year long!
Ingredients List
- 4 ears of corn, husked – Make sure to remove all the silk for the best grilling experience.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened – This is key for that creamy, luscious flavor.
- 2 tablespoons lime juice – Freshly squeezed works wonders, adding that perfect tang.
- 1 teaspoon chili powder – Adjust this based on your spice preference; more for a kick!
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – Just enough to enhance all those delicious flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper – A touch for some mild heat.
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional) – A sprinkle adds a pop of color and freshness!
How to Prepare Grilled Corn on the Cob with Chili Lime Butter
Alright, let’s get grilling! Preparing this delicious grilled corn on the cob with chili lime butter is super simple, and I promise you’ll love every step. First things first, husk the corn and remove all the silk. This is crucial for that perfect char. Next, preheat your grill to medium-high heat; a good hot grill is key for nice grill marks and juicy corn. While that’s heating up, grab a bowl and mix together the softened butter, lime juice, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. This is where the magic happens! Brush the corn generously with your chili lime butter mixture, making sure every nook and cranny is covered with that flavorful goodness.
Now, it’s time to place the corn on the grill. Cook for about 10 to 15 minutes, turning the corn every few minutes to get that beautiful char all around. You’ll want it to look a little bit golden and slightly blistered. Once it’s done, take the corn off the grill and brush on some more of that lovely chili lime butter. If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle some fresh cilantro on top before serving. And there you have it – a stunning side dish that’s bursting with flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Husk the corn and remove all silk.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- In a bowl, mix the softened butter, lime juice, chili powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Brush the corn with the chili lime butter mixture.
- Place the corn on the grill and cook for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until charred.
- Remove from grill and brush with more chili lime butter.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired and serve immediately.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredible flavor: The combination of sweet corn, zesty lime, and warm chili is simply irresistible!
- Quick and easy: With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, you’ll have a delicious side dish ready in no time.
- Perfect for gatherings: This grilled corn on the cob is a crowd-pleaser, making it ideal for barbecues, picnics, and family get-togethers.
- Customizable heat: You can easily adjust the chili powder to suit your taste, whether you like it mild or fiery!
- Fresh and vibrant: The addition of cilantro not only looks beautiful but also adds a fresh burst of flavor.
Tips for Success
To really elevate your grilled corn on the cob with chili lime butter, here are some handy tips! First, soaking the corn in water for about 30 minutes before grilling can enhance moisture and prevent it from drying out on the grill. Don’t skip the resting time after grilling; letting the corn sit for a few minutes helps the flavors meld beautifully. If you want to kick it up a notch, try adding a sprinkle of crumbled feta or cotija cheese on top for a creamy finish! And remember, fresh lime juice is always best—trust me, it makes a big difference!
Nutritional Information
So, here’s the scoop on the nutritional side of this delightful grilled corn on the cob with chili lime butter! Each serving (that’s one ear of corn) has approximately 200 calories, with 18g of fat, 3g of protein, and 16g of carbohydrates. Remember, these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use!
FAQ Section
Can I make this grilled corn on the cob with chili lime butter ahead of time?
While it’s best served fresh off the grill, you can prepare the chili lime butter in advance and store it in the fridge. Just brush it on the corn right before grilling!
What if I don’t have a grill?
No worries! You can easily make this corn on a grill pan or even in the oven under the broiler. Just keep an eye on it to prevent burning!
Can I use frozen corn instead?
While fresh corn is ideal for that sweet crunch, you can use frozen corn. Just thaw it first and grill it briefly to get a nice char.
How do I know when the corn is done?
Look for a golden-brown color and slight charring. It usually takes about 10-15 minutes on the grill, turning occasionally.
What other seasonings can I use?
If you want to mix it up, try adding garlic powder, smoked paprika, or even a dash of cayenne for extra heat. The possibilities are endless!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you happen to have leftovers of this delicious grilled corn on the cob with chili lime butter (which is rare, but hey, it happens!), you’ll want to store them properly to enjoy later. Just wrap the corn tightly in aluminum foil or place it in an airtight container and pop it in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for about 3 days.
When you’re ready to dig back in, you can reheat it on the grill for a few minutes to get that char back, or you can microwave it for about 30 seconds to a minute. Just be careful not to overheat; you want it warm, not rubbery! Enjoy your tasty corn, again and again!
Print
Grilled Corn on the Cob with Chili Lime Butter Blissfully Yours
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Grilled corn on the cob with chili lime butter is a flavorful side dish perfect for summer barbecues.
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 black pepper
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Husk the corn and remove all silk.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- In a bowl, mix the softened butter, lime juice, chili powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Brush the corn with the chili lime butter mixture.
- Place the corn on the grill and cook for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until charred.
- Remove from grill and brush with more chili lime butter.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired and serve immediately.
Notes
- Soaking the corn in water for 30 minutes before grilling can enhance moisture.
- Adjust chili powder to taste for more or less heat.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ear of corn
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: grilled corn, corn on the cob, chili lime butter