Grilled Corn on the Cob with Chili Lime Butter Brings 4 Flavor

Summer just feels right with the smell of something delicious cooking on the grill, doesn’t it? And for me, nothing says warm weather quite like biting into a sweet, juicy ear of corn. It’s simple, it’s classic, and it always brings a smile to my face. Growing up, grilled corn on the cob was a backyard staple at our family cookouts. We’d gather around, shuck the corn, and wait impatiently while it sizzled over the flames.

Now, I’ve added my own little twist that just takes it to the next level: a bright, zesty chili lime butter. It’s got a little kick from the chili, a tang from the lime, and it melts right into those tender kernels. It’s honestly so easy to make, but the flavor is anything but simple. This grilled corn on the cob with chili lime butter is the perfect side dish for just about anything you’re grilling this season.

Here at 911Recipes, we believe in making delicious food without all the fuss, and this recipe is exactly that. It’s a little taste of sunshine and good times, just like the ones we share in our own kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Grilled Corn on the Cob with Chili Lime Butter

Okay, so why should THIS grilled corn recipe be on your must-make list this summer? Let me tell you!

• It’s super quick to get ready.
• The flavor is amazing – a little spicy, a little tangy, totally delicious.
• It’s the ultimate side dish for any BBQ or cookout.
• Making that chili lime butter is a breeze.
• It always disappears fast at our table!

Ingredients for Grilled Corn on the Cob with Chili Lime Butter

Alright, let’s talk about what you’ll need to make this fantastic grilled corn. The beauty of this recipe is how simple the ingredients are, but they pack such a punch together!

• 4 ears of corn on the cob, with the husks taken off
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, make sure it’s nice and soft
• 1 lime, you’ll need both the zest and the juice
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (only if you like a little extra heat!)
• Salt and black pepper, add these to taste

Gathering these bits and bobs is the first step to grilled perfection!

Equipment You’ll Need

You don’t need a fancy kitchen full of gadgets for this one! Here’s what I grab when I’m making this grilled corn:

• A grill (gas or charcoal works great!)
• A small bowl for mixing the butter
• A brush for spreading that yummy chili lime butter
• Tongs to turn the corn on the grill

That’s really it! Simple tools for a simply delicious side.

How to Make Grilled Corn on the Cob with Chili Lime Butter

Okay, let’s get to the fun part – making this delicious grilled corn! It’s really straightforward, I promise. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have amazing corn in no time.

Preparing the Chili Lime Butter

First things first, we need to get that flavorful butter ready. Grab a small bowl.

Add your softened butter to the bowl. Make sure it’s nice and soft so everything mixes easily.

Now, add the zest from your lime. Try to get just the green part, not the white pith which can be bitter.

Squeeze in the lime juice too. This adds that lovely tang.

Next, sprinkle in the chili powder and smoked paprika. If you like things spicy, add that cayenne pepper now too.

Season with a little salt and black pepper. I usually start with a pinch and add more later if needed.

Mix everything together using a fork or a small whisk until it’s all combined and looks like a beautiful, flavorful spread.

Grilling the Corn on the Cob

Time to fire up the grill! Preheat it to medium heat. You want it hot enough to cook the corn and get some nice char marks, but not so hot it burns.

Take your husked corn on the cob. Now, grab that chili lime butter you just made.

Using a brush, generously coat each ear of corn with the butter mixture. Don’t be shy! Get it all over.

Carefully place the buttered corn directly on the preheated grill grates.

Let the corn grill for about 15 to 20 minutes. The key here is to turn them every few minutes. This helps them cook evenly and get those great grill marks all around.

You’ll know they’re ready when the kernels look tender and you see some slightly charred spots. That char adds so much flavor!

Once they look perfect, take them off the grill.

Serve them right away! I always put out the extra chili lime butter so people can add even more if they want. Enjoy every buttery, zesty bite!

Tips for Perfect Grilled Corn on the Cob

Want to make sure your grilled corn turns out absolutely amazing every single time? Here are a few little tricks I use:

Try soaking the corn before you grill it. Just put the husked ears in cold water for about 15 to 30 minutes. This helps them stay juicy on the inside.

If you like a steamed texture, you can grill the corn with the husks still on. Just pull back the husks a bit, remove the silks, then pull the husks back up. Soak them like this, then grill. You can peel them after and finish on the grill for a little char.

Make sure you turn the corn often while it’s on the grill. This helps it cook evenly and get those lovely char marks all around.

Don’t overcrowd the grill! Give each ear some space so they cook properly.

And always, always have extra chili lime butter ready for serving!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

Sometimes you might need to swap things out or just want to play around with flavors. That’s totally fine!

If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika works, but you’ll miss that smoky depth. You could also try a pinch of chipotle powder for a different kind of smoky heat.

Not a fan of cayenne? Just leave it out! The chili powder and smoked paprika still give you great flavor.

Feel free to add other herbs to the butter too! A little chopped cilantro or parsley would be lovely with the lime.

And if you only have salted butter, just skip the added salt when you’re mixing the butter.

Serving Suggestions for Grilled Corn with Chili Lime Butter

This grilled corn is such a versatile side dish! It goes with just about anything you’d cook outside.

I love serving it alongside grilled chicken or juicy burgers.

It’s also fantastic with grilled fish or shrimp.

Don’t forget classic BBQ fare like ribs or pulled pork!

Honestly, it’s so good you might just want to eat it on its own!

Storage and Reheating

Got leftover grilled corn? Lucky you! Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil. You can also pop it in an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days.

To reheat, my favorite way is to warm it gently on the grill or in a hot oven (around 350°F or 175°C) until it’s heated through. You can also microwave it, but it might not have the same texture.

Frequently Asked Questions About Grilled Corn on the Cob

Got questions about making this grilled corn on the cob? Here are some common ones I hear:

Can I grill corn without the husk?

Absolutely! That’s how this recipe is written. It lets you get those lovely char marks and really soak up the chili lime butter.

How long does grilled corn last?

Cooked grilled corn on the cob will keep in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days if you store it properly.

Can I make the chili lime butter ahead of time?

Yes, you totally can! Make the butter mixture, then just cover it and keep it in the fridge. Let it soften a bit at room temperature before you brush it on the corn for grilling.

Do I need to use unsalted butter?

I prefer unsalted so I can control the saltiness myself, but if you only have salted, that’s fine. Just taste the butter mixture before adding extra salt.

Estimated Nutritional Information

Please note that providing precise nutritional information can be tricky! The exact values for calories, fat, and so on can change quite a bit depending on the specific brands of ingredients you use and how much butter ends up on each ear of corn. Because of this, we haven’t calculated the detailed nutrition facts for this grilled corn on the cob recipe.

Share Your Experience

I really hope you give this Grilled Corn on the Cob with Chili Lime Butter a try! It’s such a simple thing, but it brings so much flavor to any meal. If you make it, I’d absolutely love to hear how it turned out for you!

Did you love the chili lime kick? Did you add any extra spices or herbs?

Leave a comment below and let me know! You can also rate the recipe – it helps others know what to expect. Happy grilling!

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