If you love the irresistible combination of smoky, spicy, and tangy flavors, then this Grilled Corn with Spicy Chili Lime Butter Recipe is about to become your new favorite summer treat. Picture golden ears of corn, kissed by the grill’s char, slathered generously in a luscious butter blend that perfectly balances heat from chili powder, zest from fresh lime, and a touch of salt to make every bite pop. This recipe brings simple ingredients together to create a lively and unforgettable flavor experience that will make your backyard cookouts truly shine.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is key to nailing this dish. Each staple adds something unique, from the sweet crunch of fresh corn to the creamy richness of butter, with chili powder and lime juice bringing bold accents that make the flavor dance.
- 4-6 ears Corn on the cob: Fresh and husked with all silk removed, ensuring a clean, crisp bite.
- 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter: Softened to room temperature to make mixing easy and allow deep flavor infusion.
- 1-2 teaspoons Chili Powder: Adjust this for your preferred heat level, adding a smoky kick.
- 1-2 tablespoons Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed for the brightest zing and balance to the spice.
- 1 pinch Salt: A small but important addition that enhances every other flavor.
- 2 tablespoons Cilantro (optional): Chopped fresh for a fragrant, herbal garnish that adds color and freshness.
How to Make Grilled Corn with Spicy Chili Lime Butter Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Corn
Start by peeling off the husks and removing all the silky threads from each ear of corn. Rinse them under cold water to wash away any remaining bits, then dry thoroughly with a towel. This ensures the corn will grill evenly and the butter sticks beautifully.
Step 2: Heat the Grill
Turn your grill on to medium-high heat, aiming for a temperature between 400°F and 450°F. This heat level is perfect to char the corn just enough to develop that signature smoky flavor without burning.
Step 3: Make the Spicy Chili Lime Butter
In a bowl, combine the softened butter, chili powder, fresh lime juice, and a pinch of salt. Mix them well until the butter is smooth and uniformly tinted with the spices, creating a vibrant and zesty mixture that will coat the corn.
Step 4: Coat the Corn
Brush each ear generously with the spicy chili lime butter, making sure to cover every nook and cranny. This layer locks in flavor so each bite bursts with that perfect balance of spice and tang.
Step 5: Grill to Perfection
Place the coated corn on the grill and cook for 10 to 15 minutes, turning every few minutes to achieve even charring on all sides. The goal is tender kernels with that beautiful grill-marked finish.
Step 6: Add More Flavor
During the last few minutes on the grill, brush the corn with an additional layer of the spicy butter. This final touch intensifies the richness and ensures every kernel sizzles with flavor.
Step 7: Rest the Corn
Remove the corn from the grill and let it rest for a couple of minutes. Letting it sit allows the flavors to settle and the butter to soak in, creating a more harmonious taste experience.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
If you’re feeling extra fancy, sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro over the corn for a burst of color and fresh herb aroma. Serve it warm to enjoy the butter at its meltiest and most delicious.
How to Serve Grilled Corn with Spicy Chili Lime Butter Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh cilantro adds a lovely green contrast, but you can also try crumbled cotija cheese, a sprinkle of smoked paprika, or a squeeze more lime juice on top. These extras elevate the presentation and build layers of flavor.
Side Dishes
This grilled corn pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, fresh summer salads, or even creamy avocado dishes. Its zesty, spicy notes are the perfect complement to a vibrant taco night or barbecue spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the corn on a rustic wooden platter lined with banana leaves for an exotic touch, or set the ears on vertical racks to save table space and impress guests. You could even cut kernels off the cob and toss them into salads or salsas to extend the flavors in unexpected ways.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover grilled corn tightly in foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to two days. The butter-infused flavor holds up well, making it easy to enjoy second helpings.
Freezing
If you want to freeze grilled corn, remove the kernels from the cob first. Place them in an airtight container or freezer bag, and freeze for up to three months. This way, you can enjoy the taste even when fresh corn is out of season.
Reheating
To bring leftovers back to life, reheat the corn gently on a grill or skillet. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the corn chewy. Add a fresh brush of the spicy chili lime butter after warming for a revival of vibrant flavor.
FAQs
Can I use frozen corn for this recipe?
Fresh corn gives the best texture and sweetness for grilling, but if frozen corn is all you have, thaw it completely and pat dry. You can brush with the butter mixture and cook on the grill or stovetop, though the taste won’t be quite as vibrant.
How spicy is this Grilled Corn with Spicy Chili Lime Butter Recipe?
The spice level is fully flexible—start with 1 teaspoon of chili powder if you prefer mild heat or add 2 teaspoons or more for a bolder kick. The lime juice balances the heat beautifully, keeping each bite refreshing.
What can I substitute for cilantro if I don’t like it?
If cilantro isn’t your thing, fresh parsley or basil are lovely substitutes that provide an herbaceous note without overpowering the other flavors. Or simply skip the garnish and enjoy the buttery heat on its own.
Can I make the chili lime butter in advance?
Yes! Prepare the spicy butter a day ahead and keep it refrigerated in an airtight container. Just bring it to room temperature before spreading it on the corn for grilling, allowing the flavors to meld even more.
Is this recipe suitable for a vegetarian diet?
Absolutely! This recipe features only plant-based ingredients (unless you add non-vegetarian garnishes), making it perfect for vegetarians and a delicious side dish for almost any meal.
Final Thoughts
I cannot recommend this Grilled Corn with Spicy Chili Lime Butter Recipe enough. It’s vibrant, festive, and incredibly easy to make with simple ingredients that come together to wow your family and friends. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or craving a flavorful twist on classic corn, this recipe brings joy with every bite. Give it a try—you may just find yourself grilling corn all season long!
Print
Grilled Corn with Spicy Chili Lime Butter Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
Savor the bold flavors of grilled corn on the cob slathered with a zesty and spicy chili lime butter. This easy-to-make summer favorite brings a smoky char from the grill combined with a tangy kick, perfect as a side dish for any barbecue or casual meal.
Ingredients
Corn
- 4–6 ears Corn on the cob (Fresh, husked and silk removed)
Spicy Chilli Lime Butter
- 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter (Softened to room temperature)
- 1–2 teaspoons Chili Powder (Adjust according to spice preference)
- 1–2 tablespoons Lime Juice (Freshly squeezed from limes)
- 1 pinch Salt (To enhance flavors)
- 2 tablespoons Cilantro (optional) (Chopped fresh for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the corn: Remove the husks and silk from the corn ears, rinse them under cold water, and pat dry thoroughly to ensure even grilling.
- Preheat the grill: Set your grill to medium-high heat, approximately 400°F to 450°F, allowing it to reach the ideal temperature for grilling corn evenly.
- Make the spicy butter: In a bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter with chili powder, freshly squeezed lime juice, and a pinch of salt, mixing until smooth and well blended.
- Brush the corn: Generously coat each ear of corn with the spicy chili lime butter, ensuring even coverage to infuse flavor throughout grilling.
- Grill the corn: Place the corn ears on the preheated grill, turning them occasionally for about 10-15 minutes until they develop a nice char and become tender.
- Apply extra butter: During the last few minutes of grilling, brush on additional chili lime butter to deepen the flavor and keep the corn moist.
- Rest the corn: Once grilled, remove the corn from heat and let it rest for a few minutes to allow the flavors to settle and the corn to cool slightly.
- Garnish and serve: Optionally sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro over the corn for a burst of color and freshness, then serve warm for best taste.
Notes
- Adjust chili powder quantity to control the spiciness of the butter.
- Fresh lime juice is recommended for the best flavor impact.
- Softened butter helps in easier mixing and better coating of the corn.
- Use tongs to turn the corn safely while grilling.
- Optional cilantro adds a fresh herbal note but can be omitted to suit preference.
