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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 transforms this summer BBQ staple into a crowd-pleasing star with smoky, spicy, and tangy flavors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 ears fresh corn on the cob, husked and cleaned
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • Juice of 1 medium lime (about 1 tablespoon)
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • A handful fresh cilantro, finely chopped (optional)
  • Crumbled cotija cheese (optional topping)
  • Olive oil, for brushing the corn before grilling

Instructions

  1. Remove husks and silk from the corn, rinse under cool water, and pat dry with a towel.
  2. Brush each ear of corn lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking and help with grilling.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine softened butter, lime juice, chili powder, ground cumin, garlic powder, and salt. Mix well until smooth and evenly blended. Fold in chopped cilantro if using.
  4. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F / 200°C). If using charcoal, wait until coals are glowing and covered in white ash.
  5. Place the oiled corn directly on the grill grates. Turn every 2-3 minutes to get even char marks all around, grilling for about 10-12 minutes until kernels are tender and slightly charred but not burnt.
  6. Remove the corn from the grill and immediately slather each ear with the chili-lime butter so it melts into the corn.
  7. Optionally, sprinkle crumbled cotija cheese or extra chopped cilantro over the top before serving.

Notes

If you don’t have a grill, use a grill pan on the stovetop or broil the corn in the oven, turning frequently to avoid burning. For a vegan option, substitute butter with dairy-free margarine or coconut oil and skip cotija cheese. Adjust chili powder to taste or substitute with smoked paprika for milder heat. Warm the butter slightly if it hardens before spreading.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled corn, chili lime butter, summer BBQ, easy side dish, smoky corn, spicy corn, lime corn, backyard grilling