Chili-Lime Grilled Corn

Chili-Lime Grilled Corn is a bright and zesty side dish that brings together the sweetness of grilled corn with the tangy flavor of lime and a hint of spice from chili powder. Perfect for summer barbecues, picnics, or simply as a delightful addition to your dinner table, this recipe is sure to be a hit with family and friends.

Why Make This Recipe

If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to elevate your grilled corn, this recipe is perfect. The combination of chili powder and lime juice adds a fresh kick that enhances the natural sweetness of the corn. It’s an excellent side dish for grilled meats and works beautifully for outdoor gatherings. Plus, it takes only a few minutes to prepare and grill, making it a great choice for busy summer nights.

How to Make Chili-Lime Grilled Corn

Ingredients:

4 ears of fresh corn, husked
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 teaspoon lime zest
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
Lime wedges for serving

Directions:

Preheat the Grill:

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.

Prepare the Corn:

In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, lime juice, lime zest, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well until the ingredients are combined.

Grill the Corn:

Place the husked corn directly on the preheated grill.
Grill for 10-15 minutes, turning the corn occasionally, until it is tender and has some nice char marks on the sides.

Baste with Chili-Lime Butter:

While the corn is still on the grill, brush it generously with the chili-lime butter mixture. This will help it soak up the flavors and keep the corn moist.
Allow the butter to melt and coat the corn evenly as it continues to grill.

Serve:

Once grilled to perfection, remove the corn from the grill and place it on a serving platter.
If desired, sprinkle with freshly chopped cilantro for an added burst of flavor and color. Serve with lime wedges on the side for that extra zing!

Enjoy this Chili-Lime Grilled Corn as a delicious and zesty side dish for your summer meals!

How to Serve Chili-Lime Grilled Corn

Chili-Lime Grilled Corn is best served hot off the grill. Pair it with your favorite grilled meats, such as steak, chicken, or fish. It also goes well with other summer dishes like salads, tacos, or rice bowls. Don’t forget the lime wedges on the side for guests who want an extra squeeze of lime!

How to Store Chili-Lime Grilled Corn

If you have leftovers, place the grilled corn in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Reheat it on the grill or in the microwave before serving again for the best taste.

Tips to Make Chili-Lime Grilled Corn

Choose fresh, sweet corn for the best flavor.
Avoid overcooking the corn to prevent it from becoming tough. A little char enhances the taste!
Experiment with the spice levels by adjusting the amount of chili powder to suit your palate.

Variation (If Any)

For a southwestern twist, you can add crumbled feta cheese or cotija cheese on top of the grilled corn before serving. Additionally, you can substitute lime juice with fresh lemon juice for a different citrus flavor.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen corn?
It’s best to use fresh corn for grilling, but if you only have frozen corn, thaw it first and grill it in a grill basket.

2. What if I don’t have a grill?
You can also make this corn on a grill pan or even roast it in the oven at a high temperature for similar results.

3. Can I make this ahead of time?
While it’s best served fresh, you can prep the corn and the butter mixture ahead of time. Grill just before serving for the best taste.

Enjoy your refreshing and flavorful Chili-Lime Grilled Corn at your next gathering!