Grilled Corn with Lime and Chili Butter - A Summer Side Dish
This easy-to-make side dish combines the smoky flavor from the grill with the vibrant freshness of lime and a kick of chili. Ideal for summer barbecues, family get-togethers, or even a quick dinner during the week, it’s a great way to add a burst of flavor to simple corn.
The sweetness of the corn complements the tangy lime and mildly spicy chili butter, creating an irresistible combination.
Whether you're a fan of classic grilled corn or looking to add some excitement to your next meal, Grilled Corn with Lime and Chili Butter is an excellent choice.
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It Can become your Ideal Side Dish
There are several reasons why this side dish is a must-try dish. First, it’s incredibly easy to prepare, yet it delivers a big punch of flavor.
Grilling the corn brings out its natural sweetness and gives it a slightly smoky, charred flavor that enhances the taste of the chili-lime butter.
The combination of buttery richness, zesty lime, and a kick of chili creates a dynamic contrast that turns an ordinary side dish into something truly special.
Additionally, corn is a versatile vegetable that can be paired with a variety of main dishes. Whether you’re grilling burgers, chicken, steak, or even serving it alongside a vegetarian meal, this option is a crowd-pleaser that adds both texture and flavor to the plate.
Plus, this dish can be easily customized based on your spice tolerance or dietary preferences.
Ingredients
To make it, you’ll need just a few basic ingredients. These items are simple, but when combined, they create a flavorful and satisfying dish. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Grilled Corn:
- 4 ears of fresh corn, husked
- Olive oil or melted butter (for brushing the corn)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Lime and Chili Butter:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- Zest of 1 lime
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra smokiness)
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Optional Toppings:
- Cotija cheese or Parmesan cheese, crumbled
- Extra lime wedges for serving
- Chopped green onions or jalapeños, for garnish
Step by Step
Making is straightforward and doesn’t require much prep time. Follow these simple steps to create this flavorful summer side dish.
Step 1: Prepare the Corn
Start by husking the corn, removing all the outer leaves and silky threads. Rinse the corn to ensure it’s clean, then pat it dry with a paper towel. Brush each ear of corn with a light layer of olive oil or melted butter. This will help prevent the corn from sticking to the grill and give it a golden, caramelized exterior.
Sprinkle the corn lightly with salt and pepper to season it before grilling. The seasoning will help enhance the natural sweetness of the corn and provide a nice contrast to the chili-lime butter.
Step 2: Grill the Corn
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the prepared corn directly on the grill grates and cook, turning occasionally, for about 10-15 minutes.
You’ll want to rotate the corn every few minutes to ensure even cooking and to achieve a nice char on all sides. The corn is ready when it’s tender and has developed a slight char with golden brown spots.
Grilling the corn brings out its natural sugars, making it slightly caramelized and adding a subtle smokiness that pairs perfectly with the chili and lime butter.
Step 3: Make the Lime and Chili Butter
While the corn is grilling, prepare the lime and chili butter. In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, lime zest, lime juice, chili powder, smoked paprika (if using), and cayenne pepper (if you want a spicier kick). Mix everything until smooth and well combined.
The butter should be creamy and infused with the flavors of lime and chili.
Taste the butter and adjust the seasoning as needed. If you prefer a stronger lime flavor, you can add more zest or juice. For those who enjoy a spicier butter, feel free to increase the cayenne or chili powder.
Step 4: Coat the Grilled Corn
Once the corn is done grilling, remove it from the grill and place it on a serving platter. While the corn is still hot, generously brush each ear with the lime and chili butter, making sure to coat all sides.
The heat from the corn will melt the butter, allowing it to seep into the kernels and distribute the flavors evenly.
For an extra burst of freshness, sprinkle chopped cilantro over the corn. You can also add a squeeze of fresh lime juice for even more zing.
Step 5: Add Optional Toppings and Serve
If you’d like to take your Grilled Corn with Lime and Chili Butter to the next level, consider adding some optional toppings. Crumbled Cotija cheese or Parmesan adds a salty, savory element that complements the buttery, spicy corn. Chopped green onions or jalapeños can provide extra crunch and heat, while more lime wedges allow guests to customize their citrus flavor.
Serve the corn hot off the grill alongside your favorite summer dishes, or enjoy it as a snack on its own.
Tips for Making the Best Grilled Corn
- Choose fresh corn: For the best flavor and texture, use fresh corn on the cob. Look for corn that has bright green husks and plump kernels. Fresh corn is naturally sweet and juicy, making it ideal for grilling.
- Soak the corn if necessary: If you’re grilling the corn with the husks on, soak the corn in water for about 10 minutes before grilling. This prevents the husks from burning and helps steam the corn while it grills.
- Adjust the heat: If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper in the chili butter. Conversely, if you love spicy food, you can increase the amount of cayenne or add a splash of hot sauce to the butter.
- Make it ahead: You can prepare the lime and chili butter ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it. Just make sure to let the butter soften before brushing it onto the hot corn.
Other Versions
While the classic recipe for this dish is always a hit, there are several variations you can try to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs:
Vegan Grilled Corn
To make a vegan version of this dish, simply swap the regular butter for vegan butter or olive oil. The result will be just as delicious, with the same zesty lime and spicy chili flavors.
You can also skip the cheese topping and instead sprinkle the corn with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy.
Spicy Elote-Inspired Corn
For a variation inspired by Mexican elote, top the grilled corn with lime and chili butter, then add crumbled Cotija cheese, a sprinkle of tajín (a chili-lime seasoning), and a drizzle of Mexican crema.
This version brings even more bold flavors to the table and adds a creamy, tangy element to the dish.
Grilled Corn with Garlic-Lime Butter
If you’re a fan of garlic, consider adding minced garlic to the butter mixture. Combine softened butter with lime juice, garlic, and parsley for a tangy, garlicky alternative that pairs perfectly with grilled corn.
Serving Suggestions
Can be served in a variety of ways, making it a versatile dish for any occasion. Here are a few serving suggestions:
- As a side dish: Serve the corn alongside grilled meats like steak, chicken, or fish for a complete and satisfying meal.
- At a barbecue: This corn makes an excellent addition to any barbecue spread. Pair it with burgers, hot dogs, and fresh salads for a balanced and flavorful feast.
- In a salad: For a fresh twist, cut the kernels off the cob and toss them into a summer salad with ingredients like avocado, tomatoes, and black beans.
Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or looking for a delicious side dish, this is a must-try recipe.
The smoky, charred corn combined with the zesty lime and spicy chili butter creates a flavor-packed dish that will quickly become a favorite.
It’s easy to prepare, customizable, and perfect for serving at any gathering. Give it a try at your next cookout, and you’ll discover why this dish is such a hit.
This Similar Recipe Can help you in the Cooking Process
Source: Allrecipes
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