Zesty Grilled Corn on the Cob with Chili Lime Infusion
Elevate your summer gatherings with our Zesty Grilled Corn on the Cob, perfectly slathered with a vibrant chili lime butter that adds a kick of flavor to each juicy bite. The melding of spicy jalapeño, zesty lime, and aromatic chili powder creates a delightful topping that takes classic corn to a whole new level. Ideal for barbecues, picnics, or casual family dinners, this dish can be prepared ahead of time, making entertaining a breeze. Whether enjoyed as a side or a main feature, this grilled corn recipe is sure to impress your guests and leave them asking for more!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Butter
6 tablespoons (softened)
Chili Powder
1/4 teaspoon
Lime Zest
1/2 teaspoon
Fresh Lime Juice
1 teaspoon
Jalapeño
1/2 teaspoon (minced (or to taste))
Salt
to taste
Corn on the Cob
6 ears (in husks)
Instructions
1
In a small mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, chili powder, lime zest, fresh lime juice, minced jalapeño, and salt. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well integrated. For enhanced flavor, shape the butter into a log or your desired form, wrap tightly in parchment paper, and refrigerate until ready to use. Allow it to soften at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.
2
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. While the grill heats up, place the corn (in their husks) directly onto the grill. Turn the corn occasionally to ensure even cooking on all sides, grilling for approximately 15 minutes.
3
Once the corn is cooked, carefully remove it from the grill and let it cool slightly. After a few minutes, peel away the husk and silk threads from the corn, exposing the kernels.
4
Return the peeled corn to the grill, placing it directly on the grates for an additional 4 minutes, turning regularly to achieve beautiful grill marks and a slightly charred exterior.
5
Serve the grilled corn hot, generously topped with your zesty chili lime butter for a delightful finish. Enjoy the explosion of flavors!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main flavor profile of this grilled corn?
The dish features a zesty flavor profile combining spicy jalapeño, citrusy lime, and aromatic chili powder infused in butter.
How many ears of corn are needed for this recipe?
This recipe requires 6 ears of corn on the cob.
Can I prepare the chili lime butter in advance?
Yes, you can shape the butter into a log, wrap it in parchment paper, and refrigerate it until you are ready to use it.
How long should I grill the corn while it is still in the husks?
Grill the corn in their husks for approximately 15 minutes, turning occasionally.
What temperature should the grill be set to?
The grill should be preheated to medium-high heat.
Do I need to peel the corn before the first stage of grilling?
No, you should place the corn directly onto the grill while still in their husks.
How long does the second stage of grilling take?
After peeling the husks, grill the corn for an additional 4 minutes to achieve grill marks and a charred exterior.
What ingredients are in the zesty butter?
The butter includes softened butter, chili powder, lime zest, fresh lime juice, minced jalapeño, and salt.
Can I adjust the spiciness of this recipe?
Yes, you can adjust the amount of minced jalapeño to your personal taste preference.
Is this grilled corn recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly.
How much butter is used in the infusion?
The recipe calls for 6 tablespoons of softened butter.
Why is the corn grilled in the husk first?
Grilling in the husk helps steam the corn kernels, keeping them juicy before the final charring step.
How much lime juice should be added to the butter?
The recipe requires 1 teaspoon of fresh lime juice.
How much lime zest is needed?
You will need 1/2 teaspoon of lime zest for the butter mixture.
What should I do if the butter has been refrigerated?
Allow the butter to soften at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving it over the hot corn.
What amount of chili powder is used?
The recipe uses 1/4 teaspoon of chili powder.
How should I prep the jalapeño?
The jalapeño should be minced before being mixed into the butter.
What is the purpose of the second grilling step?
The second step is to create beautiful grill marks and a slightly charred exterior for extra flavor.
Can this recipe be served at a picnic?
Absolutely, it is ideal for barbecues, picnics, or casual family dinners.
How much salt is added to the butter?
Salt is added to taste based on your preference.
How many people does this recipe serve?
The recipe uses 6 ears of corn, which typically serves 6 people as a side dish.
Should the corn be hot when applying the butter?
Yes, serve the grilled corn hot so the zesty chili lime butter can melt beautifully over the kernels.
Can I use bottled lime juice?
While fresh lime juice is recommended for the best flavor, bottled can be used if fresh is unavailable.
Does the recipe include instructions for removing silk threads?
Yes, the instructions state to peel away the husk and silk threads after the initial 15 minutes of grilling.
What kind of corn is best for this recipe?
Fresh corn on the cob is best for achieving the intended flavor and texture.
Is this recipe easy to scale for large groups?
Yes, you can easily double or triple the ingredients for larger gatherings or barbecues.
What should I use to wrap the butter log?
The instructions recommend using parchment paper to wrap the butter.
Can I grill the corn on a gas grill?
Yes, a gas grill or charcoal grill both work perfectly for this recipe.
Is the corn husked before the final 4 minutes of grilling?
Yes, you must remove the husks and silk before placing the corn back on the grates.
What makes this corn 'zesty'?
The combination of fresh lime zest, lime juice, and spicy jalapeño provides the 'zesty' kick described in the recipe.