Are you ready to elevate your summer cookouts? Chili Lime Grilled Corn is bursting with flavor and easy to make. Fresh corn, buttery spices, and zesty lime come together for a fresh treat. I’ll guide you through each simple step, plus share tips for perfect grill marks and tasty variations. Get your grill hot! Let’s dive into this tasty delight that will impress your friends and family.
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
– 4 ears of fresh corn, husked
– 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 1 teaspoon chili powder
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– Juice of 2 limes (freshly squeezed)
– Salt, to taste
– Crumbled cotija cheese (optional, for garnish)
– Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
For this chili lime grilled corn, I always choose fresh corn. Fresh corn tastes sweet and juicy. Husk the corn and remove the silky threads. This step ensures your corn is clean and ready for grilling.
Next, I melt unsalted butter. This adds a rich flavor. I mix it with chili powder, garlic powder, and ground cumin. These spices give the corn a zesty kick. The juice of fresh limes adds brightness. It brings all the flavors together.
Don’t forget salt! It enhances every bite. If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle crumbled cotija cheese on top. It adds a creamy, salty touch.
Lastly, I like to garnish with fresh cilantro. It gives a fresh finish to the dish. You can find the full recipe above if you’d like to dive deeper into the cooking process!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheating the Grill
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. This helps create a great char on the corn. A hot grill also cooks the corn faster. Give it about 10 minutes to heat up well.
Preparing the Corn
Next, prepare the corn. Remove the husks and silky threads from each ear. This step is key for even cooking. Pat the corn dry with a paper towel. This helps the butter mix stick better.
Coating with Chili Lime Mixture
In a small bowl, mix melted butter, chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, and lime juice. Whisk well to combine. Now, use a basting brush to coat each ear of corn. Make sure to cover all sides. This will add amazing flavor to your corn.
Grilling the Corn
Place the coated corn directly on the grill grates. Close the grill lid. Grill the corn for about 10-12 minutes. Rotate the corn every few minutes for even cooking. You want it tender and slightly charred.
Topping and Serving the Corn
Once cooked, remove the corn from the grill. Let it cool for a minute. Then, add salt to taste. If you like, sprinkle crumbled cotija cheese on top. Finish with chopped fresh cilantro for a pop of color. Serve it hot and enjoy this fresh and zesty delight! For the full recipe, refer to the earlier section.
Tips & Tricks
How to Achieve the Perfect Grill Marks
To get great grill marks, start with a hot grill. Heat your grill to medium-high. Clean the grates well to prevent sticking. Place your corn at a 45-degree angle on the grill. Don’t move it for a few minutes; this helps form those nice marks. Rotate the corn every few minutes for even cooking and marks. The goal is to have a charred look without burning the corn.
Enhancing Flavor with Additional Spices
You can spice up your chili lime grilled corn with other seasonings. Try adding smoked paprika for a deeper flavor. A pinch of cayenne pepper gives it a nice kick. You can also mix in some cumin for warmth. If you like it sweeter, consider a touch of brown sugar. Just remember to keep it balanced; you want the lime and chili to shine through.
Serving Suggestions for Chili Lime Grilled Corn
Serve your chili lime grilled corn fresh off the grill. I love to place it on a wooden platter for a rustic touch. Drizzle any leftover chili lime butter over the top. Adding lime wedges on the side lets guests squeeze more lime juice as they like. You can also pair it with a light salad or grilled meats. For an extra treat, top with crumbled cotija cheese and chopped cilantro. This adds flavor and a beautiful look.
For the full recipe and more ideas, check out the complete guide.
Variations
Alternative Seasonings and Flavors
You can mix up the flavors of your chili lime grilled corn. Try adding smoked paprika for a deeper taste. You might also use cayenne pepper if you want more heat. For a sweeter twist, sprinkle some brown sugar. This will balance the spice and lime. You can also use fresh herbs, like oregano or thyme, for added freshness. These simple swaps keep the dish exciting and fun.
Grilled Corn on the Cob vs. Off the Cob
Grilling corn on the cob is a classic method. It gives you that perfect char and smoky flavor. The kernels stay juicy and tender. If you prefer, you can cut the corn off the cob after grilling. This method is great for salads or salsas. It makes for easier eating, especially at parties. Just remember to use a sharp knife and a steady hand to avoid spills!
Vegetarian and Vegan Options
Chili lime grilled corn is already a great choice for vegetarians. To make it vegan, simply swap the butter for olive oil or vegan butter. This keeps the flavor while making it plant-based. You can also skip the cotija cheese or use a dairy-free cheese alternative. This way, everyone can enjoy this zesty dish. Don’t forget to add extra lime juice for that fresh taste!
Try these variations to suit your taste buds. For the full recipe, click here: [Full Recipe].
Storage Info
How to Store Leftover Grilled Corn
To store leftover grilled corn, let it cool first. Wrap each ear tightly in plastic wrap. You can also place them in an airtight container. This helps keep the corn fresh. Store it in the fridge and enjoy it within three days.
Best Practices for Reheating
Reheating grilled corn is simple. You can use the microwave or grill. For the microwave, place the corn on a plate and cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat for about one minute. For the grill, preheat it to medium heat. Place the corn on the grill for about five minutes, turning occasionally. This will give it a nice warmth and a bit of char.
Freezing Grilled Corn for Later Use
Freezing grilled corn is a great option for later meals. First, let the corn cool completely. Then, remove the kernels from the cob using a sharp knife. Store the kernels in a freezer bag. Be sure to remove as much air as possible before sealing. You can freeze the corn for up to six months. When you’re ready to use it, thaw it in the fridge overnight or use it straight from the freezer in soups or salads.
For the full recipe, check out the Chili Lime Grilled Corn section above.
FAQs
Can I use frozen corn for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen corn. However, fresh corn gives the best flavor. Frozen corn needs to thaw and drain well. This helps prevent excess water from affecting the grill.
What is the best type of corn to use for grilling?
Use sweet corn for grilling. Varieties like Silver Queen or Sweet Jubilee work well. These types have juicy kernels that caramelize nicely when grilled.
How spicy is Chili Lime Grilled Corn?
Chili Lime Grilled Corn has a mild spice. The chili powder adds flavor, not heat. You can adjust the spice level by adding more chili powder if desired.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make it dairy-free, skip the butter and cotija cheese. Use olive oil or a dairy-free butter substitute. This keeps the corn tasty without dairy.
What to serve with Chili Lime Grilled Corn?
Serve Chili Lime Grilled Corn with tacos or grilled chicken. It pairs well with fresh salads too. For a fun twist, add it to your favorite salsa recipe.
Chili lime grilled corn is a tasty dish with fresh ingredients and simple steps. We covered everything from prepping the corn to grilling it just right. I included tips for standout grill marks and flavor boosts. You can even customize it with different spices and storage methods. Enjoy this dish for your next cookout. It’s easier than you think and sure to impress! Your next meal will be full of flavor and easy fun. Get grilling and enjoy your chili lime corn!
![- 4 ears of fresh corn, husked - 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted - 1 teaspoon chili powder - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - Juice of 2 limes (freshly squeezed) - Salt, to taste - Crumbled cotija cheese (optional, for garnish) - Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish) For this chili lime grilled corn, I always choose fresh corn. Fresh corn tastes sweet and juicy. Husk the corn and remove the silky threads. This step ensures your corn is clean and ready for grilling. Next, I melt unsalted butter. This adds a rich flavor. I mix it with chili powder, garlic powder, and ground cumin. These spices give the corn a zesty kick. The juice of fresh limes adds brightness. It brings all the flavors together. Don’t forget salt! It enhances every bite. If you're feeling fancy, sprinkle crumbled cotija cheese on top. It adds a creamy, salty touch. Lastly, I like to garnish with fresh cilantro. It gives a fresh finish to the dish. You can find the full recipe above if you’d like to dive deeper into the cooking process! Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. This helps create a great char on the corn. A hot grill also cooks the corn faster. Give it about 10 minutes to heat up well. Next, prepare the corn. Remove the husks and silky threads from each ear. This step is key for even cooking. Pat the corn dry with a paper towel. This helps the butter mix stick better. In a small bowl, mix melted butter, chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, and lime juice. Whisk well to combine. Now, use a basting brush to coat each ear of corn. Make sure to cover all sides. This will add amazing flavor to your corn. Place the coated corn directly on the grill grates. Close the grill lid. Grill the corn for about 10-12 minutes. Rotate the corn every few minutes for even cooking. You want it tender and slightly charred. Once cooked, remove the corn from the grill. Let it cool for a minute. Then, add salt to taste. If you like, sprinkle crumbled cotija cheese on top. Finish with chopped fresh cilantro for a pop of color. Serve it hot and enjoy this fresh and zesty delight! For the full recipe, refer to the earlier section. To get great grill marks, start with a hot grill. Heat your grill to medium-high. Clean the grates well to prevent sticking. Place your corn at a 45-degree angle on the grill. Don't move it for a few minutes; this helps form those nice marks. Rotate the corn every few minutes for even cooking and marks. The goal is to have a charred look without burning the corn. You can spice up your chili lime grilled corn with other seasonings. Try adding smoked paprika for a deeper flavor. A pinch of cayenne pepper gives it a nice kick. You can also mix in some cumin for warmth. If you like it sweeter, consider a touch of brown sugar. Just remember to keep it balanced; you want the lime and chili to shine through. Serve your chili lime grilled corn fresh off the grill. I love to place it on a wooden platter for a rustic touch. Drizzle any leftover chili lime butter over the top. Adding lime wedges on the side lets guests squeeze more lime juice as they like. You can also pair it with a light salad or grilled meats. For an extra treat, top with crumbled cotija cheese and chopped cilantro. This adds flavor and a beautiful look. For the full recipe and more ideas, check out the complete guide. {{image_4}} You can mix up the flavors of your chili lime grilled corn. Try adding smoked paprika for a deeper taste. You might also use cayenne pepper if you want more heat. For a sweeter twist, sprinkle some brown sugar. This will balance the spice and lime. You can also use fresh herbs, like oregano or thyme, for added freshness. These simple swaps keep the dish exciting and fun. Grilling corn on the cob is a classic method. It gives you that perfect char and smoky flavor. The kernels stay juicy and tender. If you prefer, you can cut the corn off the cob after grilling. This method is great for salads or salsas. It makes for easier eating, especially at parties. Just remember to use a sharp knife and a steady hand to avoid spills! Chili lime grilled corn is already a great choice for vegetarians. To make it vegan, simply swap the butter for olive oil or vegan butter. This keeps the flavor while making it plant-based. You can also skip the cotija cheese or use a dairy-free cheese alternative. This way, everyone can enjoy this zesty dish. Don't forget to add extra lime juice for that fresh taste! Try these variations to suit your taste buds. For the full recipe, click here: [Full Recipe]. To store leftover grilled corn, let it cool first. Wrap each ear tightly in plastic wrap. You can also place them in an airtight container. This helps keep the corn fresh. Store it in the fridge and enjoy it within three days. Reheating grilled corn is simple. You can use the microwave or grill. For the microwave, place the corn on a plate and cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat for about one minute. For the grill, preheat it to medium heat. Place the corn on the grill for about five minutes, turning occasionally. This will give it a nice warmth and a bit of char. Freezing grilled corn is a great option for later meals. First, let the corn cool completely. Then, remove the kernels from the cob using a sharp knife. Store the kernels in a freezer bag. Be sure to remove as much air as possible before sealing. You can freeze the corn for up to six months. When you’re ready to use it, thaw it in the fridge overnight or use it straight from the freezer in soups or salads. For the full recipe, check out the Chili Lime Grilled Corn section above. Yes, you can use frozen corn. However, fresh corn gives the best flavor. Frozen corn needs to thaw and drain well. This helps prevent excess water from affecting the grill. Use sweet corn for grilling. Varieties like Silver Queen or Sweet Jubilee work well. These types have juicy kernels that caramelize nicely when grilled. Chili Lime Grilled Corn has a mild spice. The chili powder adds flavor, not heat. You can adjust the spice level by adding more chili powder if desired. To make it dairy-free, skip the butter and cotija cheese. Use olive oil or a dairy-free butter substitute. This keeps the corn tasty without dairy. Serve Chili Lime Grilled Corn with tacos or grilled chicken. It pairs well with fresh salads too. For a fun twist, add it to your favorite salsa recipe. Chili lime grilled corn is a tasty dish with fresh ingredients and simple steps. We covered everything from prepping the corn to grilling it just right. I included tips for standout grill marks and flavor boosts. You can even customize it with different spices and storage methods. Enjoy this dish for your next cookout. It’s easier than you think and sure to impress! Your next meal will be full of flavor and easy fun. Get grilling and enjoy your chili lime corn!](https://yumymoments.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/5da10266-4faf-47ba-89dd-ca61d8ab5b1a-250x250.webp)