This Chili Lime Grilled Corn on the Cob is a vibrant, flavor-packed side that combines smoky sweetness with a zesty kick.
Naturally high in fiber and plant-based nutrients, it’s a light, satisfying option with minimal saturated fat.
Quick to prepare and grill, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners, backyard gatherings, or easy meal prep, delivering bold flavor with healthy benefits.
20-Minute Quick Chili Lime Grilled Corn
Equipment
- 1 BBQ grill (medium to large)
- 1 small frying pan
- 1 basting brush (or spoon for spreading butter)
- 1 Knife and cutting board
Ingredients
- 4 ears corn husks removed
- 1 teaspoon cooking oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ⅛ teaspoon sea salt
- 1 lime juiced
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the Grill: Start by preparing your BBQ grill. Turn it on to high heat, allowing it to preheat for at least 5 minutes. This ensures the grill grates are hot enough to sear the corn, giving it those beautiful smoky char marks and locking in flavor. Make sure the grates are clean to prevent sticking.
- Oil the Corn Cobs: While the grill is heating, take each corn cob and lightly coat it with cooking oil. You can use a pastry brush or your hands to rub the oil evenly over the surface. The oil helps prevent the corn from sticking to the grill while promoting even browning.
- Grill the Corn Evenly: Place the oiled corn cobs directly on the preheated grill. Turn them every few minutes using tongs so that each side develops a uniform golden-brown char. Grill for about 10 minutes in total. Keep a close eye on the corn to avoid burning, but don’t worry—some charring adds smoky flavor.
- Prepare the Chili Lime Butter: While the corn is grilling, melt the butter in a small frying pan over low heat. Once melted, stir in the chili powder and sea salt until well combined. This chili lime butter will be brushed onto the hot corn, adding a rich, spicy, and savory layer of flavor.
- Brush the Corn with Flavor: Once the corn has finished grilling, transfer the cobs to a serving platter.Using a basting brush, generously coat each corn cob with the chili lime butter. If you don’t have a brush, a spoon works just as well—spoon the butter evenly over the corn while it’s still hot to allow it to soak in.
- Add Fresh Lime and Cilantro: Immediately squeeze fresh lime juice over the buttered corn, ensuring each cob gets a tangy, zesty touch. Sprinkle the chopped cilantro on top for a burst of freshness and vibrant color. The combination of citrus, herbs, and chili butter creates a perfect balance of flavors.
- Serve Hot and Enjoy: Serve the chili lime grilled corn on the cob immediately while warm.It pairs beautifully with grilled meats, salads, or can be enjoyed on its own as a healthy, fiber-rich snack. Encourage diners to hold the cobs by the ends and savor each smoky, zesty bite.
Notes
- For best results, choose fresh, sweet corn at peak season. The natural sugars caramelize beautifully on the grill.
- Use a neutral cooking oil like avocado, canola, or vegetable oil to coat the corn before grilling.
- Adjust the chili powder to taste—start with 1 teaspoon and increase for more heat.
- If you prefer, leave the husks on during grilling for a slightly steamed texture, peeling back before serving.
- Fresh lime juice and cilantro should be added just before serving to maintain brightness and flavor.
- For even cooking, rotate the corn every 2–3 minutes to ensure each side is evenly charred.
Chef’s Secrets for Perfect Corn
The key to perfectly grilled corn lies in the balance of heat and seasoning.
Preheating your grill ensures even cooking and prevents sticking, while lightly oiling the cobs promotes beautiful caramelization.
For the butter, low heat is essential—melting it slowly with chili powder and salt preserves the flavors and prevents burning.
A quick squeeze of lime just before serving heightens the flavor, giving a refreshing contrast to the smoky corn.
For an added touch, try mixing a pinch of smoked paprika or garlic powder into the butter for a subtle depth of flavor.
Serving Suggestions for Maximum Enjoyment
This chili lime grilled corn shines as a versatile side dish.
Pair it with grilled chicken, shrimp, or steak for a backyard barbecue feast.
It also complements light summer salads or bean-based dishes for a vegetarian-friendly meal.
For a fun twist, crumble some cotija cheese over the corn or add a drizzle of Greek yogurt for creaminess.
Serve immediately while hot to enjoy the perfect combination of sweet, smoky, and tangy flavors.
Storage Tips to Keep Fresh
Grilled corn is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored for short-term use.
Allow the corn to cool completely, then wrap each cob in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
To reheat, gently warm in the microwave or on a stovetop skillet with a splash of butter.
Avoid overcooking during reheating to maintain texture and flavor.
For longer storage, remove the kernels from the cob and freeze them in a sealed container for up to 3 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I grill corn with husks on?
Yes! Pull the husks back, remove the silks, then fold the husks back over the corn. This method steams the corn slightly while protecting it from direct flames, giving a juicier result with minimal char.
2. How do I prevent corn from burning on the grill?
Rotate the cobs every 2–3 minutes and keep the grill at medium-high heat. Lightly oiling the corn and monitoring closely ensures even cooking without scorching.
3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prep the chili lime butter in advance and store in the refrigerator. Grill the corn right before serving for best flavor, then brush with the pre-made butter and add lime and cilantro.
4. Is this recipe suitable for a low-fat diet?
Absolutely! The recipe uses a small amount of butter for flavor, and you can substitute with olive oil or a light plant-based butter to reduce saturated fat while keeping the dish delicious.
5. Can I use frozen corn for this recipe?
Fresh corn is ideal for grilling due to its natural sweetness and texture, but if needed, frozen corn can be grilled after thawing and lightly brushed with oil. Keep in mind the flavor and texture will differ slightly from fresh cobs.
