Go Back
Chili lime corn on the cob is a zesty treat. It combines sweet corn with bold spices. You get a mix of flavors that burst in your mouth. This dish is perfect for summer cookouts or family dinners. It takes just 30 minutes to make and serves four. You will want to try this easy recipe. - 4 fresh ears of corn, husked - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted - 1 tablespoon chili powder - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Juice of 2 limes - Zest of 1 lime - Salt to taste - ¼ cup crumbled cotija cheese (optional) - Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish Each ingredient adds something special. The corn brings sweetness, while the butter makes it rich. The chili powder gives it a nice kick. Garlic powder adds depth, and smoked paprika gives it warmth. Lime juice and zest brighten the flavors. Cotija cheese adds creaminess if you choose to use it. Fresh cilantro tops it off with a fresh note. This blend creates a mouthwatering side dish. 1. Preheat grill or oven Start by heating your grill or oven to medium-high heat. Aim for about 400°F (200°C). This step is key for that perfect char. 2. Husk and prep the corn Husk the corn carefully. Remove all silk strands. If you want smaller pieces, feel free to break the ears in half. This makes them easier to handle. 1. Brush with chili-lime butter mixture In a bowl, mix melted butter, chili powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, lime juice, lime zest, and salt. Brush this chili-lime butter mixture generously over each ear of corn. Make sure every side gets coated. 2. Grilling vs. Baking methods - Grilling: For the grill, place the corn directly on the grates. Cook for 10-15 minutes, turning often. You want those nice grill marks and tender kernels. - Baking: If you choose the oven, wrap each ear in aluminum foil. Bake for about 20 minutes. This keeps the corn moist while cooking. 1. Adding cotija cheese After cooking, sprinkle crumbled cotija cheese over the hot corn. This adds a wonderful salty flavor that pairs well with the spices. 2. Garnishing with cilantro Finish by adding fresh cilantro leaves on top. The cilantro gives a bright, fresh taste. Your chili lime corn on the cob is now ready to serve and enjoy! For a full recipe, check the details above. Experimenting with spice levels You can make this dish as spicy as you like. Try adding more chili powder for heat. If you want less spice, cut back on the chili powder. You can also use paprika for a smoky taste without the heat. Choosing the right corn Fresh corn is best for this recipe. Look for ears with bright green husks and plump kernels. Sweet corn gives the best flavor. If you can, buy local corn from a farm stand. It tastes better than store-bought. Turning corn properly When grilling, turn the corn every few minutes. This helps it cook evenly and get those nice grill marks. If you're baking, check the corn halfway through and turn it for even cooking. Using foil for oven cooking If you decide to bake, wrap the corn in foil. This keeps the moisture in and helps cook the corn evenly. It also makes cleanup easier! Serving styles for gatherings Serve the corn on a large platter. This makes it easy for guests to take what they want. You can also cut the corn into smaller pieces for easy sharing. Adding colorful garnishes Fresh cilantro adds a nice pop of color. You can also sprinkle extra lime zest or chili powder on top. This makes it look more festive and appealing. For more details and a complete guide, check the Full Recipe. {{image_2}} You can switch up the spices to make chili lime corn even more exciting. Try adding cumin for a warm flavor. If you like heat, add cayenne pepper. For a fresh taste, mix in some chopped cilantro or parsley. You can also try different chili powders, like chipotle for a smoky kick. For lime zest alternatives, consider using lemon or orange zest. Both give a bright flavor. Lemon will add tanginess, while orange gives a sweet touch. You can mix and match to find your favorite! If you want to change the cheese, there are many great options. Feta cheese offers a salty bite that pairs well with corn. Parmesan is another nice choice for a savory twist. For those who prefer vegan options, try using nutritional yeast. It adds a cheesy flavor without dairy. You can also use vegan feta cheese for a creamy texture. These options still keep your chili lime corn delicious. You can also cook corn on the cob in different ways. An Instant Pot is a fast option. Place the corn in the pot with some water, and cook on high for about 3-4 minutes. This method gives you tender corn quickly. If you prefer stovetop cooking, you can boil the corn. Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Add the husked corn and cook it for 5-7 minutes. This will keep the corn juicy and sweet. Both methods are easy and tasty for chili lime corn on the cob. For the full recipe, check out the complete details! To keep your leftover chili lime corn fresh, place it in an airtight container. Make sure to let it cool first. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it. Wrap each ear in plastic wrap and then in foil. This helps prevent freezer burn. In the freezer, it can last for up to three months. When you're ready to eat your leftover corn, you have a few options. You can use the oven or the microwave. For the oven, preheat it to 350°F. Place the corn on a baking sheet covered with foil. Heat for about 10 minutes, or until warm. This method helps keep the corn's flavor and texture. For the microwave, place the corn on a plate and cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second bursts until warm. This method is quicker but may soften the corn slightly. You can prep chili lime corn ahead of time for convenience. Husk the corn and mix the chili-lime butter. Store the corn and the butter mixture separately in the fridge. You can do this up to a day before grilling or baking. If you want to freeze the corn, you can grill it first. Then, let it cool and wrap it for the freezer. This way, you can have a tasty grilled treat ready to go whenever you want. Just remember to thaw it before reheating. Yes, you can use frozen corn. However, fresh corn gives the best taste and texture. If you use frozen corn, thaw it first. This helps ensure even cooking. You can boil or microwave it until soft. Then, follow the same steps in the Full Recipe. To adjust the spice level, try these tips: - Add more chili powder for extra heat. - Use less chili powder if you prefer a milder taste. - Mix in cayenne pepper for a spicy kick. Start with a small amount and add more as needed. - Add jalapeños for a fresh and spicy twist. Chili lime corn on the cob pairs great with many dishes. Here are some ideas: - Alternative recipes for corn lovers: - Corn salad with tomatoes and avocado. - Creamy corn chowder. - Suggested meat or vegetarian pairings: - Grilled chicken or steak complements the flavors well. - For a vegetarian option, serve with black bean tacos or grilled veggies. This blog post covered a tasty chili lime corn recipe. You learned about the ingredients, cooking steps, and tips for perfecting flavor. I shared ways to store leftovers and answered common questions. You can modify this recipe to suit your taste or try different cooking methods. Remember, good food is about fun and creativity. So, gather your friends and enjoy this bright dish. Keep experimenting and impressing loved ones with your cooking!

Chili Lime Corn on the Cob

Discover the zesty delight of Chili Lime Corn on the Cob with this easy recipe! Perfect for summer barbecues or a simple side dish, this corn is bursting with flavor thanks to a delicious mix of chili powder, lime juice, and garlic. Plus, add some crumbled cotija cheese for an extra kick. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish will impress your guests! Click through to explore this mouthwatering recipe and elevate your grilling game!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

4 fresh ears of corn, husked

2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

1 tablespoon chili powder

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Juice of 2 limes

Zest of 1 lime

Salt to taste

¼ cup crumbled cotija cheese (optional)

Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish

Instructions
 

Preheat your grill or oven to medium-high heat (about 400°F or 200°C).

    Husk the corn, removing all the silk, and break in half if desired for easier handling.

      In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, chili powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, lime juice, lime zest, and salt.

        Brush the chili-lime butter mixture generously over each ear of corn, ensuring it's well-coated.

          If grilling, place the corn directly on the grill grates and cook for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally until the kernels are tender and have nice grill marks. If using an oven, wrap each ear of corn in aluminum foil and bake for about 20 minutes.

            Once cooked, carefully remove the corn from the grill or oven and let it cool slightly.

              If desired, sprinkle crumbled cotija cheese over the hot corn for added flavor.

                Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves for a pop of freshness.

                  Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4 servings