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Flavorful Grilled Corn with Cilantro Lime Butter

grilled corn with cilantro lime butter - featured image

A simple and delicious grilled corn recipe enhanced with a vibrant cilantro lime butter, perfect for summer BBQs and casual dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 ears fresh corn on the cob, husks removed
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
  • Zest and juice of 1 medium lime
  • 1 small garlic clove, minced (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

Instructions

  1. Peel back the husks without removing them entirely, then remove all silk threads. Rinse the ears under cold water and pat dry. Pull the husks back over the corn to protect kernels while grilling, or remove husks entirely if you prefer direct grill marks. (Prep time: 5 minutes)
  2. In a small bowl, combine softened butter, finely chopped cilantro, lime zest and juice, minced garlic (if using), salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Mix until well blended and creamy. (Prep time: 5 minutes)
  3. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, about 400°F (204°C). If using charcoal, wait until coals are covered with gray ash. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking. (Prep time: 10 minutes)
  4. Place the corn directly on the grill, turning every 2-3 minutes to get even char marks on all sides. If husks are on, grill for about 15 minutes total; if husks removed, grill for 10-12 minutes, turning frequently. Look for kernels to have a nice golden-brown char—avoid blackened or burnt spots. (Cook time: 10-15 minutes)
  5. Remove corn from grill and immediately brush generously with the cilantro lime butter while still hot. The heat helps melt the butter, allowing it to seep into every crevice of the kernels. (Cook time: 2 minutes)
  6. Arrange the corn on a platter and add extra lime wedges and chopped cilantro for garnish if desired. Serve warm.

Notes

If butter melts too fast and drips off, chill it briefly before grilling and apply after removing corn from heat. Turn corn frequently to avoid uneven cooking and burnt spots. For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with vegan margarine or olive oil-based spread. Fresh jalapeños or cayenne pepper can be added for heat. Wrapping corn in foil keeps it juicier but reduces grill char.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled corn, cilantro lime butter, summer BBQ, easy side dish, grilled vegetables, summer recipe, corn on the cob