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Flavorful Grilled Corn on the Cob with Chipotle Lime Butter

grilled corn on the cob with chipotle lime butter - featured image

A smoky, creamy, and slightly spicy grilled corn on the cob recipe featuring chipotle lime butter, perfect for summer BBQs and quick dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 ears fresh corn on the cob, husked
  • 1/2 cup (115 grams) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 teaspoons chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon lime zest
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt to taste (start with 1/2 teaspoon)
  • Freshly ground black pepper, a few grinds

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chipotle lime butter: In a mixing bowl, combine softened unsalted butter, finely chopped chipotle peppers in adobo, fresh lime juice, lime zest, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until fully incorporated, about 5 minutes.
  2. Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat, around 375°F (190°C). If using a charcoal grill, wait until the coals are covered in white ash, about 10 minutes.
  3. Prepare the corn by husking and removing all silks. Rinse under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Optionally, soak husks in water for 10 minutes if leaving them on.
  4. Grill the corn directly on the grill grates, turning every 2-3 minutes using tongs to get an even char, for about 10-12 minutes total until golden brown marks appear and a smoky aroma develops.
  5. Remove the corn from the grill and immediately spread a generous amount of the prepared chipotle lime butter all over each ear while still hot, about 2 minutes.
  6. Arrange the corn on a platter and optionally sprinkle with extra lime zest or fresh chopped cilantro. Serve warm.

Notes

If the butter feels too soft, refrigerate it for 15 minutes before spreading to control application. Avoid over-charring the corn unless you prefer a smoky bitterness. Fresh lime juice and zest make a noticeable difference. Adjust chipotle heat to taste. Can be made dairy-free by substituting butter with plant-based spread or coconut oil.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled corn, chipotle lime butter, summer BBQ, smoky corn, easy side dish, Mexican street corn, chipotle peppers, lime zest