Grilling season is a time for sizzle, smoke, and mouthwatering flavor. If you’re looking to elevate your vegetable grilling recipes, this Grilled Corn with Chili-Lime Butter is a fiery yet refreshing side dish that’s guaranteed to steal the spotlight at any barbecue. Whether you’re a seasoned griller or just learning how to grill vegetables, this recipe delivers bold flavor, rich texture, and a perfect balance of heat and citrus.
Let’s dive into this modern take on Mexican Elote—a beloved street food—and learn how to make your own compound butter for corn that will have your guests licking their fingers!
Why Grilled Corn Is the Star of the Grill
Grilled corn is more than just a side dish—it’s a celebration of summer. Its natural sugars caramelize beautifully over the grill, resulting in smoky-sweet kernels that burst with juiciness. Whether you eat it straight off the cob or shave it into salads, corn pairs perfectly with bold flavors like chili, lime, cheese, and, of course, butter for corn.
Nutritional Benefits of Corn 🌽
Corn isn’t just delicious—it’s also nutritious. A single ear provides:
- Fiber for digestive health
- B-vitamins like folate and thiamine
- Antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin for eye health
- Natural energy from complex carbohydrates
And when prepared thoughtfully, it becomes the perfect canvas for a healthy yet indulgent grilled dish.
What You’ll Need
Before we get to grilling, gather the following ingredients:
Ingredients
For the Corn:
- 6 ears of fresh corn, husked
- Olive oil or melted butter (for brushing)
- Kosher salt (to taste)
For the Chili-Lime Butter (Your Homemade Compound Butter):
- ½ cup unsalted home made butter (softened)
- 1 tsp chili powder
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Zest of 1 lime
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
- ½ tsp salt
Optional Toppings (Mexican Elote Style):
- Crumbled cotija or feta cheese
- Extra chopped cilantro
- Lime wedges
- A dusting of chili powder
How to Make Chili-Lime Butter (Compound Butter for Corn)
Compound butter recipes are simple to make and pack serious flavor. Here’s how you whip up the perfect butter for grilled corn:
- Soften the Butter: Leave your unsalted butter out at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
- Mix the Flavors: In a bowl, combine softened butter with chili powder, cayenne, smoked paprika, lime zest, lime juice, garlic, salt, and cilantro.
- Shape & Chill: Scoop the butter onto a piece of parchment or plastic wrap, form it into a log, and refrigerate until firm.
This chili-lime compound butter can also be used on other veggies on the grill—like zucchini, asparagus, and sweet potatoes. It’s versatile, spicy, and utterly addictive!
Step-by-Step: How to Grill Corn Perfectly
Learning how to grill vegetables, especially corn, doesn’t have to be intimidating. Follow these simple steps to nail it every time:
Step 1: Prep the Corn
Husk your corn and remove the silk. Rinse under cool water and pat dry. Brush each ear with a thin layer of olive oil or melted butter and sprinkle with a little salt.
Step 2: Fire Up the Grill
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 400–450°F / 200–230°C). You can use gas or charcoal—both deliver excellent results.
Step 3: Grill the Corn
Place the corn directly on the grill grates. Rotate every 2–3 minutes to ensure even charring. Grill for 10–12 minutes, or until the corn is tender and beautifully charred.
Step 4: Add the Flavor
While the corn is still hot, slather it with slices of your chilled chili-lime butter. Let it melt and coat every kernel with zesty, spicy richness.
Step 5: Garnish (Optional)
For a Mexican Elote vibe, sprinkle on crumbled cheese, extra chili powder, and chopped cilantro. Serve with lime wedges on the side.
Why This Is One of the Best Vegetable Grilling Recipes
This recipe hits every note—sweet, smoky, spicy, tangy, and creamy. It’s:
✅ Easy to make
✅ Gluten-free
✅ Vegetarian
✅ Ideal for summer cookouts and backyard parties
✅ Adaptable to your spice preferences
Plus, it doubles as an education in how to grill vegetables properly while introducing you to the magic of compound butter recipes.
More Ways to Enjoy Veggies on the Grill
Don’t stop at corn! Once you get the hang of it, you’ll want to explore all kinds of vegetable grilling recipes. Here are a few pairings that also work well with chili-lime butter:
- Grilled zucchini and squash
- Asparagus spears
- Portobello mushrooms
- Sweet potato wedges
- Grilled avocado halves
These veggies on the grill soak up the chili-lime flavor beautifully and can be tossed into salads, tacos, or grain bowls.
Tips for Making Homemade Butter (Bonus!)
Feeling adventurous? You can even make your own home made butter from scratch. It’s simpler than you think:
How to Make Homemade Butter:
- Pour 2 cups of heavy cream into a stand mixer or blender.
- Whip at high speed until the butterfat separates from the buttermilk.
- Strain and rinse the butter under cold water.
- Knead to remove any extra liquid.
- Salt to taste or add herbs and spices.
Store your corn butter in the fridge and enjoy it for up to two weeks!
Make It a Meal: Pairing Ideas
Here’s how to turn your grilled corn into a full summer feast:
- Main: Grilled chicken thighs or chili-lime shrimp skewers
- Side: Black bean salad or grilled sweet peppers
- Drink: Fresh limeade, iced hibiscus tea, or a cold beer
- Dessert: Grilled pineapple with cinnamon and honey
This spread highlights the corn as the flavorful centerpiece, with complementary textures and vibrant colors all around.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I grill corn in the husk?
Yes! Grilling corn in the husk steams the kernels and keeps them juicy. Just soak the husked corn in water for 15 minutes before grilling to avoid burning.
How do I make it less spicy?
Reduce or omit the cayenne pepper and opt for sweet paprika instead.
Can I use frozen corn?
While fresh corn is best, you can use frozen corn on the cob. Thaw it completely and pat dry before grilling.
Is this the same as Mexican Elote?
This recipe is inspired by Mexican Elote, but it’s slightly lighter and doesn’t use mayonnaise or crema. You can make it more traditional by adding those toppings.
Final Thoughts: The Ultimate Corn Butter Experience
Grilled Corn with Chili-Lime Butter is the kind of recipe that becomes a summer ritual. It’s quick, colorful, packed with smoky flavor, and a great way to experiment with compound butter recipes and grill vegetables creatively. Whether you’re an expert or just learning how to grill vegetables, this dish is your new MVP of the season.
So fire up your grill, grab some corn, and don’t forget the butter—because butter for corn makes everything better. 🌽🧈🌶️
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