Easy Grilled Corn with Chili Butter

As the warm sun graces us with longer days and balmy evenings, the scent of grilled food wafts through backyards and parks, marking the arrival of summer gatherings. One of the quintessential summer activities is grilling corn, a delicious staple that evokes memories of family barbecues and festive outdoor celebrations. But this year, we’re elevating the humble ear of corn to new heights with a zesty twist: chili butter. This irresistible combination not only transforms corn from a simple side dish into a centerpiece bursting with flavor, but it also captures the essence of summer's vibrant produce.

Kick off your summer gatherings with a delicious twist on a classic dish! This Zesty Chili Butter Grilled Corn recipe takes fresh summer corn and elevates it with a flavorful chili butter, perfectly balancing sweet and spicy. With easy preparation steps and grilling techniques, you can create a mouthwatering centerpiece for your outdoor BBQs. Serve with fresh herbs and lime for a vibrant touch that bursts with flavor, making every bite a memorable delight. Perfect for pairing with grilled meats or served as a satisfying vegetarian option!

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Ingredients

4 ears of fresh corn, husked

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

2 tablespoons chili powder (adjust to taste)

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 tablespoon lime juice

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Lime wedges (for serving)

Instructions

Prepare the Chili Butter: In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, lime juice, salt, and black pepper. Mix until fully incorporated and smooth.

Husk and Clean the Corn: Carefully remove the husks and silk from the corn, ensuring that each ear is clean. You can break the corn into halves or leave them whole as preferred.

Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat. If using a charcoal grill, allow the coals to burn until they are covered with gray ash. For a gas grill, simply preheat for about 10 minutes.

Grill the Corn: Place the corn directly on the grill grates. Grill for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the corn is tender and has nice char marks on all sides.

Apply Chili Butter: Once the corn is grilled to your liking, remove it from the grill. While it’s still hot, generously brush the chili butter mixture over each ear of corn, ensuring even coverage.

Serve: Transfer the corn to a serving platter and sprinkle with fresh cilantro or parsley. Serve with lime wedges on the side for an extra zesty kick.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 minutes | 20 minutes | Serves 4