How to Make Smoky Grilled Corn on the Cob with Lime Butter
There’s nothing better than the taste of grilled corn on the cob during a backyard barbecue. It’s sweet, juicy, and smoky—a summertime treat that’s hard to resist. But what if you could take your grilled corn to the next level? Enter: lime butter. This flavorful combination of tangy lime, creamy butter, and smoky grilled corn will have everyone asking for seconds (or thirds!). And the best part? It’s super easy to make. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through how to create smoky grilled corn on the cob with lime butter step by step. Let’s get grilling!
Why Grilled Corn is the Best
Grilling your corn on the cob gives it a unique flavor that’s both sweet and smoky. The grill’s heat caramelizes the corn’s natural sugars, creating golden char marks that add depth to its taste. Plus, grilling gets rid of that classic mess you’d have with boiling water—you can just pop the corn straight onto the grill! With a simple lime butter, you’ll elevate those flavors even further by adding zest, tanginess, and richness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you need to make this delicious recipe:
For Grilled Corn:
- 6 ears of fresh corn (husks on or off, your choice)
- Olive oil or melted butter (for brushing)
- Salt and pepper to season
For Lime Butter:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 lime (you’ll need both the zest and juice)
- 1 clove of garlic, finely minced (optional, for added flavor)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
- Salt to taste
That’s it! Simple, fresh, and perfect for summer.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep Your Corn
Start by washing your ears of corn under cold water to get rid of any dirt. You can grill your corn with the husks on or off—it’s up to you. If you want smoky char marks, remove the husks. If you want juicy, steamed corn, leave the husks on.
Tip: If you’re grilling corn with the husks on, soak the corn in water for about 20 minutes before grilling. This prevents the husks from burning too much and keeps the corn moist while it cooks.
Step 2: Make the Lime Butter
While your grill heats up, whip up some lime butter. Here’s how:
1. In a small bowl, combine the softened butter with the zest of one lime and the juice of half a lime.
2. Add minced garlic (optional), chopped cilantro, and a pinch of salt.
3. Mix everything until smooth and creamy. Taste to see if you want to add more lime or salt. Place the butter in the fridge to firm up while your corn grills.
Step 3: Preheat the Grill
Heat your grill to medium-high heat. Clean the grates with a brush to ensure your corn doesn’t stick. If you’re using a gas grill, wait until it’s evenly hot. For a charcoal grill, make sure the coals are glowing and spread out evenly.
Step 4: Grill the Corn
Time to get grilling! Brush each ear of corn lightly with olive oil or melted butter. Sprinkle with a little salt and pepper for flavor.
- If grilling with husks on: Lay the corn directly on the grill and cook for 15–20 minutes, turning occasionally. The husks will char and protect the kernels from drying out, while also steaming them.
- If grilling with husks off: Lay the corn directly on the grill and cook for about 10 minutes, turning often. This method gives the corn those beautiful smoky grill marks.
Keep an eye on your corn while it cooks. You want it to be tender but not overcooked or dry.
Step 5: Add Lime Butter
Once your corn is done and slightly cooled, slather each ear with your homemade lime butter. You can use a brush, spoon, or butter knife—whatever works! The butter will melt over the warm corn and seep into the kernels, adding creaminess and flavor with every bite.
If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle some extra cilantro or even grated Parmesan cheese on top of the buttered corn.
Pro Tips for Grilled Corn Success
- Want extra smokiness? Add a sprinkle of smoked paprika into the lime butter mix.
- For even better flavor, use fresh corn that’s in season. It’ll be sweeter and juicier.
- Got leftovers? Cut the grilled corn off the cob and add it to salads, tacos, or pasta for a smoky twist.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Smoky grilled corn on the cob with lime butter is the perfect side dish for summer cookouts. It’s quick to make, tastes amazing, and gives you a little something extra beyond plain buttered corn. The lime adds brightness and zing, while the butter and smoky char marks keep everything rich and flavorful. Plus, your guests will love how you transformed a simple everyday veggie into a showstopper!
So, fire up the grill, grab some fresh ears of corn, and whip up this crowd-pleasing recipe. Once you taste the smoky, buttery goodness with that zesty lime kick, you’ll never go back to regular corn on the cob. Happy grilling!
