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If you are craving a vibrant burst of summer flavor, the Grilled Corn on the Cob with Garlic Lime Butter Recipe is an absolute must-try. This dish takes simple fresh ears of corn and elevates them with a luscious, garlicky lime-infused butter that perfectly complements the smoky char from the grill. It’s a celebration of textures and tastes—creamy, tangy, buttery, with a hint of spice—that turns humble corn into a star showstopper for any BBQ or weeknight dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this Grilled Corn on the Cob with Garlic Lime Butter Recipe, you don’t need a pantry full of exotic items. Every ingredient plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and enhancing the natural sweetness of the corn while keeping it refreshingly vibrant.
- 4 large garlic cloves (pressed): Fresh garlic adds a bold, aromatic punch that infuses the butter with irresistible depth.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick/ 8 tbsp): Butter brings creamy richness that carries every seasoning beautifully and coats the corn perfectly.
- 1/2 tbsp granulated sugar: A touch of sugar heightens the natural sweetness of the corn for a balanced flavor profile.
- 1 tsp salt: Salt enhances all the flavors, making each bite pop with savory goodness.
- 1 tsp ground black pepper: A gentle warmth from the pepper adds a subtle kick without overpowering the other flavors.
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin: Cumin introduces a smoky earthiness that complements the grilled corn wonderfully.
- Juice of 1/2 lime: Lime juice brings bright acidity and a refreshing tang that lifts the whole dish.
- 10-15 fresh ears of corn with the husks on: Fresh corn is the foundation—choose firm, plump ears for sweet, juicy kernels.
How to Make Grilled Corn on the Cob with Garlic Lime Butter Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Corn
Start by trimming the tops and bottoms of the husks. The hairy silk parts can catch fire easily, so it’s important to soak the corn with the husks intact in water for 20 minutes. This simple step ensures they stay moist and protect the kernels while grilling, creating that perfect smoky flavor without burning.
Step 2: Fire Up the Grill
Preheat your BBQ grill to a high heat of around 500°F. Once hot, place the soaked corn husks directly over the grill grates. Quickly then reduce to a medium/high heat of 400°F, cover the grill, and let the corn cook for 18 to 20 minutes. Be sure to turn each ear every 5 minutes for an even char all around — the husks will blacken beautifully, sealing in the juicy sweetness.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Lime Butter
While the corn is grilling, melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Press the garlic cloves directly into the butter and warm just until it reaches a gentle simmer. Add the sugar, salt, pepper, cumin, and freshly squeezed lime juice. Stir to combine these vibrant flavors, letting the butter soak up all the seasonings for about a minute. Then remove from heat to keep the flavors bright and fresh.
Step 4: Peel and Handle
Once the corn has grilled to perfection, carefully remove it from the heat. Peel the husks back slowly, taking care not to tear them since you will use them as handy, rustic handles that make eating the corn so much more enjoyable and mess-free.
Step 5: Brush and Serve
Generously brush each ear of corn with the warm garlic lime butter while it’s still hot. This step is where the magic happens—the buttery mixture melts into every kernel, infusing the dish with vibrant, savory, and zesty goodness. Serve immediately and watch everyone dive in with delight!
How to Serve Grilled Corn on the Cob with Garlic Lime Butter Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes can really make this dish sing. Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro, a dusting of smoked paprika, or crumbled cotija cheese on top for extra zest and texture. A wedge of lime on the side invites guests to add an extra squeeze of brightness if they like.
Side Dishes
This grilled corn pairs wonderfully with almost any summer fare. Think fresh garden salads, grilled chicken or fish, and even spicy black bean dishes. The buttery, garlicky notes contrast beautifully with earthy or tangy sides, making it a versatile star at any meal.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to turn this classic treat into a striking centerpiece, serve the corn standing upright in a rustic wooden tray filled with coarse sea salt or crushed ice to keep them cool. You can also stack them in a shallow basket lined with colorful napkins, or for a party, cut the kernels off the cob and toss them with some extra garlic lime butter as a decadent corn salad.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have extra grilled corn, wrap each ear individually in plastic wrap or foil and place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making them perfect for quick snacks or additions to meals throughout the week.
Freezing
To freeze, cut the kernels off the cob and toss gently with some of the garlic lime butter. Spoon portions into freezer bags or airtight containers, removing as much air as possible. Frozen corn will keep well for about 2 months and can be defrosted for use in soups, salads, or as a flavorful side.
Reheating
Reheat leftover grilled corn by brushing it again with garlic lime butter and warming it on the grill or in a skillet over medium heat. This will revive the buttery, garlicky flavor and bring back that delightful smoky aroma to each bite.
FAQs
Can I use frozen corn for this recipe?
While fresh corn delivers the best smoky and sweet flavor when grilled, you can use frozen corn kernels in a pinch by cooking them on the stove with the garlic lime butter. However, grilling the whole ear really amplifies the taste and texture in a way frozen corn can’t quite replicate.
What if I don’t have a grill? Can I make this recipe indoors?
You can absolutely make this garlic lime butter corn on the cob indoors by roasting the corn in the oven at 450°F for about 20 minutes, turning halfway through. Use a broiler at the end to get a bit of char color, then brush on the butter mixture for that delicious flavor.
How do I prevent the corn husks from burning too much?
Soaking the corn in water for 20 minutes before grilling is key—it keeps the husks moist and minimizes aggressive burning. Turning the corn regularly also helps to char the husks evenly without catching fire.
Can I adjust the garlic lime butter to be spicier?
Absolutely! Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, or a splash of hot sauce to the butter mixture to give your grilled corn an extra kick. It’s a fun way to customize the dish to your spice preference.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians and vegans?
This recipe is vegetarian, but not vegan due to the butter. To make it vegan-friendly, substitute with a dairy-free butter alternative or olive oil, and ensure you adjust seasonings slightly to maintain richness.
Final Thoughts
There is truly nothing like the joy of biting into perfectly grilled corn brushed with a rich, garlicky lime butter. The Grilled Corn on the Cob with Garlic Lime Butter Recipe is effortless to prepare and impressive to serve, bringing a warm and inviting touch to any gathering or simple meal. I encourage you to give it a try—you’ll find yourself reaching for seconds and sharing this recipe with everyone you know!
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Grilled Corn on the Cob with Garlic Lime Butter Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 10-15 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Grilled Corn on the Cob with Garlic Lime Butter recipe features fresh ears of corn grilled in their husks until smoky and tender, then slathered with a flavorful butter infused with garlic, lime juice, and aromatic spices. Perfect as a summer side dish, this recipe balances smoky char with bright citrus and savory seasoning for an irresistible treat.
Ingredients
Garlic Lime Butter
- 4 large garlic cloves (pressed)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick / 8 tbsp)
- 1/2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- Juice of 1/2 lime
Grilled Corn
- 10–15 fresh ears of corn with the husks on
Instructions
- Prepare the Corn: Trim the tops and bottoms of the corn husks to remove excess stalks and reduce the risk of flare-ups. Next, soak the corn ears with husks on in water for 20 minutes; this prevents the husks from catching fire on the grill.
- Grill the Corn: Preheat your BBQ grill to high heat (around 500°F). Place the soaked corn ears on the grill and then reduce the heat to medium-high (about 400°F). Cover the grill and cook for 18-20 minutes, turning the corn every 5 minutes to ensure even charring. The husks should become blackened on all sides.
- Make the Garlic Lime Butter: While the corn is grilling, melt the unsalted butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the pressed garlic cloves and heat just until the butter simmers lightly. Stir in granulated sugar, salt, black pepper, ground cumin, and the juice of half a lime. Let it cook together for about one more minute before removing from heat.
- Peel and Handle the Corn: Once grilled, carefully remove the corn from the grill. Peel back the charred husks gently without ripping them off completely; this allows you to use the husks as a convenient handle for serving and eating.
- Brush with Butter and Serve: Generously brush each ear of corn with the prepared garlic lime butter. Serve immediately to enjoy the rich, zesty, and smoky flavors at their best.
Notes
- Soaking the corn with husks on helps prevent the husks from catching fire and steams the corn, resulting in tender kernels.
- Turning the corn regularly ensures even cooking and avoid burning on one side.
- Use the husks as a natural handle to avoid burning your fingers when eating.
- Leftover garlic lime butter can be refrigerated and used for other grilled vegetables or seafood.
- For extra flavor, sprinkle with fresh chopped cilantro or a dash of chili powder before serving.
