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Flavorful Grilled Corn on the Cob with Spicy Chili Butter

grilled corn on the cob - featured image

A quick and easy grilled corn on the cob recipe slathered in a homemade spicy chili butter that balances heat, sweetness, and smoky goodness. Perfect for outdoor cookouts and crowd-pleasing gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 ears fresh corn on the cob, husks removed
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, finely chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chili butter: In a medium bowl, combine softened butter, chili powder, ground cumin, garlic powder, fresh lime juice, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if using. Mix thoroughly until smooth. Stir in chopped cilantro last.
  2. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat, about 375°F (190°C). If using charcoal, wait until coals are glowing red with a light layer of ash.
  3. Remove husks and silk from the corn. Optionally soak ears in cold water for 10 minutes to reduce flare-ups.
  4. Place corn directly on grill grates. Turn every 2-3 minutes using tongs to ensure even cooking and charring. Grill for 12-15 minutes until kernels are plump and slightly blackened.
  5. Immediately spread the chili butter generously over each hot ear of corn to melt and soak in the flavors.
  6. Serve on a platter with extra lime wedges and optional additional cilantro or chili powder for garnish.

Notes

Use softened butter for easy spreading. Fresh lime juice adds brightness. Watch grill heat to avoid burning. Save leftover chili butter for dipping or spreading on bread. For vegan version, substitute butter with vegan margarine or coconut oil. If no grill available, roast corn wrapped in foil at 400°F for 20 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled corn, chili butter, spicy corn, BBQ side dish, summer recipe, easy grilled corn, outdoor cookout, smoky corn