Go Back
For this Chili Lime Grilled Corn, you need simple and fresh ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need: - 4 ears of fresh corn, husked - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon chili powder - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika - Zest of 1 lime - 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice - 1/4 cup cotija cheese, crumbled - Fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish - Salt and pepper, to taste These ingredients give the corn a bright, zesty flavor. The fresh corn adds sweetness, while lime and chili bring the heat. The cotija cheese adds a salty touch, making each bite delicious. You can find the full recipe in the main article. Enjoy preparing this tasty dish! Start by turning on your grill. Set it to medium-high heat. This will get the grill hot enough for cooking corn. You want to hear that sizzle when the corn hits the grill. In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, chili powder, and smoked paprika. Then add the lime zest and lime juice. Don't forget to add salt and pepper to taste. This marinade will give the corn a bright flavor. Take the husked corn and brush it with the marinade. Make sure to coat each ear well. Place the corn on the grill. Cook for about 10 to 12 minutes. Turn the corn every few minutes. This helps it cook evenly. You want nice grill marks and tender kernels. Once the corn is cooked, carefully remove it from the grill. Let it cool for a minute. Then sprinkle crumbled cotija cheese on top. Add chopped cilantro for a fresh touch. If you like, squeeze more lime juice over the corn. Enjoy your tasty chili lime grilled corn! For the full recipe, check out the details above. When picking corn, look for fresh ears. The husks should be bright green. Look for kernels that are plump and firm. They should feel tight against the cob. Sweet corn works best for this recipe. It gives a nice sweetness that pairs well with lime and chili. If you can, buy corn from local farmers. Fresh corn tastes the best and supports your community. You can switch up the marinade if you want different flavors. Try adding garlic powder for a savory kick. A pinch of cayenne can add extra heat. If you like a tangy twist, mix in some orange juice. You can also use different herbs, like parsley or chives, instead of cilantro. Each option will give your corn a unique flavor. To get those perfect grill marks, preheat your grill well. A hot grill is key for good marks. Place the corn directly on the grates, not too close together. Turn the corn every few minutes. This helps the corn cook evenly and gets those nice charred lines. Keep an eye on it; you want the kernels to be tender but not burnt. Enjoy that beautiful color and flavor! {{image_2}} To spice things up, you can add jalapeños to the marinade. Chop one or two jalapeños finely and mix them in. This gives the corn a fiery kick. I love the heat paired with the lime’s zest. You can also sprinkle cayenne pepper over the corn after grilling. This will give you a bold flavor that bites back. Adjust the spice level to fit your taste. A little heat makes the corn even more fun to eat! If you want a vegetarian twist, skip the cheese or use a plant-based option. Nutritional yeast can add a cheesy flavor without dairy. You can also try adding avocado slices on top. The creamy texture pairs well with the corn’s crunch. Another option is to mix in fresh diced tomatoes and onions for extra freshness. These toppings give the dish a colorful and tasty twist! You can play with different cheeses for more flavor. Feta cheese or parmesan can be great substitutes for cotija. Feta brings a tangy flavor, while parmesan adds a rich, nutty taste. Try mixing a blend of cheeses for a unique touch. The choice of cheese can change the whole vibe of the dish. It’s fun to experiment and find what you like best. For the full recipe, check out the detailed steps provided earlier! Store leftover chili lime grilled corn in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to three days. If you want to enjoy it later, make sure it cools down first. This helps maintain the flavor and texture. To reheat the corn, you can use the grill or oven for the best taste. Preheat your grill to low. Place the corn on it for about five minutes, turning it until warm. If using an oven, wrap the corn in foil and heat at 350°F for about 10 minutes. This keeps the corn juicy and tasty. You can freeze uncooked corn for later use. First, husk the corn and remove the silk. Then, blanch the corn in boiling water for about four minutes. After blanching, cool it in ice water. Drain and pat dry. Finally, pack the corn in freezer bags and remove as much air as possible. Frozen corn can last up to six months. Grill corn for about 10 to 12 minutes. Turn it every few minutes. This helps get nice grill marks and cooks the corn evenly. The kernels should feel tender when done. Yes, you can skip the cheese. The dish will still taste great. You can even add more lime juice for extra flavor. Try using avocado instead for creaminess. Chili lime grilled corn pairs well with many sides. Try serving it with grilled chicken or fish. It also goes nicely with a fresh salad or rice dishes. Corn is a great side for summer barbecues. To spice it up, add more chili powder. You can also use fresh chopped jalapeños or hot sauce. A pinch of cayenne pepper will add heat too. Adjust to your taste for the perfect kick! Frozen corn can work, but it won't have the same texture. Fresh corn gives a better crunch. If using frozen, thaw it first and grill it for about 6 to 8 minutes. Check for tenderness while grilling. This blog post shared a tasty recipe for Chili Lime Grilled Corn. We learned about fresh ingredients, step-by-step grilling, and simple storage tips. You can try various variations, too! In the end, grilled corn can impress any guest. Experiment with the flavors to make it your own. Enjoy your cooking and happy grilling!

Chili Lime Grilled Corn

Savor the flavor of summer with this Chili Lime Grilled Corn recipe! This easy dish features fresh corn grilled to perfection and coated in a zesty, smoky marinade. Topped with crumbled cotija cheese and fresh cilantro, it's a delicious side for any barbecue. Ready in just 20 minutes, this recipe is perfect for gatherings. Click through to discover how to make this mouthwatering treat that will impress your friends and family!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

4 ears of fresh corn, husked

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon chili powder

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

Zest of 1 lime

2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

1/4 cup cotija cheese, crumbled

Fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish

Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions
 

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.

    In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, chili powder, smoked paprika, lime zest, lime juice, salt, and pepper to create a marinade.

      Brush the marinade generously over each ear of corn, ensuring they're well-coated.

        Place the corn directly on the hot grill and cook for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally until the kernels are tender and have nice grill marks.

          Once cooked, remove the corn from the grill and let it cool for a minute.

            Sprinkle the crumbled cotija cheese over the warm corn and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro.

              Serve immediately, squeezing extra lime juice on top if desired!

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