Zesty Lime Grilled Corn

$- 4 ears of corn, husked - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted - Zest and juice of 2 limes - 1 teaspoon chili powder - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat) - Fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish - Cotija cheese, crumbled (optional) The key to great Zesty Lime Grilled Corn lies in the ingredients. Fresh corn is essential. Choose ears with bright green husks and plump kernels. The butter adds richness, while lime zest and juice bring a fresh, tangy kick. For the spices, I like to use chili powder, garlic powder, and cumin for depth. A pinch of salt enhances all the flavors. If you enjoy a little heat, cayenne pepper does the trick. Garnishes are optional, but they really elevate the dish. Fresh cilantro adds a burst of color and flavor. Crumbled Cotija cheese gives a creamy, salty finish. You can mix and match these ingredients to suit your taste. Enjoy the process and get creative with your Zesty Lime Grilled Corn! {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Husking the corn: Start by removing the outer leaves and silk from each ear of corn. Make sure to clean them well. This step ensures a tasty bite without any tough bits. 2. Preparing the marinade: In a bowl, mix together the melted butter, lime zest, lime juice, chili powder, garlic powder, ground cumin, salt, and cayenne pepper. Stir until smooth. This zesty mix is key to flavoring the corn. 1. Preheating the grill: Get your grill hot by setting it to medium-high heat. This helps achieve those beautiful grill marks. 2. Applying the marinade: Brush the corn with the zesty marinade. Make sure to cover all sides for maximum flavor. 3. Grilling techniques and timing: Place the corn on the grill. Turn the ears every few minutes. Grill for about 10-15 minutes. Look for tender kernels and a slight char. That’s when it’s perfect! 1. Cooling period after grilling: Once grilled, take the corn off the grill and let it cool for 5 minutes. This makes it easier to handle. 2. Garnishing with Cotija cheese and cilantro: If you like, sprinkle crumbled Cotija cheese and fresh cilantro on top. These add a nice touch to your dish. 3. Serving with lime wedges: Serve your corn with extra lime wedges on the side. This lets everyone add more zest to their taste! To get those perfect grill marks, start with even cooking. Make sure your grill is hot and clean. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This helps the corn cook well without burning. Turn the corn every few minutes. This way, all sides will get nice char marks. Want to kick up the flavor? You can add more lime juice for extra zing. If you like heat, try adding a splash of hot sauce to the marinade. You can also experiment with different spices. Try smoked paprika or even a pinch of cayenne. Each spice adds its own twist. Prevent your corn from sticking by oiling the grill grates. A light coat of oil helps keep the corn from getting stuck. To keep the corn juicy, avoid overcooking it. Grill for about 10 to 15 minutes. Check for tender kernels that are slightly charred. If you want, cover the corn with foil for a few minutes after grilling. This traps steam and keeps it moist. Pro Tips Use Fresh Corn: For the best flavor, choose fresh, in-season corn. Look for ears with bright green husks and plump kernels. Marinate Ahead: For a deeper flavor, marinate the corn in the butter and spice mixture for at least 30 minutes before grilling. Control the Heat: Adjust the grilling time based on your preferred level of char. Keep an eye on the corn to avoid burning. Add Extra Zing: Don't hesitate to squeeze more lime over the grilled corn right before serving for an extra burst of flavor. {{image_2}} You can change the flavor of your grilled corn by using different spices. Try mixing in smoked paprika for a rich, smoky taste. This spice adds depth and warmth. You can also play with other spices like cumin or even Italian herbs. Each option offers a new twist that can surprise your taste buds. For those who prefer plant-based meals, there are easy swaps. Use coconut oil or olive oil instead of butter for a dairy-free option. This keeps the corn moist and flavorful. You can also sprinkle on vegan cheese instead of Cotija cheese. This way, you can enjoy the same creamy texture without any dairy. You can serve your grilled corn in two main ways: on the cob or off the cob. Corn on the cob is fun and messy. It’s perfect for summer cookouts. If you prefer, cut the kernels off the cob for salads. This allows you to mix the corn into fresh greens and other toppings. Both styles bring joy to your meal! To keep your zesty lime grilled corn fresh, use airtight containers. Glass or plastic containers work well. Wrap each ear in foil or plastic wrap for extra protection. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. The corn tastes best fresh, but you can enjoy leftovers too! To reheat grilled corn, you can use a grill, oven, or microwave. For the grill or oven, preheat to medium heat. Place the corn on the grill or in the oven for about 5 minutes. Turn it to heat evenly. For the microwave, wrap the corn in a damp paper towel. Heat it for about 1-2 minutes. To avoid dryness, add a bit of butter or water before reheating. This keeps the corn juicy and tasty. You should grill corn for about 10 to 15 minutes. This time allows the kernels to become tender and slightly charred. Turn the corn every few minutes to cook it evenly. Keep an eye on the color; a little char adds great flavor! Yes, you can use frozen corn, but it works best if you thaw it first. Thaw the corn in the fridge overnight or run it under warm water. Once thawed, you can brush it with the zesty marinade and grill. Just remember, frozen corn may not get as charred as fresh corn. The best way to season grilled corn is to use a mix of lime, butter, and spices. You can try other flavors too! Some good options are smoked paprika or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. If you want extra zing, add more lime juice or zest. Feel free to mix and match spices to find your favorite blend! This blog post covered how to make the best grilled corn. You learned about the key ingredients and step-by-step grilling instructions. We also explored tips for perfect grill marks and exciting variations. Storing and reheating grilled corn was discussed to keep it fresh. Grilled corn is versatile and easy to customize. Try different spices and serving styles to make it your own. Enjoy the process, and make a batch for your next gathering!$

Looking for a delicious grilled corn recipe? Try this zesty lime grilled corn! This vibrant dish brings the flavors of Mexican street corn to your backyard. With lime juice, chili powder, and creamy Cotija cheese, this zesty corn on the cob will be the star of your summer barbeque. Perfect for your next cookout, it's easy to make on the grill. Save this lime grilled corn recipe for your next gathering! #GrilledCorn #ZestyCorn #CornOnTheGrill #MexicanStreetCorn

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Ingredients

4 ears of corn, husked

1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

Zest of 2 limes

Juice of 2 limes

1 teaspoon chili powder

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)

Fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish

Cotija cheese, crumbled (optional)

Instructions

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.

In a bowl, combine the melted butter, lime zest, lime juice, chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and cayenne pepper. Mix well to create a zesty marinade.

Brush the prepared marinade generously over all sides of each ear of corn.

Place the corn on the hot grill, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking. Grill for about 10-15 minutes or until the kernels are tender and slightly charred.

Once grilled, remove the corn from the grill and let it cool for 5 minutes.

If desired, sprinkle with crumbled Cotija cheese and fresh cilantro before serving.

Serve with extra lime wedges on the side for additional zest!

Prep Time: 10 min | Total Time: 25 min | Servings: 4