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Flavorful Grilled Corn with Chili-Lime Butter and Cotija Cheese

grilled corn with chili-lime butter and Cotija cheese - featured image

A quick and easy grilled corn recipe featuring chili-lime butter and tangy Cotija cheese, perfect for summer BBQs and packed with smoky, tangy, and creamy flavors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 ears fresh corn on the cob, husked
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • Juice of 1 large lime
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 cup Cotija cheese, crumbled
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, finely chopped (optional)
  • Salt to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. In a small bowl, combine softened unsalted butter, fresh lime juice, chili powder, and garlic powder. Mix well until smooth. Adjust seasoning with salt or more chili powder if desired.
  2. Preheat grill to medium-high heat (around 375°F/190°C). If using charcoal, wait until coals are covered in white ash.
  3. Husk the corn and remove all silk strands. Pat dry with a towel to prevent flare-ups. Optionally soak corn in cold water for 10 minutes for juicier kernels.
  4. Place corn directly on grill grates. Turn every 2-3 minutes using tongs, grilling for 10-12 minutes until evenly charred and slightly caramelized.
  5. Remove corn from grill and immediately brush generously with chili-lime butter while still hot.
  6. Sprinkle crumbled Cotija cheese over the buttered corn. Garnish with chopped cilantro and a pinch of sea salt flakes to taste.
  7. Serve warm immediately. Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated on the grill or in the oven.

Notes

Pat corn dry before grilling to avoid flare-ups. Turn corn frequently for even cooking. Apply chili-lime butter immediately after grilling to melt into kernels. Use fresh lime juice for best flavor. Cotija cheese should be firm and crumbly. For dairy-free, substitute butter with olive oil and omit or replace cheese with vegan alternative. Leftovers reheat well on grill or oven; avoid microwave to prevent rubbery texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled corn, chili-lime butter, Cotija cheese, summer BBQ, Mexican street corn, easy side dish, smoky corn, summer recipe