Charcoal-Grilled Spiced Corn with Lime Butter
Sweet corn grilled over charcoal, brushed with a spiced lime butter for a smoky, tangy side dish. This mexican-inspired grilling (vegetarian) ready in about 22 minutes pairs ears, husked fresh corn on the cob, unsalted butter, lime zest for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 160 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 4 ears, husked fresh corn on the cob
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp lime zest
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1/2 tsp ground chili powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat a charcoal grill to medium-high heat, about 450°F, ensuring coals are glowing red with a light layer of ash.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, combine 4 tbsp unsalted butter (softened), 1 tsp lime zest, 1 tbsp lime juice, 1/2 tsp ground chili powder, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Mix until well blended.
- Step 3: Place the 4 husked ears of fresh corn directly on the grill grates. Grill for 10-12 minutes, turning every 3 minutes until the kernels are charred in spots and tender.
- Step 4: Remove the corn from the grill and immediately brush each ear generously with the prepared lime butter. Serve hot with extra lime wedges if desired.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Charcoal-Grilled Spiced Corn with Lime Butter take to make?
Total time is about 22 minutes (10 min prep + 12 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Charcoal-Grilled Spiced Corn with Lime Butter?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep unsalted butter from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Charcoal-Grilled Spiced Corn with Lime Butter?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Charcoal-Grilled Spiced Corn with Lime Butter for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Charcoal-Grilled Spiced Corn with Lime Butter vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
