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.
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.
Related recipes
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
