Charred Corn and Zucchini Skewers with Chili Lime Butter
Sweet corn and tender zucchini grilled on skewers, brushed with a spicy chili lime butter for a smoky vibrant side. This american-inspired grilling (vegetarian) ready in about 22 minutes pairs fresh corn kernels, medium zucchini, cut into 1-inch rounds, unsalted butter, softened for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 140 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
- 2 cups fresh corn kernels
- 2 medium zucchini, cut into 1-inch rounds
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tsp lime zest
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 4 skewers wooden skewers, soaked
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, combine 4 tbsp softened unsalted butter, 1 tsp lime zest, 1 tbsp lime juice, 1/2 tsp chili powder, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until smooth and well blended.
- Step 2: Thread 2 cups fresh corn kernels and 2 medium zucchini rounds (cut into 1-inch slices) alternately onto 4 soaked wooden skewers, packing them snugly.
- Step 3: Preheat grill to medium heat (about 375°F) and oil the grates.
- Step 4: Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 10-12 minutes, turning every 3 minutes, until the corn chars lightly and zucchini is tender with grill marks.
- Step 5: During the last 2 minutes of cooking, brush the skewers generously with the chili lime butter, allowing it to melt and infuse flavor.
- Step 6: Remove from grill and serve immediately, passing extra chili lime butter on the side.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Charred Corn and Zucchini Skewers with Chili 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 Charred Corn and Zucchini Skewers with Chili 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 fresh corn kernels from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Charred Corn and Zucchini Skewers with Chili 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 Charred Corn and Zucchini Skewers with Chili 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 Charred Corn and Zucchini Skewers with Chili 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.
