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Looking for a bold and zesty side dish? Chili Lime Grilled Corn is your ticket! This easy recipe combines fresh corn with a creamy, tangy sauce. You’ll get a delicious kick from chili powder and lime juice that will impress your guests. Perfect for barbecues or picnics, this dish is simple, fun, and packs a punch. Let’s fire up the grill and dive into this tasty treat together!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Bold Flavors: This recipe combines creamy, tangy, and spicy elements that create a delightful explosion of flavors in every bite.
- Quick and Easy: With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can whip up this delicious dish in no time, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- Grilled Goodness: The grilling process adds a smoky char that enhances the natural sweetness of the corn, making it a standout side dish for any summer barbecue.
- Customizable: Feel free to adjust the spice levels or add your favorite toppings, like avocado or jalapeños, allowing you to make it your own!
Ingredients
To make delicious Chili Lime Grilled Corn, you need the following fresh ingredients:
– Fresh corn (4 ears, husked and cleaned)
– Creamy mayonnaise (1/4 cup)
– Tangy sour cream (1/4 cup)
– Fresh lime juice (1 tablespoon)
– Fresh lime zest (1 teaspoon)
– Chili powder (1 teaspoon)
– Smoked paprika (1/2 teaspoon)
– Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon)
– Salt (to taste)
– Optional toppings: crumbled feta cheese, fresh cilantro
These ingredients come together to create a zesty and creamy flavor that will impress your family and friends. Fresh corn is key for the best taste. The creamy mayonnaise and sour cream blend create a rich sauce that pairs perfectly with the lime and spices. The optional toppings add an extra layer of flavor and color. Enjoy your grilling!

Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat the Grill
Set your grill to medium-high heat. This is about 400°F. You want it hot enough to cook the corn well. To check if it’s ready, hold your hand above the grill. If you can keep it there for only 3-4 seconds, it’s ready.
Prepare the Chili-Lime Cream
In a bowl, mix these ingredients:
– 1/4 cup creamy mayonnaise
– 1/4 cup tangy sour cream
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1 teaspoon fresh lime zest
– 1 teaspoon chili powder
– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt, to taste
Stir everything until smooth. The sauce should be thick but spreadable. Set it aside for later.
Grill the Corn
Take your husked corn and place it on the hot grill. Grill for about 10-12 minutes. Make sure to turn the corn every few minutes. This will help it cook evenly. You want to see nice char marks and feel the corn get tender.
Coat the Grilled Corn
After grilling, use tongs to take the corn off the grill. Quickly brush the chili-lime cream over each ear of corn. Make sure to cover all sides. This ensures every bite is full of flavor.
Add Feta and Garnish
While the corn is still warm, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top. This adds a creamy and salty touch. Then, finish by adding chopped cilantro for a fresh look. Serve it right away for the best taste.
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting the Grilling Technique
To get the best grilled corn, avoid these common mistakes:
– Don’t skip preheating your grill. A hot grill prevents sticking and helps form nice char marks.
– Turn the corn often. This ensures even cooking and a great char on all sides.
– Watch the time. Grill for about 10-12 minutes. Overcooking makes the corn tough.
If you don’t have a grill, you can also cook corn in the oven or on the stovetop. For the oven, wrap the corn in foil and bake at 400°F for 25 minutes. On the stovetop, boil the corn in salted water for about 5-7 minutes, then finish with the cream sauce after.
Making the Cream Sauce Ahead
You can prep the chili-lime cream sauce ahead. Mix the mayo, sour cream, lime juice, lime zest, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and salt. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. This gives the flavors time to blend well.
For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of cumin or a splash of hot sauce to the mix. These will add depth and a bit of heat.
Enhancing Flavor Profiles
To kick up the flavor, consider these spices and additions:
– Cumin adds a warm, earthy note.
– Cayenne pepper gives a spicy kick.
– Chopped jalapeños can add fresh heat.
If you like it hot, top the corn with chopped spicy peppers or sprinkle extra chili powder on top. Experimenting with different spices makes this dish fun and unique!
Pro Tips
- Choose Fresh Corn: The best flavor comes from fresh corn. Look for ears with bright green husks and plump, moist kernels for the sweetest taste.
- Don’t Overcook: Keep an eye on your corn while grilling. Overcooking can lead to tough and chewy kernels; aim for a tender bite with nice char marks.
- Customize Your Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chili powder to suit your taste. For a milder version, use less, or substitute with paprika for flavor without the heat.
- Serve Immediately: Grilled corn is best enjoyed fresh off the grill. The flavors of the chili-lime cream are at their peak when served hot!

Variations
Vegetarian Options
You can make this dish even better with some simple swaps. Use vegan mayonnaise and plant-based sour cream to keep it vegetarian. This keeps the flavors rich, while meeting dietary needs. Instead of corn, try using zucchini or bell peppers. Both grill well and absorb flavors beautifully.
Different Flavor Combinations
Want to spice things up? Add cumin or paprika to the sauce for a different taste. You can also mix in fresh herbs like basil or parsley. These will bring a fresh twist to your corn. For toppings, think outside the box! Try sliced jalapeños for heat or avocado for creaminess. Crushed nuts can add a nice crunch too.
Serving Suggestions
Chili lime grilled corn pairs well with many dishes. Serve it alongside grilled chicken or fish for a tasty meal. It also works great at barbecues or picnics. This corn shines as a side dish during summer gatherings. Add it to your taco night for an extra kick!
Storage Info
Storing Leftover Corn
To keep your chili lime grilled corn fresh, follow these steps:
– Refrigeration: Wrap leftover corn in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. Store it in the fridge. This helps maintain its flavor and moisture for up to three days.
– Reheating Tips: When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, heat the corn in a skillet over medium heat. This method helps keep the corn juicy and enhances the flavors. You can also use a microwave, but be careful not to overcook it.
Freezing Chili Lime Grilled Corn
If you want to save your grilled corn for later, freezing is a great option.
– Preparation for Freezing: Allow the corn to cool completely. Then, cut the kernels off the cob. Place the kernels in a freezer-safe bag or container. Make sure to squeeze out any air to prevent freezer burn.
– Thawing and Reheating Instructions: When you’re ready to use the frozen corn, take it out and let it thaw in the fridge overnight. To reheat, use a skillet on medium heat or microwave it. For extra flavor, add a bit of butter or a sprinkle of lime juice.
FAQs
How can I make this recipe vegan?
To make this recipe vegan, swap out the mayo and sour cream.
– Use vegan mayonnaise.
– Try coconut yogurt for a creamy texture.
– Add lime juice and zest to keep the flavor bright.
These plant-based swaps keep the dish tasty and fresh.
Can I use frozen corn for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen corn.
– Frozen corn can taste good but may be less sweet.
– It might not have the same crunch as fresh corn.
If using frozen corn, grill it for a shorter time, around 8-10 minutes.
What other spices can I use for a unique flavor?
You can try many spices for a fun twist.
– Add cumin for a warm, earthy taste.
– Use paprika for extra smokiness.
– Try cayenne pepper for some heat.
Fresh herbs like parsley or basil can also add a nice touch.
In this blog post, we explored a vibrant recipe for chili-lime grilled corn. We detailed key ingredients like fresh corn and creamy sauces, then walked through easy grilling steps. I shared tips for perfect cooking and flavor boosts. We also covered variations to suit different tastes.
Overall, this dish is not just tasty but fun to make. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and serving it at your next gathering. Happy grillin
Chili Lime Grilled Corn Delight
A deliciously grilled corn dish coated with a creamy chili-lime sauce, perfect for summer barbecues.
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 20 minutes mins
Total Time 30 minutes mins
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 4
Calories 200 kcal
- 4 ears fresh corn, husked and thoroughly cleaned
- 0.25 cup creamy mayonnaise
- 0.25 cup tangy sour cream
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1 teaspoon fresh lime zest
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
- to taste salt
- crumbled feta cheese (optional)
- fresh cilantro, finely chopped (for garnish)
Preheat your Grill: Set your grill to medium-high heat, allowing it to warm up thoroughly for optimal grilling.
Prepare the Chili-Lime Cream: In a mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, lime zest, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. Stir the mixture until it becomes a smooth, well-incorporated sauce. Set this flavorful mix aside for later use.
Grill the Corn: Place the cleaned corn directly onto the preheated grill grates. Grill for approximately 10-12 minutes, turning the corn occasionally to ensure even cooking. You’re looking for tender corn with beautiful char marks.
Coat the Grilled Corn: Once the corn is perfectly grilled, carefully remove it from the grill using tongs. Immediately brush each ear of corn generously with the prepared chili-lime cream, ensuring that all sides are well-coated for maximum flavor.
Add Feta for Extra Flavor: If you prefer, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the coated corn while it's still warm. This adds a delightful creamy and salty contrast.
Garnish and Serve: Finally, finish by garnishing the corn with freshly chopped cilantro. Serve immediately for the best taste and visual appeal.
Serve on a rustic wooden board or stylish plates with lime wedges.
Keyword chili lime, grilled corn, summer recipe
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