Zesty Chile Lime Grilled Corn

$- Fresh corn: 4 ears, husked and cleaned - Marinade components: - 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon chili powder - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/2 teaspoon sea salt - Juice of 2 limes (about 3 tablespoons) - Zest of 1 lime - Optional garnishes: - 1/4 cup crumbled cotija cheese - Fresh cilantro, finely chopped Fresh corn is vital for this recipe. Choose ears that feel firm and heavy. The husks should be bright green. Husk them well before you start. For the marinade, I mix olive oil, spices, and lime juice. The olive oil adds richness. Smoked paprika and chili powder add warmth. Garlic powder gives it a savory touch. Lime juice and zest bring brightness. Cotija cheese is optional but adds a creamy finish. Fresh cilantro brings color and a fresh taste. These garnishes make the dish shine. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. Aim for a temperature of about 400°F (200°C). This heat helps achieve a nice char on the corn. Make sure the grates are clean for the best cooking results. In a medium bowl, mix these ingredients for your marinade: - 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon chili powder - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/2 teaspoon sea salt - Juice of 2 limes (about 3 tablespoons) - Zest of 1 lime Whisk them together well. This blend creates a zesty flavor that makes the corn pop. Take each ear of corn and brush the marinade all over it. Make sure every part of the corn is coated. This step ensures that the flavor seeps in while grilling. Carefully place the marinated corn on the grill grates. Grill it for about 10-15 minutes. Turn the corn every 2-3 minutes. This helps it cook evenly and gives it beautiful grill marks. The corn is ready when it feels tender and has some char. If you want to use cotija cheese, sprinkle it over the corn during the last few minutes of grilling. Close the grill lid briefly. This step lets the cheese soften without melting away completely. After grilling, take the corn off the grill and let it cool for a couple of minutes. Just before serving, drizzle fresh lime juice on top, add a pinch of chili powder, and sprinkle chopped cilantro for a fresh look. To get those beautiful grill marks on your corn, preheat your grill to medium-high heat, around 400°F. This hot surface helps create a nice char. Brush your corn with the marinade before placing it on the grill. Grill the corn for 10 to 15 minutes. Turn it every 2 to 3 minutes for even cooking. You'll know it's done when the kernels are tender and slightly charred. Want to kick up the flavor? Try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat. You can also mix in some lime zest into the marinade for a brighter flavor. If you love herbs, fresh basil or oregano pairs well with the corn too. These little changes can elevate your dish and make it even more special. For a stunning display, arrange the grilled corn on a large platter. Garnish with lime wedges and fresh cilantro sprigs. You can also sprinkle extra cotija cheese on top for a creamy finish. This vibrant presentation makes it perfect for summer cookouts and gatherings. Your guests will be impressed! Pro Tips Choose Fresh Corn: Select ears of corn that are bright green with tightly wrapped husks. Fresh corn will have a sweet flavor and crisp texture, making your dish even more delicious. Marinate Longer: For an even bolder flavor, allow the corn to marinate in the olive oil and spice mixture for at least 30 minutes before grilling. This will enhance the taste and infuse the corn more thoroughly. Use High Heat: Grilling at medium-high heat ensures that the corn gets a nice char without becoming mushy. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning and achieve that perfect grill mark. Experiment with Toppings: While cotija cheese is a great addition, feel free to experiment with other toppings like feta, avocado, or even spicy mayo to customize your grilled corn to your liking. {{image_4}} You can switch up the cheese in this recipe to match your taste. Cotija cheese gives a creamy, salty punch. If you want something different, try feta or goat cheese. For a vegan option, use nutritional yeast or a vegan cheese that melts well. These changes can still keep the dish tasty and unique. Spice levels can change how you enjoy this dish. If you like heat, add more chili powder or a pinch of cayenne. For a milder flavor, reduce the chili powder. You can also mix in fresh herbs, like oregano or mint, for a fresh twist. This keeps your grilled corn exciting and full of flavor. Grilled corn pairs well with many dishes. Serve it alongside grilled meats, like chicken or steak, for a complete meal. You can also enjoy it with tacos or salads. For drinks, try pairing it with a cold beer or a zesty limeade. These combinations make your summer meals even better. To store your leftover grilled corn, first let it cool down. This step is key. Next, wrap the corn tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. This helps keep moisture in and prevents drying out. You can store the corn in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. Wrap each ear in aluminum foil and put them in a freezer bag. This way, you can enjoy that delicious flavor later on. Reheating grilled corn can be tricky. You want that fresh taste, not dried-out kernels. The best method is to use the grill again. Preheat your grill to medium heat. Place the corn back on the grill for about five minutes. Turn it often to warm it evenly. If you don't have a grill, you can use the microwave. Wrap the corn in a damp paper towel and microwave for one to two minutes. This method helps keep the corn moist and tasty. Enjoy your leftovers just as much as the first time! Grill the corn for 10 to 15 minutes. Turn it every 2 to 3 minutes. This helps it cook evenly and get those nice grill marks. You know the corn is ready when it feels tender and has a bit of char. Yes, you can make this corn in the oven. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Brush the corn with the marinade and wrap it in foil. Bake for about 20 minutes. This method gives you a similar flavor without the grill. Chile Lime Grilled Corn goes well with many dishes. You can serve it alongside grilled meats, tacos, or salads. It adds a bright, zesty flavor that enhances any meal. Try it with a refreshing salsa or a cold drink for summer fun. Fresh corn is best for this recipe. It has a sweet flavor and great texture. However, you can use frozen corn if fresh is not available. Just thaw it before marinating. Keep in mind that fresh corn will give you a better taste and crunch. To spice things up, add more chili powder or cayenne pepper to the marinade. You can also drizzle some hot sauce on the corn just before serving. If you like heat, try using a spicy cheese instead of cotija. In summary, we explored how to make delicious grilled corn with fresh ingredients. You learned about preparing the grill, mixing the marinade, and grilling techniques. We also shared storage tips and ways to enhance flavor. Grilled corn is versatile and can adapt to your taste. You can try different cheeses or spices for a unique twist. Enjoy this tasty treat with your favorite dishes. It’s easy to make and fun to share!$

Zesty Chile Lime Grilled Corn

Deliciously grilled corn on the cob with a zesty lime and chili marinade, perfect for summer cookouts.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Course Side Dish

Cuisine Mexican

Servings 4

Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients

4 ears fresh corn, husked
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon chili powder
0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
0.5 teaspoon sea salt
2 limes Juice of 2 limes (about 3 tablespoons)
1 lime Zest of 1 lime
0.25 cup crumbled cotija cheese (optional but recommended)
to taste Fresh cilantro, finely chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Begin by preheating your grill to medium-high heat, aiming for a temperature around 400°F (200°C). This will ensure perfect charring on the corn.
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, sea salt, lime juice, and lime zest. Blend all ingredients thoroughly to create a flavorful marinade.
Take each ear of corn and generously brush the marinade over the entire surface, ensuring every nook and cranny is coated with the zesty mixture.
Carefully place the marinated corn directly onto the preheated grill grates. Grill the corn for 10-15 minutes, turning every 2-3 minutes to achieve even cooking and beautiful grill marks. The corn is done when it is tender and slightly charred.
In the final minutes of grilling, if you're using cotija cheese, sprinkle it over the corn and close the grill lid briefly. This will allow the cheese to soften and adhere to the corn without fully melting away.
Once grilled to perfection, remove the corn from the grill and allow it to cool for a couple of minutes before handling.
Just before serving, enhance the corn with a drizzle of fresh lime juice, a pinch of chili powder for an extra kick, and a scattering of chopped cilantro to brighten the dish.

Notes

For an extra kick, add more chili powder or serve with lime wedges.

Keyword grilled corn, summer recipe, vegetarian