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Flavorful Grilled Corn on the Cob with Smoky Chipotle Butter

grilled corn with chipotle butter - featured image

This grilled corn on the cob recipe features a smoky, spicy chipotle butter that elevates the natural sweetness of corn, perfect for summer BBQs and gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 ears fresh corn on the cob, husked
  • ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 teaspoon chipotle chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, finely chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prep the chipotle butter: In a mixing bowl, combine softened unsalted butter with chipotle chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, lime juice, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until smooth and well blended. Adjust seasoning to taste. Keep at room temperature for easy spreading.
  2. Prepare the corn: Husk the corn, removing all silk threads. Trim ends if needed for even cooking. Pat dry with a kitchen towel to prevent flare-ups.
  3. Preheat the grill: Light grill and bring to medium-high heat (around 400°F or 200°C). Oil grill grates lightly with a paper towel dipped in oil to prevent sticking.
  4. Grill the corn: Place corn directly on grill grates. Turn every 3-4 minutes using tongs for even char marks and smoky flavor. Grill for about 15 minutes until kernels are lightly blackened and toasty.
  5. Apply the chipotle butter: Remove corn from grill and brush generously with the warm chipotle butter. The butter will melt and soak into the kernels.
  6. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro over the buttered corn. Serve immediately while hot and juicy.

Notes

If chipotle butter is too firm to spread, soften in microwave for about 10 seconds. For indoor cooking, use a grill pan or roast corn in oven at 425°F (220°C) for 20 minutes, turning once. Butter can be made up to 2 days ahead and refrigerated. Adjust chipotle powder to taste for milder or spicier flavor. Vegan butter can be used for a dairy-free option.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled corn, chipotle butter, summer BBQ, smoky corn, easy side dish, spicy butter, corn on the cob