Zesty Chili Lime Grilled Corn

$- 4 ears of fresh corn, husked - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon chili powder - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - Zest of 1 lime - 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional) - Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish When selecting corn, choose fresh ears with bright green husks. The kernels should feel plump and firm. If you can, try to buy corn from local farmers' markets. It tastes sweeter that way. You can add optional ingredients to enhance your grilled corn. Crumbled feta cheese gives a nice salty flavor. It melts a bit on the hot corn, adding creaminess. Fresh cilantro adds color and freshness. You can use it as a garnish to make the dish pop. These ingredients combine to create a bold flavor that makes your summer grilling special. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, it's time to prep the corn. First, husk the ears of corn. Remove all the green leaves and silk. Rinse the corn under cool water to clean it. This step is key for a fresh taste. Next, let's make the marinade. In a small bowl, mix together: - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon chili powder - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - Zest of 1 lime - 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice - Salt and pepper to taste Stir well until all the ingredients blend. This marinade adds flavor and zest to the corn. Now, we move to the grill. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This step is important for getting a nice char on the corn. Once heated, brush the corn with the marinade. Make sure each ear gets coated evenly. Place the corn directly on the grill grates. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally. You want the corn to be charred and cooked through. After grilling, remove the corn from the grill. Allow it to cool for a few minutes. This helps avoid burns when you eat it. To add the final touches, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the hot corn if you like. The heat will make the cheese melt just a bit. Finally, garnish with freshly chopped cilantro for a bright look. Serve the grilled corn on a platter with lime wedges for extra zing. Enjoy this summer delight! To make your chili lime grilled corn pop, balance spice and tang. Use just the right amount of chili powder and lime juice. Start with one teaspoon of chili powder. You can always add more if you like it spicier. The lime juice brings a fresh zing that cuts through the heat. When marinating the corn, let it soak in the flavor. Brush on the marinade well. Make sure every inch of the corn gets coated. This way, each bite bursts with flavor. For best results, marinate the corn for at least 30 minutes. If time allows, go for a few hours. Keep your grill at medium-high heat. This temperature gives great char without burning the corn. If it’s too hot, the outside will cook too fast. If it’s too cool, the corn will steam instead of grill. To tell when the corn is done, look for charred spots. It should take about 10-12 minutes. Turn the corn every few minutes for even cooking. Once it’s tender and golden, it’s ready to enjoy! Pair your grilled corn with a fresh salad or grilled meats. The flavors work well together. You can also serve it alongside tacos for a fun, festive meal. For gatherings, get creative with how you serve the corn. Place it on a big platter with lime wedges. Add a sprinkle of cilantro for color. You can even cut the corn off the cob and serve it in a bowl for easy eating. Pro Tips Grill Temperature: Ensure your grill is preheated to medium-high for optimal charring and cooking of the corn. Marinade Time: For a deeper flavor, let the corn marinate in the olive oil mixture for 15-30 minutes before grilling. Feta Cheese Tip: If using feta cheese, crumble it over the corn immediately after taking it off the grill for a melty finish. Cilantro Alternatives: If you’re not a fan of cilantro, try using fresh parsley or chives for a different flavor profile. {{image_2}} You can change the chili powder for different flavors. Try using chipotle for a smoky kick. Cayenne adds heat if you like it spicy. You can also mix in some cumin for a warm, earthy taste. Adding lime zest gives a bright pop. Try lemon or orange zest for a fun twist. If you're vegan, skip the feta cheese. You can use a dairy-free cheese or leave it out. The corn will still taste great! For gluten-free folks, this dish is safe. All ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just check your spice labels to be sure. You can make this corn in the oven or on the grill. Oven roasting gives a nice, even cook. Set your oven to 400°F and roast for 20-25 minutes. Broiling is another option for a crisp texture. Place the corn under the broiler for 10-12 minutes, turning often for even charring. Both methods work well for this tasty dish! To keep your grilled corn fresh, let it cool first. Wrap each ear in plastic wrap. You can also use a food storage container. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. This method keeps it tasty and prevents drying. When you want to eat leftover corn, reheat it gently. The best way is to use a grill or stovetop. Heat it for about 5 minutes until warm. If you use a microwave, cover it with a damp paper towel. This helps it stay moist. Avoid high heat to prevent drying out the corn. You can freeze corn before grilling. Just husk it and wrap it tightly. It can last up to six months in the freezer. If you want to freeze it after grilling, let it cool first. Then, store it in freezer bags. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. This keeps the flavor bright and fresh. You can tell when corn is done by looking for a few signs. The kernels should be bright yellow and slightly charred. They will also feel tender when you press them. The sweet smell of grilling corn is another good sign. It usually takes 10-12 minutes on medium-high heat. Turn the corn a few times for an even cook. Yes, you can use frozen corn! However, you’ll need to adjust the cooking time. Frozen corn is often blanched, so it cooks faster. Thaw the corn first and pat it dry to remove excess moisture. Then, follow the same marinating and grilling steps. Keep an eye on the corn, as it may only need about 5-7 minutes on the grill. If you don't have feta cheese, don't worry! There are tasty alternatives. Cotija cheese is a great choice for a similar flavor. You can also use queso fresco or even a sprinkle of Parmesan. For a dairy-free option, try avocado slices or a drizzle of tahini. All these options add a nice touch to the chili lime corn. In this blog post, we explored how to create delicious grilled corn. We covered ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips for better flavor and grilling. You learned about storage, variations, and answers to common questions. Grilled corn can be simple yet fun. Experiment with flavors and serving ideas. With a little practice, you'll impress your family and friends with tasty corn every time. Enjoy your grilling adventures!$

Zesty Chili Lime Grilled Corn

Grilled corn on the cob with a zesty chili lime marinade, topped with feta and cilantro.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 10

Total Time 20

Course Side Dish

Cuisine Mexican

Servings 4

Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients

4 ears fresh corn, husked
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 lime zest
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
to taste salt and pepper
0.25 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
for garnish fresh cilantro, chopped

Instructions

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, lime zest, lime juice, salt, and pepper to create a marinade.
Brush the husked corn evenly with the marinade, ensuring that the mixture adheres well to each ear.
Place the corn directly on the grill grates and cook for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally until the corn is charred and cooked through.
Once cooked, remove the corn from the grill and allow it to cool slightly.
If desired, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the hot corn, allowing it to melt slightly.
Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro before serving.

Notes

Serve with lime wedges for extra zest.

Keyword chili lime, grilled corn, vegetarian