Corn with Chili Lime Butter Recipe
Introduction
This Corn with Chili Lime Butter is a vibrant and flavorful twist on a classic favorite. Tender roasted corn is coated with a zesty, spicy butter that brings brightness and warmth to every bite. It’s an easy side dish perfect for summer barbecues or a simple weeknight treat.
Ingredients
- 10 ears fresh sweet corn (with husks)
- 1/2 cup salted butter (softened)
- Zest and juice of 2 limes
- 2 teaspoons ancho chili pepper
- 1 teaspoon chipotle pepper
- 4 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1/4 cup freshly chopped cilantro (for garnishing, optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Place the ears of corn, still in their husks, on a baking sheet.
- Step 2: Bake the corn on the center rack for 45 minutes, or until the kernels are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Step 3: Remove the corn from the oven and allow it to cool for about 5 minutes to handle safely.
- Step 4: In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, lime zest, lime juice, ancho chili pepper, chipotle pepper, and minced garlic. Mix thoroughly until well blended.
- Step 5: Carefully peel back the husks on each ear of corn and use a pastry brush or spoon to generously coat the warm corn with the chili lime butter.
- Step 6: Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro if desired, then serve immediately while warm.
Tips & Variations
- For extra smoky flavor, grill the corn instead of baking it, turning occasionally until charred and tender.
- Adjust the amount of chili peppers to your preferred spice level or substitute with smoked paprika for milder heat.
- Use unsalted butter and add salt separately to control seasoning more precisely.
- Try adding a sprinkle of cotija cheese on top for a Mexican street corn-style twist.
Storage
Store any leftover corn in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or in an oven preheated to 300ºF until warmed through. For best flavor, brush with a little extra butter after reheating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen corn for this recipe?
Fresh corn works best due to its natural sweetness and texture, but you can use thawed frozen corn if necessary. Adjust cooking time accordingly and roast without husks in a baking dish.
Is it necessary to keep the husks on while baking?
The husks help steam the corn and keep it moist during baking, but you can remove them and wrap the corn in foil if preferred. This might result in a slightly different texture.
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Corn with Chili Lime Butter Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This vibrant Corn with Chili Lime Butter recipe features fresh sweet corn baked in its husks until tender, then coated with a zesty, spicy butter made from lime zest, fresh lime juice, ancho chili, chipotle pepper, and garlic. Garnished with chopped cilantro, this dish offers a perfect balance of smoky heat and citrus brightness, making it an ideal side for summer barbecues or festive dinners.
Ingredients
For the Corn
- 10 ears fresh sweet corn (with husks)
For the Chili Lime Butter
- 1/2 cup salted butter (softened)
- Zest and juice of 2 limes
- 2 teaspoons ancho chili pepper
- 1 teaspoon chipotle pepper
- 4 garlic cloves (minced)
For Garnish
- 1/4 cup freshly chopped cilantro (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC) and arrange a baking sheet ready for the corn.
- Bake Corn in Husks: Place the ears of corn, still in their husks, directly on the baking sheet and bake on the center rack for 45 minutes, or until the corn kernels are tender when pierced.
- Cool Corn Slightly: Remove the corn from the oven and allow it to cool for about 5 minutes to make handling safer.
- Prepare Chili Lime Butter: In a small bowl, combine the softened salted butter with the lime zest and juice, ancho chili pepper, chipotle pepper, and minced garlic. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated and smooth.
- Apply Butter to Corn: Peel back the husks from each ear carefully without removing them completely, then use a pastry brush to generously coat each ear with the prepared chili lime butter while the corn is still warm, ensuring the flavors meld well.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the corn with freshly chopped cilantro if desired, and serve warm as a flavorful side dish.
Notes
- Keeping the husks on during baking helps steam the corn, resulting in juicier kernels.
- You can adjust the chili pepper quantities to match your preferred spice level.
- The butter mixture can be prepared ahead and refrigerated; warm slightly before brushing on corn.
- For a smoky flavor, consider lightly charring the corn on a grill instead of baking.
- Leftover butter can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week and used as a spread or flavor enhancer.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: corn, chili lime butter, baked corn, summer side dish, spicy buttered corn, ancho chili, chipotle, lime zest, garlic butter
