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To make chili lime grilled corn, you need fresh and simple ingredients. This dish will burst with flavor and is easy to prepare. Here’s what you will need: - Fresh Corn (4 ears, husked) - Olive Oil (3 tablespoons) - Spices: - Chili Powder (1 teaspoon, adjust to taste) - Smoked Paprika (1/2 teaspoon) - Cayenne Pepper (1/4 teaspoon, optional for extra heat) - Lime (Juice of 2 limes and zest of 1 lime) - Cheese (1/4 cup crumbled queso fresco or feta) - Fresh Herbs (chopped cilantro for garnish) - Seasoning (sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste) Each ingredient plays a key role in creating a dish that is both zesty and satisfying. Fresh corn is the star here, offering sweetness and crunch. The olive oil helps the spices stick and brings richness. The chili powder and smoked paprika add warmth and depth. Lime juice and zest brighten the flavors. Cheese adds creaminess, while cilantro brings a fresh finish. Lastly, salt and pepper enhance all the tastes. Feel free to play with these ingredients based on what you like best. Enjoy the process of making this fun summer side dish! - Preheat the Grill Start by heating your grill to medium-high. This helps to get nice grill marks. - Make the Chili Lime Marinade In a bowl, mix together: - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon chili powder - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (if you like heat) - Juice of 2 limes - Zest of 1 lime Whisk them well to blend flavors. - Coat the Corn with Marinade Take 4 husked ears of corn. Brush them with the chili lime marinade. Make sure to cover all sides for full flavor. - Season the Corn After coating, sprinkle sea salt and black pepper on the corn for extra taste. - Cooking Time and Temperature Place the corn on the grill. Cook for 10 to 15 minutes. Turn the corn every few minutes. Look for grill marks to know it’s cooking well. - Checking for Doneness The corn is ready when it feels tender. You can poke it with a fork to check. - Adding Cheese and Garnish Once off the grill, sprinkle crumbled queso fresco or feta cheese on top. Add fresh chopped cilantro for a bright finish. - Serving with Extra Marinade Drizzle any leftover marinade over the corn. It adds more flavor and keeps it juicy. To avoid corn sticking to the grill, oil both the grill and the corn. Use a paper towel to wipe oil on the grill. This simple step helps keep your corn intact. For perfect grill marks, preheat your grill to medium-high. Place corn diagonally on the grill. Turn it every few minutes for great lines. Balancing heat and flavor is key. Start with one teaspoon of chili powder. Then, adjust based on your taste. If you like spice, add cayenne pepper. For cheese, try crumbled feta if you can't find queso fresco. Both will add creaminess and flavor. When selecting fresh corn, look for bright green husks. They should feel firm and moist. The kernels should be plump and tightly packed. Different corn varieties can change the flavor. Sweet corn offers a nice contrast to the chili and lime. This makes your dish more delicious and exciting. {{image_2}} You can make your chili lime grilled corn even spicier. Start by adding more cayenne pepper to the marinade. A little goes a long way. You can also try using different chili types. For instance, chipotle powder gives a smoky kick. If you love heat, consider using fresh jalapeños. Simply chop them finely and mix them in with the marinade. While cilantro is a classic choice, you can switch it up with other herbs. Fresh parsley or basil can add their own unique touch. For a bold flavor, try adding minced garlic or onion to the marinade. This gives a nice depth to the corn. You can roast garlic beforehand for a sweeter taste. If you want a vegan version, simply skip the cheese. You can replace queso fresco with avocado slices for creaminess. This keeps it hearty and fresh. For gluten-free needs, this recipe is already safe. The ingredients do not contain gluten, so you can enjoy it worry-free. How do you store grilled corn? First, let the corn cool down. Wrap each ear in plastic wrap or foil. Place the wrapped corn in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and tasty. You can also store it in a resealable plastic bag. Just make sure to squeeze out the air before sealing. What are the best containers for storage? Glass containers work well. They are sturdy and won’t absorb smells. You can use plastic containers too. Just ensure they are airtight to keep the corn moist. What are the best methods for reheating grilled corn? The oven is a great choice. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the corn on a baking sheet. Cover it with foil to prevent drying out. Heat for about 10 minutes, or until warm. You can also reheat corn in the microwave. Place it in a microwave-safe dish. Add a splash of water and cover it. Heat for about 1-2 minutes. Check the corn and stir if needed. What are flavor retention tips? To keep the flavor, add a bit of lime juice when reheating. This helps maintain the chili lime taste. You can also drizzle some olive oil before serving. Enjoy the fresh flavors again! Grill the corn for about 10-15 minutes. Turn it often to get even cooking. Look for nice grill marks and a tender bite. The corn should pop with flavor when you bite into it. This grilling time helps bring out its natural sweetness. I recommend using fresh corn for the best taste and texture. Frozen corn may not have the same crunch and flavor. If you only have frozen corn, thaw it first. Then grill it briefly to warm it up. This will help mimic the grilled taste. You can get creative with toppings! Try adding: - Crumbled feta or goat cheese - Sliced jalapeños for heat - Avocado slices for creaminess - A sprinkle of chili flakes for extra spice - Fresh herbs like parsley or basil for a twist These options add layers of flavor. Yes, chili lime grilled corn is great for meal prep! It holds up well in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat it on the grill or in the microwave. The flavors will still shine, making it perfect for quick meals. You now have all the tools to make delicious chili lime grilled corn. We covered key ingredients and easy steps to prepare it. Grilling tips help you avoid mishaps. Plus, we explored tasty variations and storage ideas. Experiment with flavors to find your favorite twist. This dish is perfect for gatherings or a fun side. Don’t forget to try out different herbs and spice levels. With this guide, you can enjoy fresh corn at its best, every time. Happy grilling!

Chili Lime Grilled Corn

Spruce up your summer BBQ with this irresistible Chili Lime Grilled Corn recipe! Fresh corn on the cob is grilled to perfection and slathered in a zesty chili lime marinade, topped with crumbled queso fresco and fresh cilantro. Perfect as a side dish or a flavorful snack, this recipe is simple, quick, and full of bold flavors. Click through to explore this delicious recipe and get ready to impress your guests!
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Ingredients
  

4 ears of fresh corn, husked

3 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)

Juice of 2 limes

Zest of 1 lime

1/4 cup crumbled queso fresco or feta cheese

Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish

Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.

    In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, chili powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), lime juice, and lime zest. This will create your zesty marinade.

      Brush the corn ears with the chili lime marinade, ensuring that all sides are evenly coated.

        Season the coated corn with sea salt and black pepper.

          Place the corn directly onto the grill and cook for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the corn is tender and has grill marks on all sides.

            Once grilled to perfection, remove the corn from the grill.

              While the corn is still hot, sprinkle the crumbled queso fresco over the ears of corn and garnish with chopped cilantro.

                Serve immediately, and drizzle with any remaining chili lime marinade if desired.

                  Prep Time: 10 min | Total Time: 25 min | Servings: 4