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Flavorful Grilled Corn on the Cob with Chipotle Butter

grilled corn on the cob with chipotle butter - featured image

A smoky, spicy chipotle butter transforms classic grilled corn on the cob into a delicious and easy summer side dish perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 ears fresh corn on the cob, husked and cleaned
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick or 113 grams) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 to 1 1/2 teaspoons chipotle powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, finely chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Husk the corn by removing the outer leaves and silk. Rinse under cold water and pat dry with a paper towel (about 5 minutes).
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine softened unsalted butter, chipotle powder, garlic powder, lime juice, and salt. Whip with a hand mixer or fork until creamy and smooth. Stir in chopped cilantro if using (3-5 minutes).
  3. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F / 200°C). Let it come to temperature (about 10 minutes). If using charcoal, wait until coals are covered with white ash.
  4. Place corn cobs directly on the grill grates. Turn every 2-3 minutes to get even char marks all around. Grill for 10-12 minutes total until corn smells sweet and smoky with some blackened spots but not burnt.
  5. Remove corn from the grill and immediately brush with the chipotle butter, letting it melt and soak into the kernels. Use tongs to hold the corn while spreading the butter evenly. Serve hot.
  6. Optional: Sprinkle additional chopped cilantro or a squeeze of fresh lime juice over the top for extra brightness.

Notes

If you don’t have a grill, you can roast the corn in a 425°F oven for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway. For a vegan version, substitute butter with vegan butter or coconut oil. Adjust chipotle powder to taste to control heat level. Keep a spray bottle of water nearby to manage grill flare-ups. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled corn, chipotle butter, summer recipe, barbecue side dish, smoky corn, easy grilled corn, spicy butter