This zesty grilled corn is bursting with fresh lime juice, tangy cheese, and a hint of spice that perfectly captures the flavors of a classic margarita. It’s an easy and delicious way to elevate your summer cookouts.
Ingredients
- 4 ears corn, with husks
- lukewarm water, as needed
- 2 tablespoons sea salt
- 2 grated lime zest
- ¼ cup butter, melted
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
Step 1
Peel back the husks of each ear of corn, but don’t pull them all the way off—leave them attached at the base. Carefully remove all the silk from around the kernels. Once that’s done, fold the husks back over the corn and soak the ears in a bowl of lukewarm water for about an hour.
Step 2
While the corn is soaking, get your grill heating up to medium-high and give the grate a light oiling so the corn won’t stick. In a small bowl, mix together some salt and lime zest to make a flavorful seasoning.
Step 3
After soaking, take the corn out of the water and peel back the husks again, still keeping them attached at the bottom. Pat the corn dry with paper towels, but leave the husks damp. Brush each ear with melted butter, then sprinkle the lime salt and a little chili powder all over the kernels for a nice kick.
Step 4
Place the corn on the hot grill and turn it every few minutes so it cooks evenly. Keep grilling until the corn is tender and has a bit of char, which should take around 25 minutes. Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen or pre-shucked corn for this recipe?
Fresh corn with husks works best for soaking and grilling, but you can try fresh shucked corn if husked corn isn’t available. Frozen is not recommended.
Why do I soak the corn in water before grilling?
Soaking keeps the husks damp, which helps steam the corn and prevents the husks from burning on the grill.
Can I prepare the lime salt seasoning ahead of time?
Yes, you can mix the sea salt and lime zest in advance and store it in an airtight container until ready to use.
How do I know when the corn is done on the grill?
The corn is ready when it’s tender and has a light char, usually after about 25 minutes of turning every few minutes.
Can I substitute the chili powder with something else?
Yes, you can use smoked paprika, cayenne, or a chili-lime seasoning blend depending on your spice preference.
Is it okay to grill the corn without the husks?
You can, but husks help steam the corn and protect it from burning, so grilling without husks requires careful attention and more frequent turning.
What if I don’t have lime zest?
You can substitute with lemon zest or a small amount of lime juice added after grilling for a similar citrus flavor.
Can I make this recipe on a stovetop grill pan?
Yes, just maintain medium-high heat and turn the corn regularly to mimic outdoor grilling.
VP
By Vikram Patel
Recipe Writer
Vikram writes simple recipes with helpful tips to make cooking easier and more enjoyable.
