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Flavorful Grilled Corn on the Cob with Spicy Chipotle Butter

grilled corn on the cob with spicy chipotle butter - featured image

This easy grilled corn on the cob recipe features a smoky, spicy chipotle butter that enhances the natural sweetness of the corn, making it a perfect crowd-pleaser for summer gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 ears fresh corn on the cob, husked
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely minced
  • 1 tablespoon adobo sauce
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, finely chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chipotle Butter: In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, minced chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, garlic, lime juice, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until evenly incorporated.
  2. Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat, about 375°F (190°C).
  3. Prep the Corn: Husk the corn and remove all silk strands. Optionally soak the corn in cold water for 10 minutes to prevent flare-ups.
  4. Grill the Corn: Place the ears directly on the grill grates. Turn every 2-3 minutes for even cooking and grill marks. Grill for 10-12 minutes until kernels are tender and lightly charred.
  5. Apply the Chipotle Butter: Remove corn from the grill and immediately brush each ear generously with the spicy chipotle butter.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with chopped fresh cilantro if desired and serve hot. Optionally add a lime wedge on the side.

Notes

Let the butter come to room temperature for easy mixing. Turn corn every 2-3 minutes to avoid burning and ensure even cooking. For a milder version, reduce chipotle peppers or omit adobo sauce. Wrapping corn in foil after buttering and grilling for 2 minutes helps lock in moisture. Use fresh lime juice for best flavor. Plant-based margarine can be used for a dairy-free version.

Nutrition

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