Corn with Chili Lime Butter Recipe
This recipe features fresh sweet corn baked in the husk and topped with a zesty chili lime butter, creating a perfect blend of smoky, tangy, and spicy flavors. The corn is baked until tender and then brushed with a flavorful mix of butter, lime zest, lime juice, ancho and chipotle chili powders, and minced garlic, making it a delicious side dish ideal for barbecues or casual dinners.
- Author: Dylan
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings (1 ear of corn per person) 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Corn
- 10 ears fresh sweet corn (with husks)
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)
Garnish
- 1/4 cup freshly chopped cilantro (optional)
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350ºF (175ºC) to prepare for baking the corn in its husks, which steams the kernels to tender perfection.
- Bake the corn: Place the corn ears, still in their husks, directly on a baking sheet on the center oven rack. Bake for 45 minutes or until the corn is tender when pierced.
- Cool the corn: Remove the corn from the oven and allow it to cool for about 5 minutes; this makes it easier to handle when applying the butter mixture.
- Prepare chili lime butter: In a small bowl, combine softened salted butter, lime zest, lime juice, ancho chili pepper, chipotle pepper, and minced garlic. Mix thoroughly to blend flavors evenly.
- Brush the corn: Carefully peel back the corn husks without removing them completely and use a pastry brush to generously coat the warm corn with the chili lime butter mixture, allowing the butter to melt into the kernels.
- Garnish and serve: Optionally garnish with freshly chopped cilantro for an added fresh, herbaceous flavor. Serve immediately while warm for the best taste experience.
Notes
- Keeping the corn in its husks while baking steams the kernels, preserving moisture and tenderness.
- Adjust the amount of chili powders to your preferred spice level.
- Softened butter is essential for easy mixing and spreading.
- The cilantro garnish is optional but adds freshness and color.
- Make sure to let the corn cool slightly before handling to avoid burns.
- Leftover chili lime butter can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week and used on other grilled vegetables or meats.
Keywords: corn, chili lime butter, baked corn, sweet corn, Mexican side dish, ancho chili, chipotle, lime, garlic butter, cilantro garnish