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- 4 ears of fresh corn, husked - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 1 teaspoon chili powder - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika - Juice from 2 fresh limes - 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese or cotija cheese - Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste To make Chili Lime Grilled Corn, you need the best ingredients. Start with fresh corn. Look for ears with bright green husks. They should feel firm and heavy. This means they are sweet and juicy. Next, gather your seasoning and marinade ingredients. Extra virgin olive oil adds richness. Chili powder gives it heat. The smoked paprika adds a nice depth. Fresh lime juice adds a zesty kick. You want to balance the flavors well. Finally, choose your cheese and garnish. Feta or cotija cheese brings creaminess. Fresh cilantro adds color and flavor. You can adjust these toppings based on your taste. For a full recipe, check the details above. Enjoy making this tasty side dish! Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. Aim for about 400°F (204°C). This temperature helps to sear the corn well. While the grill heats, make sure to keep safety in mind. Always use long-handled tools to avoid burns. Keep a spray bottle of water nearby in case of flare-ups. Next, it’s time to prepare the corn. First, remove the husks and silk from the ears of corn. This is important for a clean grill experience. Rinse the corn under cold water to wash off any dirt. This step ensures your corn is ready for the grill and will taste fresh. Now, let's make the marinade. In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika, and the juice from 2 fresh limes. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Whisk it all together until mixed well. Use a basting brush to coat each ear of corn with the marinade. Make sure every side is covered to get that full flavor. Once the corn is marinated, place it directly on the grill. Grill the corn for about 10 to 12 minutes. Turn the corn every few minutes. This helps achieve even charring on all sides. You want it to be tender with a nice char. After grilling, carefully take the corn off the grill. For the finishing touch, sprinkle some crumbled feta or cotija cheese over the corn while it’s still hot. This lets the cheese melt slightly. Drizzle any leftover marinade on top and add fresh chopped cilantro for a burst of color and flavor. For the full recipe, check out the details above. Enjoy your delicious Chili Lime Grilled Corn! To make your chili lime grilled corn even better, consider adding spices like cumin or garlic powder. These spices bring a warm, savory note that complements the corn well. If you want more heat, add cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños. Adjust the chili powder based on your taste. Less for a mild flavor or more for a spicy kick. Using the right tools can help you grill corn with ease. A basting brush is perfect for applying the marinade. A grill basket keeps the corn secure and makes flipping easy. Avoid common mistakes like cooking on too high heat. This can burn the corn before it cooks through. Turn the ears every few minutes for even cooking. For an eye-catching presentation, serve the grilled corn on a rustic wooden platter. This adds a nice touch to your table. Place lime wedges around the corn for a pop of color. You can also sprinkle extra cilantro on top for a fresh look. Pair it with grilled meats or salads to create a complete meal. Enjoy the vibrant flavors and visual appeal of this summer side dish with these tips! For the full recipe, check out the complete guide. {{image_4}} You can easily change the cheese in this dish. If you want a vegan option, try using a plant-based feta. It gives a similar taste without dairy. For a twist, you can also use goat cheese. It adds a nice tang. You can also switch up herbs and spices. Instead of cilantro, try fresh parsley or green onions. If you want more heat, add jalapeño or cayenne pepper to the marinade. For a sweeter note, sprinkle some chili flakes or smoked paprika. No grill? No problem! You can roast corn in the oven. Wrap the corn in foil and bake it at 400°F (204°C) for 25-30 minutes. This method keeps the corn juicy and tender. Another way is to use a stovetop grill pan. Heat the pan over medium-high heat and grill the corn for about 10 minutes. Turn it often for even cooking. If you choose to roast corn in the husk, soak it in water for 30 minutes. This keeps the corn moist while cooking. Just make sure to remove the silk before grilling. Chili lime grilled corn pairs well with many dishes. Serve it alongside grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal. It also goes great with summer salads, like a fresh tomato salad or a cucumber salad. For drinks, a cold beer or a zesty lemonade complements the corn's flavors. If you prefer wine, try a light white wine like Sauvignon Blanc. It enhances the meal without overpowering it. Don't forget to check out the Full Recipe to get all the details on this tasty dish! To store grilled corn, let it cool first. This helps keep moisture in check. Wrap each ear in plastic wrap or foil. You can also place them in an airtight container. This method keeps the corn fresh for up to three days. Refrigerate the corn right after it cools down. If you have leftover marinade, store it in a separate container. It can last for a week in the fridge. Reheating corn can keep it tasty and fresh. The best way is to use a grill. Heat the grill to medium. Grill the corn for about 5 minutes, turning it often. This keeps the flavor and texture just right. If you don't have a grill, use a microwave. Place the corn on a plate and cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat it on high for about 1-2 minutes. Check to see if it's warm enough. You can also use the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Wrap the corn in foil and heat for 10-15 minutes. This way, the corn stays soft and moist. For easy preparation, you can follow the Full Recipe for additional tips. How long do you grill corn for maximum flavor? Grill the corn for about 10-12 minutes. Turn it every few minutes. This helps it char evenly. You want that perfect blend of sweetness and smokiness. Can I use frozen corn for this recipe? Frozen corn works, but fresh corn shines here. If using frozen, thaw it first. Then, grill it just until warm. You may miss some flavor, but it can still taste good. What should I do if my corn is overcooked? If your corn is overcooked, don’t panic. You can slice the kernels off and add them to salads or salsas. This way, you still enjoy the corn’s flavor without its tough texture. How to fix bland flavors in marinated corn? To fix bland flavors, add more lime juice or salt. You can also sprinkle extra chili powder. This will boost the taste and give it a nice kick. Can I add other toppings, and what are some suggestions? Yes, you can add many toppings! Try avocado, diced tomatoes, or jalapeños for heat. You can also use different cheeses like queso fresco or Parmesan. Is there a way to make this dish spicier? To make it spicier, add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to your marinade. You can also sprinkle hot sauce over the corn before serving. Enjoy the heat! Grilled corn is a tasty treat that shines with great flavors. We covered the ingredients, preparation, and grilling steps to make it easy. I shared tips to enhance its taste and ways to present it beautifully. You learned about variations and storage to enjoy leftovers. Try these ideas on your next cookout. With a few tweaks, you’ll impress your friends and family with tasty grilled corn. Enjoy this simple and delicious dish!

Chili Lime Grilled Corn

Spice up your summer BBQ with this delightful Chili Lime Grilled Corn recipe! Perfectly charred and bursting with flavor, each ear of corn is marinated in a zesty blend of olive oil, chili powder, and lime juice, then topped with creamy feta or cotija cheese. It's a quick and easy side dish that will wow your guests. Click through to explore this recipe and bring a burst of flavor to your next outdoor gathering!
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Ingredients
  

4 ears of fresh corn, husked

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1 teaspoon chili powder

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

Juice from 2 fresh limes

1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese or cotija cheese

Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions
 

Preheat the Grill: Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat, approximately 400°F (204°C). This ensures a nice sear on the corn.

    Prepare the Corn: Remove the husks and silk from the corn ears. Rinse them under cold water to ensure they are clean and free from any debris.

      Make the Marinade: In a small mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, chili powder, smoked paprika, lime juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk together until well blended to create a vibrant marinade.

        Marinate the Corn: Use a basting brush to generously coat each ear of corn with the chili lime marinade. Make sure to cover all sides for an even flavor infusion.

          Grill the Corn: Place the marinated corn directly on the grill grates. Grill for approximately 10-12 minutes, turning the corn every few minutes to ensure all sides are perfectly charred and tender.

            Add Cheese: After grilling, carefully remove the corn from the grill. Immediately sprinkle the crumbled feta or cotija cheese over the hot corn, allowing it to melt slightly from the heat.

              Garnish: Drizzle any leftover marinade over the corn. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro for a burst of color and flavor.

                Serve: Serve the grilled corn warm and alongside lime wedges for an additional zesty kick that will enhance the dish's flavor!

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

                    - Presentation Tips: Arrange the grilled corn on a rustic wooden platter, and serve with lime wedges placed artistically around the corn. Add a few cilantro sprigs for a fresh touch!