Grilled Corn with Chilli Lime Butter

This Grilled Corn with Chilli Lime Butter is truly sensational. There’s something undeniably satisfying about biting into perfectly grilled corn on the cob. That charred exterior, combined with the natural sweetness of the corn, creates a flavour and texture combination that is hard to resist. But when you take it a step further and slather that corn in chilli lime butter, you’ve got something even more special on your hands. This recipe is one of my absolute favourites, and it’s so simple to make. Whether you’re hosting a BBQ or just craving a summery snack, this dish is a winner. Watch me make it here.

Table of Contents

• Ingredient Breakdown
• Grilled Corn is Fantastic
• Tips for Perfectly Grilled Corn
• The Beauty of the Chilli Lime Butter
• The Chipotle Nut Topping
• Grilled Corn with Chilli Lime Butter: Serving Suggestions
• Variations and Add-Ons
• Final Thoughts

Ingredient Breakdown

• Corn on the cob: Sweet and juicy, perfect for grilling.
• Nuts of choice (hazelnuts are ideal): Adds crunch and a subtle, earthy flavour.
• Chipotle chilli flakes: Smoky and spicy, with a slight hint of sweetness.
• Butter: The base for the chilli lime butter.
• Red chillies: For a fresh hit of heat and a vibrant pop of colour.
• Garlic: Adds depth and a subtle kick to the butter.
• Lime zest and juice: Bright, zesty citrus to balance the richness of the butter.
• Fresh coriander (or flat-leaf parsley): Herbaceous and fresh, it rounds out the dish beautifully.

Grilled Corn is Fantastic

Grilling corn is one of the best ways to prepare it because it enhances the natural sweetness of the kernels. The high heat from the grill creates a delicious caramelisation on the outside, while the inside stays tender and juicy. When you take the time to char the corn just right, the result is smoky, sweet, and slightly crunchy — a fantastic texture that is simply impossible to achieve with other cooking methods.

Tips for Perfectly Grilled Corn

Corn is quite forgiving, but there are a few tricks to ensuring it turns out perfectly every time.

• Fresh Is Best: Aways start with fresh corn. You want those kernels to be plump and juicy, so avoid corn that feels dry or wrinkled.
• Medium-High Heat: It’s also important to grill the corn over medium-high heat. Too hot, and you’ll burn the corn before it cooks through; too low, and you won’t get that lovely char. The grill should be hot enough to hear a slight sizzle when the corn hits it, but not so hot that the kernels start to pop.
• Flip As You Go: Remember is to turn the corn as it grills. This ensures that you get an even char on all sides, maximising the flavour while keeping the corn tender.

The Beauty of the Chilli Lime Butter

Let’s talk about the chilli lime butter. It’s the real hero of this Grilled Corn with Chilli Lime Butter recipe. Butter, as we know, adds richness and enhances the flavour of anything it touches. But when you infuse it with garlic, chillies, lime zest, and a hint of coriander, you take things to the next level. The butter melts beautifully over the hot corn, seeping into every crevice and delivering a rich, zesty, spicy kick.

The Chipotle Nut Topping

The chipotle nuts are a game-changer. They bring a crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft, buttery corn. In this Grilled Corn with Chilli Lime Butter recipe, I’ve used hazelnuts, but feel free to experiment with almonds, pecans, or even peanuts — whatever you prefer. The idea is to blitz the nuts with a pinch of chipotle chilli flakes and salt until they form a coarse crumb. Chipotle is made from smoked and dried jalapeños, which means you get a depth of flavour you wouldn’t get from regular chilli flakes. The chipotle chilli flakes give the topping a lovely smoky edge.

This nutty topping adds texture to the dish, while also reinforcing the spicy notes from the butter. When making this topping, the key is to blitz the nuts just enough to create a crumb. You don’t ant to turn them into a powder, as you’ll lose that all-important crunch. If you don’t have a food processor, chopping the nuts finely with a sharp knife works just as well.

Grilled Corn with Chilli Lime Butter: Serving Suggestions

This Grilled Corn with Chilli Lime Butter works brilliantly as a side dish for almost any meal, but it really shines as part of a summer BBQ spread. Imagine it served alongside grilled meats, veggie skewers, or a fresh salad. The sweet, smoky, and spicy flavours pair well with everything from my Grilled Garlic & Lemon Chicken Thighs to more complex dishes like my Mojo Marinated Skirt Steak.

If you’re looking for something a bit different, try cutting the corn off the cob and tossing it into a salad or salsa. The chilli lime butter and chipotle nuts turn a simple corn salad into something far more exciting. You could also serve the grilled corn with a side of homemade guacamole or a dollop of sour cream to temper the heat.

Variations and Add-Ons

While this recipe is already full of flavour, there are plenty of ways to customise it. You could:

• Swap the coriander for parsley or even basil, depending on what herbs you have to hand.
• Add a sprinkle of crumbled feta or parmesan over the top for an extra layer of richness.
• Use lime wedges to serve on the side so guests can add even more zesty brightness if they prefer.
• For an extra smoky finish, consider adding a dash of smoked paprika to the butter mixture.

For those who like a bit more heat, try adding some finely chopped jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce. You could also play around with the type of nuts you use for the topping. Pistachios or walnuts would be great alternatives to hazelnuts and would bring their own unique flavour to the dish.

Final Thoughts

This Grilled Corn with Chilli Lime Butter is a simple yet flavour-packed dish that’s perfect for summer. The corn is juicy and charred to perfection, while the chilli lime butter adds richness, spice, and brightness in every bite. The chipotle nut topping brings everything together with its crunch and smoky notes. Whether you’re serving this corn at a BBQ or making it for a weeknight dinner, it’s guaranteed to impress. Plus, it’s ready in just 15 minutes, making it an easy go-to recipe for any occasion.

Give it a try next time you fire up the grill, and don’t forget to have extra napkins on hand — things are about to get deliciously messy!