Grilled Corn with Cilantro Lime Butter Recipe

Corn: Fresh ears of corn are essential for this recipe. Look for ears with bright green husks and plump kernels.

Butter: Softened butter will blend easily with the other ingredients to create a smooth, flavorful spread.

Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a burst of herbal freshness to the butter. Chop it finely for the best texture.

Lime juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice provides a tangy, citrusy flavor that complements the sweetness of the corn.

Lime zest: The zest of a lime adds an extra layer of citrus flavor and aroma. Use a fine grater to remove just the outer peel.

Salt: A small amount of salt enhances the overall flavor of the dish.

When preparing the cilantro lime butter, ensure the butter is softened to room temperature. This allows for easier mixing and a more uniform distribution of the cilantro, lime juice, lime zest, and salt. Additionally, for a more intense flavor, consider letting the butter mixture sit for 10-15 minutes before brushing it onto the corn. This resting period allows the flavors to meld together, enhancing the overall taste of the grilled corn.

• corn - Substitute with zucchini: Grilled zucchini can provide a similar smoky flavor and texture when grilled, making it a good alternative to corn.

• butter - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil can add a rich, smooth texture and a slightly different but complementary flavor to the dish.

• cilantro - Substitute with parsley: Parsley offers a fresh, slightly peppery flavor that can mimic the brightness of cilantro.

• lime juice - Substitute with lemon juice: Lemon juice provides a similar acidic tang that can enhance the flavors of the dish.

• lime zest - Substitute with lemon zest: Lemon zest can offer a comparable citrusy aroma and flavor to lime zest.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a salty and umami flavor, giving an extra depth to the dish.

• Allow the grilled corn to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the corn soggy.
• Wrap each ear of corn individually in aluminum foil or plastic wrap to maintain its flavor and moisture.
• Place the wrapped corn in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag to keep it fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• For longer storage, consider freezing the grilled corn. First, wrap each ear tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
• Label the wrapped corn with the date before placing it in the freezer. This helps you keep track of its freshness.
• When ready to enjoy, thaw the corn in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat on the grill or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through.
• For a quick reheat, microwave the corn on high for 1-2 minutes, wrapped in a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
• If you have extra cilantro lime butter, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze the butter in small portions using an ice cube tray for easy use later.
• To use frozen cilantro lime butter, simply thaw it in the refrigerator or microwave it for a few seconds until softened.

• Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap each ear of corn in aluminum foil, ensuring they are well-sealed to keep the moisture in. Place the wrapped corn on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. Unwrap and brush with additional cilantro lime butter before serving.

• Stovetop Method: Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium heat. Add a small amount of butter or olive oil to the pan. Place the corn in the pan and cook, turning occasionally, for about 5-7 minutes until heated through and slightly charred. Brush with extra cilantro lime butter before serving.

• Microwave Method: Place the corn on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, checking after each minute to ensure it doesn't overcook. Once heated, brush with additional cilantro lime butter.

• Grill Method: Preheat your grill to medium heat. Place the corn back on the grill and heat for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally, until warmed through. Brush with extra cilantro lime butter before serving.

• Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the corn in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even heating. Brush with additional cilantro lime butter before serving.

• Grill: Used to cook the corn to achieve a charred and tender texture.

• Mixing bowl: Used to combine the butter, cilantro, lime juice, lime zest, and salt.

• Basting brush: Used to brush the cilantro lime butter onto the corn.

• Tongs: Used to turn the corn occasionally while grilling.

• Zester: Used to obtain the lime zest.

• Knife: Used to chop the cilantro.

• Cutting board: Used as a surface to chop the cilantro.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure the lime juice, lime zest, and salt.

• Serving platter: Used to serve the grilled corn with extra cilantro lime butter.

Pre-make the butter mixture: Prepare the cilantro lime butter ahead of time and store it in the fridge. This will save you time when you're ready to grill the corn.

Use foil: Wrap the corn in foil after brushing with the butter mixture. This reduces the need for constant turning and prevents burning.

Preheat the grill: Make sure your grill is preheated to medium-high heat before you start. This ensures even cooking and saves time.

Chop cilantro in advance: Chop the cilantro and zest the lime ahead of time. Store them in airtight containers to streamline the process.