From the grill
Grilled Corn with Lime Butter
Corn gives the grill a quick side while the meat rests. The butter gets lime zest for fragrance and a small squeeze of juice for sharpness. Cut the ears in half when there are several other sides on the table.
- Makes
- 8 ears of corn
- Preparation
- About 10 minutes
- Cooking or chilling
- About 12 to 18 minutes
Get everything ready
Ingredients
8 ears of corn
What you need
Grill, tongs, small bowl, brush.
Time to cook
Method
Heat the grill
Preheat the grill for direct cooking over medium heat, about 375°F. Clean the grate and keep a cooler area available.
Mix the butter
Mash the softened butter with the lime zest, lime juice, paprika, salt, and parsley. Add the juice a little at a time. It may stay slightly separated, which is fine for brushing onto hot corn.
Grill the corn
Brush the corn lightly with oil. Grill for about 12 to 18 minutes, turning every few minutes, until the kernels are tender with scattered brown spots. Move ears to the cooler area if they darken before becoming tender.
Finish with lime butter
Brush the hot corn with the butter. Serve whole ears or cut them in half on a stable cutting board. Put lime wedges on the table for anyone who wants more.
Before you make it
Choose the serving size
Eight whole ears make eight generous side servings. Sixteen half ears suit a menu with several sides, but that does not automatically mean the dish will satisfy sixteen people.
Keep the butter for the finish
Oil the corn before grilling and add the butter afterward. This gives you more control over browning and keeps the butter from dripping into the flame.
Make it your own
Leave out the paprika for a simpler lime butter, or add a small pinch of cayenne for heat.
Cooking times and serving counts are estimates.
Serving and leftovers
Keep cold food at 40°F or below and hot food at 140°F or above. Refrigerate perishable food within 2 hours, or within 1 hour when the temperature is above 90°F. Reheat leftovers to 165°F. Use a food thermometer for meat rather than relying on color.
USDA food handling guidance covers cooking temperatures, holding food, and refrigeration.