When summer comes, I start to miss the taste of BBQ. Grilled corn with chili butter is my favorite side dish. It mixes sweet corn with spicy chili butter perfectly.
This dish is easy to make. You need just a few things and some grill time. It's great for any summer event, like a backyard party or a Fourth of July BBQ.
Why This Grilled Corn Recipe Will Become Your Summer Favorite
Summer grilling is all about the smell of sweet, charred corn. This grilled corn with chili butter is your new summer favorite.
The Perfect Balance of Heat and Sweet
This recipe mixes spicy and sweet perfectly. The chili butter adds a nice heat. It makes the corn's natural sweetness even better.
This mix of flavors is so good, everyone will want more. They might even ask for thirds.
Quick Preparation Time
Summer is busy, and time is short. This grilled corn recipe is quick and easy. You can make it fast for any summer event.
Crowd-Pleasing Appeal
This grilled corn is loved by all. Kids and adults alike enjoy its sweet and spicy taste. It's great with grilled meats and other sides.
Your guests will talk about this corn dish for a long time. It's a hit at any summer barbecue.
Essential Ingredients for Chili Butter Corn
When the sun is bright and the grill is hot, the right ingredients make grilled corn with chili butter perfect. This summer favorite is made of simple yet tasty parts. They come together to give a delicious taste.
The main ingredient is the corn on the cob. It's fresh and juicy, ready for the chili butter. The magic happens when we mix the butter with herbs and spices.
To make the amazing chili butter, you need:
- Butter: This creamy base melts into the corn, making it rich.
- Chili powder: A little of this spice adds a nice heat to the sweet corn.
- Garlic powder: It adds a subtle savory taste that boosts the flavor.
- Paprika: This spice adds sweetness and a red color to the butter.
- Salt and pepper: They season the chili butter ingredients and highlight the natural tastes.
The goal is to mix the creamy corn on the cob with the spicy chili butter just right. With these ingredients, you're set to make a summer dish that everyone will love.
Must-Have Tools for Grilling Perfect Corn
Grilling corn to perfection needs the right tools. You'll need outdoor grilling gear and kitchen accessories. The right tools make a big difference in making delicious chili butter corn.
Grilling Equipment Checklist
- Sturdy grill grates: Make sure your grill grates hold the corn cobs well.
- Long-handled tongs: Get tongs that let you safely turn the corn on the grill.
- Grill basket or skewers: A grill basket or skewers help you flip and rotate the cobs easily.
Kitchen Tools You'll Need
- Corn holders: These tools help you hold and enjoy grilled corn without burning your fingers.
- Basting brush: A quality basting brush is key for coating the corn evenly with chili butter.
- Mixing bowls: Use a big bowl to mix the chili butter. It helps coat the corn cobs well.
With these grilling tools, corn holders, and a basting brush, you're ready. You'll make perfect grilled corn with chili butter. It will be the hit of your summer BBQs.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Chili Butter
Make your grilled corn better with homemade chili butter. It's a game-changer for summer barbecues. It adds heat and flavor. Let's make this tasty butter together.
You need simple ingredients and tools to make it. The goal is to mix butter richness with spice kick. With a bit of effort, your guests will love it.
Ingredients Needed:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons minced chipotle chili in adobo sauce
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Zest of 1 lime (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix softened butter, chipotle chili, chili powder, garlic powder, and salt. Mix well.
- Add lime zest if you like. Stir it in.
- Put the butter on parchment paper or plastic wrap. Make a log, about 1 inch thick.
- Wrap it tight and chill for 2 hours, or until firm.
- After chilling, cut the butter into rounds. Serve on grilled corn or other dishes.
This flavored butter recipe is easy to change up. Try different spices, herbs, or honey for your own mix. Enjoy sweet corn with spicy, creamy butter all summer!
Best BBQ Side Dishes to Pair With Grilled Corn
Grilled corn with chili butter is amazing. You can pair it with many dishes. From old favorites to new ones, there's something for everyone.
Classic Pairings
- Creamy coleslaw: It's cool and crunchy. It's a great match for the smoky corn.
- Baked beans: They're rich and savory. They go well with the corn's sweetness.
- Potato salad: It's creamy. It helps cool down the chili butter's heat.
Modern Twists on Traditional Sides
Want something new? Try these modern sides:
- Grilled summer salad: It has charred veggies. They mix well with the corn.
- Corn and black bean salsa: It's fresh and cool. It's perfect with the chili butter corn.
- Quinoa and avocado salad: It's healthy and tasty. It's a great match for the bold corn.
Try both old and new sides for a great meal. These pairings will make your grilled corn with chili butter a hit.
Tips for Selecting and Preparing Fresh Corn
Choosing the right corn is key for great grilled corn. I've learned a few tricks to pick the freshest, tastiest corn.
First, look for bright green husks that fit tight. The silk should be golden and soft, not dry. Squeeze the cob to feel juicy, packed kernels. Stay away from corn with old or dry husks.
After picking the best corn, husk and prepare it right. Carefully pull back the husks and take out the silk. Then, rinse the cobs and dry them with a towel. This helps get a nice char when grilling.
Fresh corn is crucial because its sugars turn to starch quickly. By choosing the freshest corn and preparing it well, you get sweet, juicy grilled corn. It's perfect for any summer BBQ.
Key Tips for Choosing and Preparing Fresh Corn:
- Look for bright green, tightly wrapped husks
- Check for plump, juicy kernels that are tightly packed
- Avoid any corn with dried out or discolored husks
- Gently peel back husks and remove silk strands
- Rinse cobs under cool water and pat dry before grilling
Follow these tips to grill the tastiest corn of the season. Enjoy your delicious grilled corn!
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Grilling Corn
Grilling corn can be tricky. I've learned a few common mistakes that can ruin your dish. Let's look at how to avoid these mistakes for delicious grilled corn.
Temperature Control Issues
One big mistake is not controlling the temperature right. If it's too hot, the outside burns before the inside cooks. If it's too cold, the corn gets mushy.
The trick is to keep the heat steady and medium-high. This way, the corn gets a nice char on the outside and stays juicy inside.
Timing and Technique Errors
Another common problem is not knowing when to stop grilling. If it's overcooked, the corn gets dry and tough. If it's not cooked enough, it's starchy and not tasty.
To fix this, watch the corn closely and turn it often. Use a meat thermometer to check the inside temperature. Also, how you prepare and husk the corn matters a lot.