Mexican Corn-On-The-Cob
A smoky, spicy grilled corn dish coated in chili and paprika butter, perfect for barbecues and gatherings, offering vibrant flavors and easy preparation.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C) or prepare barbecue.
- Mix together butter, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Spread the chili butter mixture on the corn.
- Wrap each corn in heavy foil and seal well.
- Place in a baking dish and bake or barbecue for 1 hour, or until the corn is tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, consider adding lime juice or zest to the chili butter mixture. You can substitute the chili powder with chipotle powder for a smokier taste. If you're short on time, you can grill the corn directly without wrapping it in foil, but be sure to keep an eye on it. This recipe is a fantastic addition to any Mexican recipes spread.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the corn hot off the grill or out of the oven, garnished with extra chili powder and lime wedges for squeezing. This dish pairs beautifully with Spicy Guacamole and a refreshing Cucumber-Chile Granite to balance the heat. Consider serving alongside grilled meats or as part of a taco night for a festive meal.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Mexican Corn-On-The-Cob can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, wrap the corn in foil and place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can grill it briefly to regain some char.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mexican Corn-On-The-Cob contains roughly 92 calories, with 4g protein, 30g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (96% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 705mg per serving (31% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the chili butter ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chili butter mixture a day in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Before using, let it come to room temperature for easier spreading on the corn.
What is the best way to know when the corn is done?
The corn is done when it is tender and easily pierced with a fork. If you’re baking, you can also check for a slight caramelization on the foil where the corn is wrapped, which indicates it's cooked through.
Can I use frozen corn for this recipe?
Fresh corn is recommended for the best flavor and texture, but you can use frozen corn. Just ensure it is fully thawed and patted dry before applying the chili butter. Cooking time may be slightly reduced.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).