Texas Grilled Corn on the Cob with Chili Butter
Introduction
This grilled corn on the cob with chili butter is packed with smoky, sweet, and spicy flavors — perfectly cooked on the Arteflame Grill. Using real firewood and butter for grilling delivers the rich tex-mex taste of Texas-style cooking. Perfect as a side to grilled meats or served on its own.
Ingredients
- 6 ears of fresh corn, husks removed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- Zest of 1 lime
- Salt to taste
- Fresh chopped cilantro (for garnish)
- 1/2 cup crumbled cotija or feta cheese (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Fire up the Arteflame Grill
- Pour some vegetable oil on three paper napkins.
- Place the napkins in the center of the Arteflame grill bowl.
- Stack dry firewood over the soaked napkins.
- Light the napkins and allow the firewood to burn for about 20 minutes until the grill is ready for cooking.
Step 2: Prepare the Chili Butter
- In a bowl, combine softened butter with chili powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, lime zest, lime juice, and a pinch of salt.
- Mix until fully blended, then set aside.
Step 3: Grill the Corn
- Place the corn directly on the flat cooktop griddle near the hotter center zone, but not on the center grill grate.
- Rotate the corn every 2–3 minutes, grilling for a total of 12–15 minutes until corn is nicely charred and cooked through.
- Baste generously with the chili butter during the last few minutes of grilling, letting it sizzle into the kernels.
Step 4: Serve
- Remove corn from the cooktop.
- Sprinkle with chopped cilantro and optional cotija or feta cheese before serving.
Tips
- Use the hotter inner rings of the Arteflame griddle to get nice char marks and preserve the natural juices.
- Grill all your sides—like bell peppers and onions—next to the corn for added smoky flavor.
- Use butter instead of oil for a richer taste.
- If some guests want less heat, reduce or skip the cayenne in the chili butter.
Variations
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Texas BBQ Corn: Add a dash of your favorite BBQ rub to the chili butter for a deep smoky flavor.
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Parmesan Herb Corn: Replace chili spices with garlic powder, parsley, and grated Parmesan for a savory spin.
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Mexican Street Corn (Elote): Add mayo to the chili butter and finish with cotija cheese and Tajín seasoning.
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Lemon Pepper Corn: Replace lime with lemon zest and juice, and substitute chili for cracked black pepper.
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Maple Chipotle Corn: Mix a tbsp of maple syrup and chipotle powder into the butter for a sweet-spicy glaze.
Conclusion
With the Arteflame’s unique design and temperature zones, this Texas-style grilled corn with chili butter delivers bold flavors and flawless charring. Whether you're hosting a backyard BBQ or weeknight cookout, this dish is a fiery, flavor-packed addition to your grilling lineup.
Best pairings
- Reverse-seared ribeye steaks from the center grill grate
- Grilled Texas-style sausages
- Flat-top roasted peppers and onions
- Ice-cold Topo Chico or a lime mint mocktail
- Chunky guacamole and grilled tortillas