This recipe turns grilled corn into a flavorful summer dish by combining lime butter and creamy Lemongrass Mayo with spicy, tangy, and savory flavors. A touch of cilantro and lime adds freshness, while optional feta cheese and fish sauce bring extra depth without overpowering the natural sweetness of the corn.
The combination of lime, butter, and flavorful toppings enhances the natural sweetness of the corn, creating a bold, well-balanced, and satisfying dish with layers of smoky and tangy flavor that works equally well as a snack, appetizer, or street-food favorite.
Grilled Corn on the Cob-The Short Answer
Before you start, skim through the ingredients and steps below — I’ve kept everything super simple! And once you’re ready, there’s a quick video at the end to see exactly how it’s done.
Inspired by grilled corn traditions from different parts of the world, this recipe brings together smoky char, creamy toppings, bright citrus, and a touch of spice into one memorable dish that is easy to prepare and perfect for warm-weather gatherings.
Recipe Details
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Side Dish, Appetizer
Cuisine: Fusion
Keyword: Chili Lime Corn, Grilled Corn on the Cob, Street Corn, Lemongrass Mayo Corn, Summer BBQ Recipes
Ingredients
- 6 ears fresh corn, husked
- 3 tbsp butter, melted (for brushing after grilling)
- 1 tbsp neutral oil (for grilling)
- 1/2 tsp sea salt, plus more to taste
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- Pinch cayenne pepper (optional)
Lemongrass Chili-Lime Mayo
- 180 g mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
- Zest of 1 lime
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/2 tsp lemongrass powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp fish sauce (optional)
- Pinch onion powder
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
To Serve
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds, toasted
- 1 tbsp dried chili flakes
- 1 handful fresh cilantro leaves
- Lime wedges, for serving
- Crumbled feta cheese (optional)
How To Cook
Prepare the Corn
Start with fresh corn on the cob. Peel back the husks and remove the silky threads, then wipe the corn clean with a damp paper towel. If you like a rustic presentation, tie the husks back instead of removing them completely. Soak the corn in water for about 15 minutes to help keep the kernels tender and juicy during grilling.
Prepare the Grill
Preheat your grill until hot. If using charcoal, allow it to become fully lit and covered with gray ash before spreading the coals evenly across the grate. Lightly coat the grill grate with the neutral oil. A properly heated grill helps create deeper grill marks and a richer barbecue flavor.
Make the Lemongrass Mayo
Combine the following in a food processor:
- Mayonnaise
- Lemongrass powder
- Garlic powder
- Lime juice
- Lime zest
- Fresh cilantro
- Fish sauce (optional)
Blend until smooth, then transfer to a small bowl and chill until needed. Use the lemongrass sparingly so it supports the lime flavor rather than overpowering the corn.
Prepare the Chili-Lime Butter
In a prep bowl, whisk together:
- Softened butter
- Lime juice
- Chili powder
- Sea salt
Set the chili-lime butter aside until the corn is ready.
Grill the Corn
- Place the corn directly over the heat.
- Turn every few minutes for even cooking.
- Continue grilling until deep char marks form.
- Cook until the corn develops a lightly charred surface on all sides.
- Remove once the kernels are tender and the corn has a rich smoky flavor.
- For extra flavor, loosely wrap the corn and allow it to warm briefly on the grill.
Finish and Serve
- Brush the hot corn with the prepared chili-lime butter.
- Spoon over the lemongrass mayo or serve it alongside.
- Squeeze fresh lime over the corn.
- Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and chili flakes.
- Finish with fresh cilantro.
- Top with feta cheese if using.
- Serve with lime wedges on the side.
Expert Tips for Cooking in Changing Weather
- During Cambodia’s monsoon season and the early days of rain, I find it a good decision to make char-grilled corn on the cob using a griddle pan on the stove rather than cooking outside.
- Weather conditions can change quickly, so having an indoor grilling option can help maintain consistent results.
- If you have the space, an outdoor barbecue grill remains an excellent option for achieving a deeper smoky flavor.
Storage Instructions
- Store leftover grilled corn in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Store the lemongrass mayo separately in a sealed container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
- For best flavor and texture, add the mayo and toppings just before serving.
Reheating Instructions
- Reheat the corn in a skillet, grill pan, oven, or air fryer until warmed through.
- Avoid overheating, as the kernels can dry out.
- If refrigerated separately, add the lemongrass mayo after reheating.
Variations
- Make it spicier by increasing the chili flakes or adding extra cayenne pepper.
- Add crumbled cotija cheese instead of feta for a different flavor profile.
- Use smoked paprika for a deeper smoky taste.
- Omit the fish sauce for a vegetarian-friendly version.
- Add finely chopped green onions for extra freshness and crunch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this without a grill?
Yes. A grill pan, griddle pan, cast-iron skillet, broiler, or oven can be used to achieve similar results.
Can I use frozen corn?
Yes. Thaw the corn completely and pat it dry before cooking. Fresh corn will generally provide the best texture and flavor.
Can I make the mayo ahead of time?
Yes. The lemongrass mayo can be prepared up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to use.
What can I use instead of feta cheese?
Cotija cheese, queso fresco, grated Parmesan, or a dairy-free cheese alternative can all work well.
Nutrition Insight
From my experience, this grilled corn delivers great flavor while offering a balanced combination of energy, healthy fats, and essential nutrients.
- 569 Calories
- 22g Carbohydrates
- 5g Protein
- 54g Fat
- 20g Saturated Fat
- 77mg Cholesterol
- 2582mg Sodium
- 370mg Potassium
- 4g Fiber
- 7g Sugar
I also appreciate its nutritional value because it provides a mix of vitamins and minerals:
- 2140IU Vitamin A
- 11mg Vitamin C
- 65mg Calcium
- 2mg Iron
Nutrition values are estimates and may vary depending on ingredient brands, preparation methods, and serving sizes.
