Zesty Chili Lime Grilled Corn Cups

$You need 4 ears of fresh corn. Make sure they are husked well. Fresh corn gives the best flavor. It adds sweetness and crunch to your dish. For the spice mix, gather: - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon chili powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 lime, juice and zest - Salt to taste Mix these together for a zesty marinade. The chili powder adds heat, while smoked paprika gives a nice depth. Lime juice and zest brighten the flavors. For extra flavor, consider these toppings: - 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese - 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro - Slices of lime for garnish Feta adds creaminess and tang. Cilantro gives a fresh touch. Lime slices make a pretty garnish and add more zest. These toppings take your corn cups to the next level! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. This helps cook the corn evenly. A hot grill gives the corn a nice char. Make sure the grates are clean for the best results. In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, chili powder, smoked paprika, lime juice, lime zest, and salt. This is your marinade. Brush this mix on the husked corn. Make sure every ear is well coated. This adds great flavor to the corn. Place the corn directly on the grill grates. Cook for about 10-12 minutes. Turn the corn every few minutes. You want the kernels to be tender and slightly charred. This step gives the corn a delicious smoky taste. After grilling, let the corn cool slightly. Cut the kernels off the cob and put them in a mixing bowl. If you want, add crumbled feta cheese and chopped cilantro. Toss these ingredients gently to mix. Spoon the mixture into small cups or bowls for serving. Finally, garnish with extra cilantro and lime slices. This makes your dish look fresh and appealing. To grill corn well, make sure you turn it often. This helps the corn cook evenly. Keep an eye on it as it cooks. You want it tender and slightly charred, not burnt. Use medium-high heat to get those perfect grill marks. Fresh corn is key for this dish. Look for bright yellow, firm kernels. The husk should be green and wrapped tightly. If you can, pick corn that is in-season for the best taste. Sweet corn works great for these cups. You can boost flavor in many ways. Try adding diced jalapeños for heat. Fresh herbs, like basil or parsley, can add a nice twist. For a creamy touch, top with avocado. Each addition brings a new taste to your corn cups. Mix and match based on what you enjoy! Pro Tips Choosing Corn: Select fresh, sweet corn with bright green husks and plump kernels for the best flavor. Marinating Time: Allow the corn to marinate for at least 15 minutes before grilling to enhance the flavors. Perfect Grill Marks: Rotate the corn every few minutes to ensure even cooking and achieve those beautiful grill marks. Serving Suggestions: Pair the corn cups with a side of avocado or a spicy dipping sauce for an extra kick! {{image_2}} You can switch up the cheese in your corn cups. Feta adds a creamy taste. You can also use cotija for a crumbly texture. Cheddar gives a sharp flavor, while mozzarella adds a mild touch. Each cheese choice brings a new twist to your dish. If you like heat, add jalapeños or diced serrano peppers. A dash of hot sauce gives it a kick. You can also mix in some cayenne pepper with the spice blend. This adds depth and makes your corn cups even more exciting. For a vegetarian twist, skip the cheese. Use avocado for creaminess instead. You can also add black beans for protein. Chopped red onions or bell peppers add crunch and flavor. These changes keep your dish fresh and tasty, while still being plant-based. You can store leftover corn cups in the fridge. Place them in an airtight container. They will last for up to three days. Make sure to keep them cool. If you notice any signs of spoilage, throw them away. This keeps your food safe and tasty. You can freeze corn cups for later use. First, let them cool down completely. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag. Squeeze out all the air before sealing. They can stay fresh in the freezer for up to three months. When you are ready to eat them, just thaw in the fridge overnight. To reheat corn cups, use the oven or microwave. If using the oven, preheat it to 350°F. Place the cups on a baking sheet and warm for about 10 minutes. For the microwave, heat them for 30 seconds to 1 minute. Check to make sure they are warm throughout. Enjoy your zesty corn cups again! Yes, you can use frozen corn. Just thaw it first. Drain any extra water. Then, follow the same steps. The flavor may vary a bit, but it will still taste good. The corn is done when it is tender and slightly charred. You should grill it for about 10-12 minutes. Turn it every few minutes to cook evenly. The kernels should look bright and have a nice grill mark. These corn cups go well with many dishes. Try serving them with grilled chicken or fish. They also pair nicely with tacos or a fresh salad. For a fun twist, serve them with guacamole. You will love the flavors together! This article covered how to make Zesty Chili Lime Grilled Corn Cups. You learned about choosing fresh corn, mixing spices, and adding toppings. I shared simple grilling steps, from prepping the grill to marinating the corn. We discussed tips for even cooking and fun variations. Don’t forget how to store and reheat your tasty corn cups. The flavors of this dish are sure to impress. Enjoy your cooking and share these tasty corn cups with friends!$

Zesty Chili Lime Grilled Corn Cups

Delicious grilled corn cups with a zesty chili lime flavor, topped with feta and cilantro.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Course Appetizer

Cuisine Mexican

Servings 4

Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients

4 ears fresh corn, husked
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 lime juice and zest
to taste salt
1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
slices of lime for garnish

Instructions

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, chili powder, smoked paprika, lime juice, lime zest, and salt to create a marinade.
Brush the husked corn with the marinade, ensuring each ear is evenly coated.
Place the corn directly on the grill grates and cook for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the kernels are tender and slightly charred.
Once grilled, remove the corn from the grill and let it cool slightly before handling.
Carefully cut the kernels off the cob and place them in a mixing bowl.
Add crumbled feta (if using), chopped cilantro, and a little more lime juice to the bowl, then toss gently to combine.
Spoon the mixture into small cups or bowls for serving.
Garnish each cup with additional cilantro and a slice of lime on the side.

Notes

Serve the corn cups in individual small bowls or cups. Arrange them on a platter, and add lime slices and extra cilantro for a vibrant, eye-catching display.

Keyword chili, corn, grilled, lime, zesty