Chili Lime Corn

5 from 4 votes
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For a simple summer side dish recipe inspired by Bobby Flay that’s just a little smoky and spicy, roast or grill some ears and whip up this Chili Lime Corn.

Chili Lime Corn

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A bowl of charred corn kernels garnished with cilantro.

This post was originally published on July 19, 2012. Photos were updated on August 10, 2016.

New Jersey corn, when in season, is amazing. I know that there are lots of Midwesterners who would turn up their nose at that, but trust me. So good! That is why usually I prefer to not do anything more to a good ear of corn (meaning one that was picked the day I am going to eat it) than throw it in boiling water for about 5 to 7 minutes, and eat it right off the cob, maybe with a little butter and/or salt.

But then, several years ago, for The Hubby’s birthday, I surprised him by getting his mom, brother and a couple of family friends in town, and we went to dinner at Bobby Flay’s Mesa Grill, in New York City. Now say what you want about Bobbly Flay, and celebrity chefs, in general, but this was easily one of the best meals we have had in our lives. And we have eaten at some pretty darn good restaurants. I am not comparing this to my local diner (not that there is anything wrong with the diner. Mmmm, pancakes!)  It was an incredible night. The Hubby is not easily surprised, as he is so tuned into everything, that he always can pick up on whether something is going on. But he was truly shocked. The company was great, and the food was outstanding. And, crazy enough, one of the dishes that stands out the most in our memories was a corn side dish. So I HAD to recreate it, and have been making it every summer ever since. And we affectionately refer to it as “Bobby Flay Corn”. Now I am sure he didn’t originate the idea, and he probably didn’t even make it for us that night. But whatever. This is my homage to the Iron Chef.

A bowl of charred corn kernels garnished with cilantro.

Now, I am not going to say that my version is anywhere near as awesome as the one we had at Mesa Grill. But it is darn good. A little sweet, a little salty, a little crunch, a little creaminess, a little smoky, a little spicy, all brought together by a little zing from the lime juice. And you can prepare it in advance, and just heat it through before serving in the over or over the grill, based on whatever else you are cooking.

Two bowls of charred chili lime corn kernels garnished with cilantro.

Obviously it is great with good, fresh corn, but I’ll make it to use up any leftover cooked or uncooked corn. You can even make Air Fryer Corn on the Cob. It is so flavorful that the best quality corn is not a requirement (though it certainly tastes good). I alternate between a little butter or a little olive oil. I also use feta cheese. I am fairly certain that it is “supposed” to be cotija, but that is harder to find, and more expensive. Feta gives the same crumbly, salty cheesiness it needs. Mmmm!

A bowl of charred chili lime corn kernels garnished with cilantro.
Have you ever eaten at a “celebrity chef’s” restaurant? What did you think?

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A bowl of charred corn kernels garnished with cilantro.
5 from 4 votes

Chili Lime Corn

An easy corn side dish that's sweet, salty, creamy, crunchy, smoky and spicy! Brought together by a little lime zing, inspired by Bobby Flay.
Prep: 10 minutes
Total: 10 minutes

Ingredients

Instructions

  • If your corn is uncooked, place over a medium-high grill for 8-12 minutes, or until slightly charred. You can also use leftover cooked corn, or just boil it, but the corn charred on the grill give it some more smoky flavor.
  • Cut the kernels from the corn and place in a bowl.
  • Add the remaining ingredients, except the feta, and toss to combine well.
  • Add the feta and toss gently.
  • Place in a ceramic or glass baking dish or individual ramekins.
  • Heat the corn through to slightly melt the cheese over the grill or in the oven (this can be done either way, or at any temperature, based on what else you are cooking).

Notes

You can prepare this dish in advance and store in the refrigerator, just heating in the oven or grill before serving to heat it through.
Nutrition Facts
Chili Lime Corn
Amount Per Serving (0.5 cup)
Calories 160 Calories from Fat 72
% Daily Value*
Fat 8g12%
Saturated Fat 4g20%
Cholesterol 24mg8%
Sodium 547mg23%
Potassium 290mg8%
Carbohydrates 19g6%
Fiber 2g8%
Sugar 6g7%
Protein 5g10%
Vitamin A 485IU10%
Vitamin C 11mg13%
Calcium 103mg10%
Iron 1.1mg6%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

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Enjoy this Chili Lime Corn recipe!
Two bowls of charred chili lime corn kernels garnished with cilantro.
 
Here are some other recipes inspired by celebrity chefs…
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Julia Child Ratatouille caption
And if you love corn, check out these 18 Incredible Summer Corn Recipes!
 
Photo collage for Chili Lime Corn.
Pinterest title image for Chili Lime Corn.
 
Here’s the old photos…
Chili lime corn kernels in a ramekin garnished with cilantro.
Chili lime corn kernels in a ramekin garnished with cilantro.
Chili lime corn kernels in a ramekin garnished with cilantro.
35 Comments
  1. Looks really nice. I’ve got an old Bobby Flay cookbook but didn’t come across a corn recipe, so this is really cool. I like the feta idea (i see cacique brand occasionally, but feta is always available and it has an excellent texture). Like the creaminess without the thick “cream corn” texture. Great recipe with all the fresh corn out.

  2. “A little sweet, a little salty, a little crunch, a little creaminess, a little smoky, a little spicy, all brought together by a little zing from the lime juice” … Those very words are the reason why I WILL be making this! This sounds amazing, Brianne. Lovely lovely job!

  3. Valerie

    This sounds like a great dish! I will definitely put this on my list to try. I know a lot of people hate on celebrity chefs and Bobby Flay, but I have to say that every recipe with his name on it that I’ve tried has always been good. And as you say, you can just watch him on Iron Chef to see that he clearly knows how to put flavors together. I think you did a great job capturing his style here! Looking forward to chowing down. 🙂

  4. Lynn

    I love the flavors in your dish. I’d like to make it, but I’m not keen on feta (salty). Is cotija a lot like feta?

  5. I had to come see a Bobby Flay recipe and this looks so tasty and yummy. I want to make this one. I think, I am going to be making corn dishes, for a while.

  6. I LOVE Bobby Flay. I always start to question him, every time he has a new reality show come out…until I see what he churns out on Iron Chef. He is legit. I won’t say that about too many Celebrity chefs. Great job on the corn, it sounds spectacular.

  7. Liz

    5 stars
    You cannot beat a Bobby Flay recipe…and I think you nailed this corn dish!!! I’m off to buy more sweet corn to make some of these Improv ideas! Yours is at the top of the list 🙂

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