Chili Lime Corn
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
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.
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.
Obviously it is great with good, fresh corn, but I’ll make it to use up any leftover cooked or uncooked corn. 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!
For more yumminess from me and my foodie friends, keep up with me on…
Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram
Or sign up to have Cupcakes & Kale Chips delivered straight to your Inbox!
Chili Lime Corn
Ingredients
- 4 ears corn on the cob, cooked, kernels removed
- 1 Tablespoon butter and/or olive oil
- 1 lime juiced
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon chili powder or more, if desired
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta or cotija cheese
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
Nutrition
- Slow Cooker Beef Pot Roast with Mushrooms
- Paul’s Make the Whole Crew Happy Meatballs
- Julia Child’s Ratatouille
Amanda @ The Kolb Corner says
I am definitely going to be trying this! Thank you for sharing at Merry Monday!
Jay @ Best Juicer For Leafy Greens says
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.
Jacqui says
This is so easy peasy and great tasting!!! I used it as a dip!
Ashley @ Wishes and Dishes says
Ahhhh this looks amazing!! Must try!
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
Thanks – so easy and yummy!
Rachel @ I Love My Disorganized Life says
Loving the idea of a corn and cheese dish!
Brianne Izzo says
It is a surprisingly good combo!
Amee says
I can’t wait to try this “Bobby Flay” corn…yum!!!! Thanks for sharing at Fit and Fab! 🙂
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
Can’t get too much corn this time of year 🙂
Lisa~~ says
I love both cumin and feta with corn…well with anything, so I know that I would love this dish, sounds wonderful!
If you haven’t already, I’d love for you to check out my Improv Cooking Challenge entry: Fritos Crusted Pollock.
Lisa~~
Cook Lisa Cook
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
I am a total cumin and feta fan, too. In my recipes with cumin, I do tend to tone it down a bit because I don’t think most people love it quite as much.
Kate | Food Babbles says
“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!
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
I hope you like it! So good, even when you get so-so corn.
Valerie says
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. 🙂
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
I hope you do get to try it. He definitely does not get enough credit since some probably think he is a sell-out.