Honey Butter Cilantro Lime Grilled Corn is a delightful dish that combines sweet, tangy, and buttery flavors. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for summer barbecues, picnics, or family dinners. With the freshness of cilantro and lime juice, each bite offers a burst of flavor that will leave your guests asking for more. It’s not just a side dish; it’s a crowd-pleaser that elevates any meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe takes only 20 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- Bursting with Flavor: The combination of honey, butter, cilantro, and lime creates a unique taste that complements the sweetness of grilled corn.
- Versatile Side Dish: Serve it alongside grilled meats, tacos, or salads. It pairs well with various cuisines.
- Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh herbs and lime juice enhances the overall taste and makes it healthier than store-bought options.
- Perfect for All Occasions: Whether it’s a holiday barbecue or an everyday meal, this dish fits right in.
Tools and Preparation
Before you begin cooking Honey Butter Cilantro Lime Grilled Corn, gather your tools to ensure a smooth cooking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Grill
- Mixing bowl
- Brush for basting
- Tongs
Importance of Each Tool
- Grill: Essential for achieving that smoky flavor and charred texture on the corn.
- Mixing Bowl: Needed to combine all the ingredients thoroughly before applying them to the corn.
- Brush for Basting: Helps to evenly coat the corn with the honey butter mixture during grilling.
- Tongs: Useful for safely turning the corn on the grill without burning your hands.
Ingredients
For the Honey Butter Mixture
- 4 tablespoons salted butter (melted)
- 1/2 tablespoon honey
- 1/2 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
For the Corn
- 4 ears shucked corns
For Garnish
- Lime wedges (for garnishing)

How to Make Honey Butter Cilantro Lime Grilled Corn
Step 1: Prepare the Honey Butter Mixture
- In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, honey, lime juice, and chopped cilantro.
- Stir well until all ingredients are mixed thoroughly.
- Generously rub half of this mixture onto each ear of corn. Reserve the remaining mixture for grilling.
Step 2: Preheat Your Grill
- Preheat an outdoor BBQ grill over medium heat.
- Once hot, place the prepared corn directly on the grill grates.
Step 3: Grill the Corn
- Grill each ear of corn for about 10 minutes.
- Turn occasionally to ensure even cooking on all sides.
- Brush the reserved honey butter mixture onto the corn after about 5 minutes of grilling.
- Continue grilling until you see slight charring.
Step 4: Serve
- Remove the grilled corn from the grill using tongs.
- Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side.
- Squeeze fresh lime juice over each ear just before enjoying.
Now you have a delicious batch of Honey Butter Cilantro Lime Grilled Corn ready to impress!
How to Serve Honey Butter Cilantro Lime Grilled Corn
Serving Honey Butter Cilantro Lime Grilled Corn is simple yet delightful. This dish can be enjoyed in various ways, enhancing your meal with its sweet and zesty flavors.
As a Standalone Snack
- Perfect for summer barbecues or picnics.
- Enjoy it straight off the grill for a fresh taste.
With Fresh Salad
- Pair with a light green salad.
- The corn adds a sweet crunch that complements the greens.
On Tacos
- Use the grilled corn as a taco topping.
- It adds a unique flavor that pairs well with meats and beans.
Alongside Grilled Meats
- Serve with grilled chicken or steak.
- The honey butter corn enhances the savory taste of the meats.
How to Perfect Honey Butter Cilantro Lime Grilled Corn
Achieving perfect Honey Butter Cilantro Lime Grilled Corn requires some tips to enhance your grilling experience. Follow these suggestions for the best results.
- Choose Fresh Corn: Select ripe, sweet ears of corn for maximum flavor. Fresh corn makes all the difference in taste.
- Use Room Temperature Butter: Melted butter should be warm but not hot when mixed. This helps blend better with other ingredients.
- Grill Over Medium Heat: Cooking at medium heat prevents burning while allowing even cooking. This creates a nice char without overcooking.
- Baste Frequently: Brush more honey butter mixture onto the corn while grilling. This adds layers of flavor and moisture.

Best Side Dishes for Honey Butter Cilantro Lime Grilled Corn
Honey Butter Cilantro Lime Grilled Corn pairs beautifully with several side dishes, adding variety to your meal. Here are some excellent options to consider.
- Coleslaw: A crunchy slaw provides a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the corn.
- Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal veggies like zucchini or bell peppers complement the grilled flavors well.
- Black Bean Salad: A hearty bean salad adds protein and balances the sweetness of the corn.
- Potato Salad: Creamy potato salad enhances your barbecue spread and offers a satisfying side.
- Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad brings texture and health benefits, making it an excellent choice alongside grilled corn.
- Macaroni and Cheese: Rich and cheesy pasta pairs wonderfully with the sweet corn, creating a comforting meal experience.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When preparing Honey Butter Cilantro Lime Grilled Corn, it’s essential to avoid common pitfalls that can affect the flavor and texture.
- Skipping the soaking step: Not soaking your corn in water before grilling can lead to dry kernels. Soak them for at least 30 minutes to enhance moisture retention.
- Neglecting even cooking: Failing to turn the corn regularly on the grill can cause uneven cooking. Rotate the corn every few minutes for perfectly grilled results.
- Using cold butter: Applying cold butter instead of melted butter can prevent the mixture from spreading evenly. Always melt your butter for a smooth, flavorful coating.
- Overcooking the corn: Grilling corn too long can lead to tough kernels. Aim for about 10 minutes on medium heat, turning until slightly charred.
- Forgetting lime juice: Omitting lime juice will dull the flavors of your grilled corn. Always include it to achieve that zesty balance.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover corn in an airtight container.
- It will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Honey Butter Cilantro Lime Grilled Corn
- Wrap each ear of corn tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Frozen corn can be stored for up to 2 months.
Reheating Honey Butter Cilantro Lime Grilled Corn
- Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the corn on a baking sheet. Cover with foil and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: Place the corn on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat for 1-2 minutes or until warm.
- Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat, add a little butter, and cook the corn for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions
What is Honey Butter Cilantro Lime Grilled Corn?
Honey Butter Cilantro Lime Grilled Corn is a delicious side dish made by grilling fresh corn coated with a mixture of honey, butter, lime juice, and cilantro. The combination offers a perfect sweet and tangy flavor.
Can I use frozen corn for this recipe?
While fresh corn is best, you can use frozen corn. Just ensure it’s thawed before grilling to achieve optimal flavor and texture.
How do I customize my Honey Butter Cilantro Lime Grilled Corn?
You can customize it by adding spices like chili powder or smoked paprika for heat. Additionally, try swapping cilantro with parsley or chives for a different herbaceous note.
What can I serve with Honey Butter Cilantro Lime Grilled Corn?
This dish pairs well with grilled meats like chicken or steak and complements summer salads beautifully.
Final Thoughts
Honey Butter Cilantro Lime Grilled Corn is not only flavorful but also versatile enough to pair with various dishes. Its sweet and zesty profile makes it an ideal addition to any meal. Feel free to customize it according to your taste preferences! Enjoy this delightful recipe at your next gathering!

Honey Butter Cilantro Lime Grilled Corn
Honey Butter Cilantro Lime Grilled Corn is a deliciously vibrant side dish that perfectly captures the essence of summer. This easy-to-make recipe combines the sweetness of fresh corn with a delightful blend of honey, butter, cilantro, and lime juice, creating a zesty flavor explosion that will elevate any meal. Ideal for backyard barbecues, picnics, or casual family dinners, this dish is sure to impress your guests and leave them coming back for more.
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients
- 4 ears of fresh corn (shucked)
- 4 tablespoons salted butter (melted)
- 1/2 tablespoon honey
- 1/2 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
- Lime wedges for garnish
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix melted butter, honey, lime juice, and cilantro until well combined.
- Generously rub half of the mixture onto each ear of corn and set aside the remainder.
- Preheat your grill to medium heat and place the corn directly on the grates.
- Grill for about 10 minutes, turning occasionally. Brush with reserved mixture after 5 minutes.
- Once charred slightly, remove from grill and serve immediately with lime wedges.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ear of grilled corn (approximately 85g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: Always choose fresh corn for the best flavor. Soaking corn in water before grilling can enhance moisture retention. Feel free to customize by adding spices like chili powder for extra kick or swapping cilantro for other herbs.