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Flavorful Cast Iron Charred Corn Recipe with Brown Butter and Jalapeño Lime Salt

cast iron charred corn recipe - featured image

A quick and easy recipe for smoky, nutty, and spicy charred corn cooked in a cast iron skillet, finished with rich brown butter and zesty jalapeño lime salt.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 ears fresh corn, husked
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 small jalapeño, finely minced (seeds removed for less heat)
  • 2 tablespoons coarse sea salt
  • Zest of 1 medium lime
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • A small handful fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a small bowl, mix the coarse sea salt, finely minced jalapeño, lime zest, and smoked paprika. Stir well and set aside.
  2. Remove husks and silk from the ears of corn. Rinse and pat dry thoroughly.
  3. Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes until smoking hot.
  4. Place the corn ears in the skillet and turn every 2-3 minutes to char all sides evenly, about 10-12 minutes total.
  5. While the corn chars, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly until it foams and turns golden brown with a nutty aroma, then remove from heat immediately.
  6. Transfer the charred corn to a plate and brush generously with the warm brown butter.
  7. Sprinkle the jalapeño lime salt evenly over the corn, then squeeze fresh lime juice on top. Toss chopped cilantro over if using.
  8. Serve immediately while hot.

Notes

Use dairy-free butter or coconut oil to make it vegan-friendly. Remove jalapeño seeds for milder heat. If corn isn’t charring evenly, ensure it is dry and skillet is very hot. Leftovers can be stored in foil in the fridge for up to 2 days and reheated gently in a skillet.

Nutrition

Keywords: charred corn, cast iron skillet, brown butter, jalapeño lime salt, summer recipe, smoky corn, spicy corn, easy side dish