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Grilled corn with tequila-lime butter

Time1 hour
YieldsServes 8
Grilled ears of corn topped with tequila-lime butter.
(Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)
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The lime and tequila in the compound butter really make the corn flavor pop. Buy whole ears of corn with the husks still attached. Soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to keep the husks from catching fire and then put them straight onto the grill. No need to pull back the husks and remove the fine silk beforehand; the silk will come away much more easily when you husk the corn after cooking.

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1

Make the tequila-lime butter. Beat the butter, jalapeno and lime zest in a bowl until creamy. Beat in the lime juice and tequila. The mixture should be very soft, but there should be no liquid showing; if you want, add a little more tequila. Beat in the cilantro and salt. Taste and adjust the seasoning. The mixture should be very forceful (it will be much milder when spread over the corn), but it should be evenly balanced between lime, butter and salt. Add more salt, lime or tequila as needed.

2

Spoon the butter onto a sheet of plastic wrap in the shape of a log and roll it into a cylinder. Twist the ends of the plastic wrap in opposite directions to firm the cylinder and roll it gently on the counter to eliminate any air pockets in the center. Refrigerate until ready to use. (Recipe can be prepared to this point a couple of days in advance).

3

Soak the ears of corn in water to cover for at least 30 minutes before grilling.

4

Grill the corn over a medium-hot fire until the kernels inside are golden and tender, 20 to 25 minutes. Remove the husks and most of the silk will come with them; rub off what little might remain. Slice the butter into discs and pass alongside the hot corn.

Make Ahead:
This butter can be made a day ahead and stored tightly wrapped in the refrigerator.