Get ready to take taco night to a whole new level! These Grilled Steak Elote Tacos combine the smokiness of juicy grilled steak with the creamy, tangy flavors of elote (Mexican street corn). Wrapped in soft tortillas, these tacos are the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and a little bit of spice. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking to treat yourself to something delicious, these tacos will not disappoint. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll be hooked!
Why You’ll Love Grilled Steak Elote Tacos
These tacos are a flavor explosion in every bite. The combination of the charred, tender steak with the creamy corn and zesty toppings is something you won’t forget. Here’s why they’re a must-try:
Versatile: You can swap the steak for chicken or shrimp, or switch up the toppings to make these tacos your own.
Budget-Friendly: This recipe uses simple ingredients that are easy to find and won’t break the bank.
Quick and Easy: The tacos come together in under 30 minutes, perfect for a weeknight meal or weekend barbecue.
Customizable: Add more spice, skip the cheese, or pile on your favorite toppings.
Crowd-Pleasing: With juicy steak, fresh corn, and bold flavors, these tacos are sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.
Ingredients
Ingredients in Grilled Steak Elote Tacos
Let’s break down the ingredients that make these tacos so irresistible:
Flank Steak or Skirt Steak: The star of the dish. Grilled to perfection, the steak brings smoky, tender flavor with every bite.
Tortillas: Soft corn or flour tortillas are perfect for wrapping up all the tasty fillings.
Corn on the Cob: Fresh corn gets charred and cooked, then slathered with creamy goodness for that authentic elote flavor.
Mayonnaise: The base of the creamy elote topping, giving it richness and depth.
Cotija Cheese: A crumbly, salty Mexican cheese that adds texture and a burst of flavor.
Chili Powder or Paprika: Adds a hint of smoky heat, taking the elote topping to the next level.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro brings a burst of freshness and brightens up the whole dish.
Lime: Fresh lime juice is key to adding tang and balancing out the richness of the steak and corn.
Garlic: Minced garlic adds a savory depth to the steak marinade and the elote topping.
Olive Oil: For marinating the steak and grilling it to perfection.
Salt and Pepper: Just a pinch to season everything and bring out the flavors.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s get cooking and create these mouthwatering Grilled Steak Elote Tacos!
Marinate the Steak
In a bowl, combine olive oil, garlic, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Rub this marinade all over the steak and let it sit for at least 15 minutes (or up to 1 hour) to absorb the flavors.
Grill the Steak
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the steak for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness. Once cooked, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it thinly against the grain.
Prepare the Elote Topping
While the steak is grilling, cook the corn on the cob directly on the grill or on a stovetop grill pan, turning occasionally until charred and cooked through. Once done, let it cool slightly before cutting the kernels off the cob.
In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, cotija cheese, chili powder, and a squeeze of lime juice. Add the grilled corn kernels to this mixture and stir to combine.
Assemble the Tacos
Warm the tortillas on the grill or in a pan for a few seconds on each side. Then, layer the grilled steak slices in the center of each tortilla, top with the elote mixture, and garnish with fresh cilantro and an extra squeeze of lime.
Serve and Enjoy
Serve these tacos immediately while the steak is still juicy and the corn is creamy. They’re perfect with a side of rice, beans, or even a simple salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: ~350
(Note: Nutrition values are approximate and may vary based on exact ingredients used.)
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
How to Serve Grilled Steak Elote Tacos
These tacos are delicious on their own, but you can also pair them with sides like Mexican rice, black beans, or a cool avocado salad. If you’re in the mood for something extra, serve them with a side of chips and salsa or guacamole. Don’t forget to garnish with extra lime wedges for that perfect tangy finish!
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to make these tacos even better:
- Use different cuts of meat: Skirt steak, ribeye, or even flank steak all work wonderfully in this recipe.
- Make them spicy: If you love heat, add some sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce over the tacos.
- Grill the corn ahead of time: You can grill the corn ahead of time to save time, and it works great for meal prepping.
- Make it vegetarian: Swap the steak for grilled portobello mushrooms or grilled tofu for a plant-based twist.
- Customize your toppings: Add a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of fresh queso fresco, or a few slices of avocado to make the tacos even more delicious.
FAQ’s
Can I use frozen corn for the elote topping?
Fresh corn is best for this recipe, but you can use frozen corn if you’re in a pinch. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly before mixing it with the mayo and cheese.
What if I don’t have cotija cheese?
If you can’t find cotija cheese, you can use feta cheese or Parmesan as a substitute. The flavor will be a little different, but still tasty.
Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn?
Absolutely! Flour tortillas work great, too. Use whichever you prefer.
Can I prepare the steak ahead of time?
Yes, you can marinate the steak a few hours ahead of time, or even overnight, to let the flavors soak in.
How do I get the steak perfectly cooked?
Use a meat thermometer to ensure your steak is cooked to the desired level. For medium-rare, aim for 130-135°F, and for medium, aim for 140-145°F.
Can I make the elote topping without mayonnaise?
Yes, you can substitute the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter version, or use sour cream for a tangy twist.
What’s the best way to warm the tortillas?
You can warm the tortillas on a hot, dry skillet for about 20-30 seconds per side, or directly on the grill for a few seconds to get them nice and warm.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can grill the steak and corn ahead of time, then assemble the tacos when you’re ready to serve.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
Add some diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the elote mixture for a spicy kick.
Can I use a different protein instead of steak?
Absolutely! Chicken, shrimp, or even fish would be great alternatives.
Conclusion
Grilled Steak Elote Tacos are a perfect combination of savory, smoky, and creamy goodness. With tender steak, charred corn, and zesty toppings, these tacos will elevate your taco game and have everyone at the table coming back for more. Whether it’s a casual dinner or a fun weekend cookout, these tacos are sure to impress. So fire up that grill and enjoy the flavors of summer!
Print
Grilled Steak Elote Tacos
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 30 minutes marinating)
- Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 1 hour
- Yield: 8 tacos 1x
- Category: Main Dish / Tacos
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican / Fusion
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Grilled Steak Elote Tacos bring together the best of two worlds: succulent, smoky grilled steak paired with the creamy, spicy, and tangy flavors of Mexican street corn (elote). Served in warm corn tortillas and topped with crumbled Cotija cheese, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime, these tacos are perfect for a festive meal or an impressive dinner with friends.
Ingredients
For the Steak:
1 lb skirt or flank steak
Juice of 2 limes
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp cumin
Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Elote Mixture:
1 cup corn kernels (fresh or charred from the grill)
2 tbsp mayonnaise
1 tbsp sour cream
1/4 cup Cotija cheese, crumbled
1/2 tsp chili powder
Juice of 1 lime
Salt, to taste
For the Tacos:
8 small corn tortillas
1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Lime wedges, for serving
(Optional) Sliced avocado or radishes
For the Chipotle Mayo (Optional):
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 chipotle pepper in adobo, minced (or 1/2 tsp chipotle chili powder)
1 tsp lime juice
Pinch of salt
Instructions
- For an extra smoky flavor, char the corn on the grill before cutting the kernels.
- If you prefer a spicier taco, increase the chipotle in the mayo or add a few slices of jalapeño to the assembly.
- These tacos are best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the components ahead of time and assemble just before serving.
Notes
- For an extra smoky flavor, char the corn on the grill before cutting the kernels.
- If you prefer a spicier taco, increase the chipotle in the mayo or add a few slices of jalapeño to the assembly.
- These tacos are best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the components ahead of time and assemble just before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taco
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg