Grilled Steak Elote Tacos

Introduction:

Spice up your taco night with a burst of flavor inspired by the streets of Mexico with our Grilled Steak Elote Tacos recipe. These mouthwatering tacos combine tender grilled steak, creamy elote (Mexican street corn), and zesty toppings, creating a fiesta for your taste buds. In this article, we’ll share the recipe for these irresistible tacos that will have you coming back for seconds.

Recipe Ingredients:

• 1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced
• 8 small flour or corn tortillas
• 2 cups Mexican street corn (elote), cooked
• 1 cup crumbled queso fresco or feta cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 lime, cut into wedges
• Optional toppings: sliced avocado, chopped tomatoes, sliced jalapeños

Instructions:

1. Marinate the Steak: In a bowl, combine the thinly sliced flank steak with your favorite steak marinade or a mixture of lime juice, garlic, cumin, and chili powder. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
2. Grill the Steak: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Remove the steak from the marinade and grill for 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked to your desired level of doneness. Let the steak rest for a few minutes before slicing thinly against the grain.
3. Warm the Tortillas: While the steak is grilling, heat the tortillas on the grill or in a dry skillet until warm and slightly charred, about 1 minute per side. Wrap the warm tortillas in a clean kitchen towel to keep them warm.
4. Assemble the Tacos: To assemble the tacos, spread a spoonful of Mexican street corn (elote) onto each tortilla. Top with slices of grilled steak, crumbled queso fresco or feta cheese, and chopped cilantro. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the top.
5. Add Optional Toppings: For extra flavor and texture, add sliced avocado, chopped tomatoes, or sliced jalapeños to your tacos. Get creative with your toppings to suit your taste preferences.
6. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the Grilled Steak Elote Tacos immediately, garnished with additional cilantro and lime wedges on the side. Enjoy these delicious tacos with your favorite salsa or hot sauce for an extra kick of flavor.

Serving and Storage Tips:

Serving Tips:

1. Serve Immediately: Enjoy the Grilled Steak Elote Tacos immediately after assembling to savor the freshness and flavors of the ingredients.
2. Garnish Creatively: Sprinkle additional crumbled queso fresco or feta cheese and chopped cilantro over the tacos just before serving for an extra burst of flavor and visual appeal.
3. Customize Toppings: Set up a taco bar with a variety of optional toppings such as sliced avocado, chopped tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, and different salsas to allow guests to customize their tacos according to their preferences.
4. Pair with Refreshments: Serve the tacos with refreshing beverages such as cold Mexican beer, margaritas, or agua frescas to complement the spicy flavors and cool down the palate.

Storage Tips:

1. Store Leftovers Separately: If you have leftover components such as grilled steak, elote, or toppings, store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator to maintain their freshness.
2. Reheat Steak Gently: When reheating leftover grilled steak, do so gently to prevent overcooking. Warm it in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave for short intervals until heated through.
3. Reheat Tortillas: Reheat leftover tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few seconds on each side or wrap them in damp paper towels and microwave for 15-30 seconds until warm and pliable.
4. Assemble Fresh: To enjoy leftovers, assemble the tacos just before serving to ensure that the tortillas remain soft and the toppings stay fresh and vibrant.

By following these serving and storage tips, you can ensure that your Grilled Steak Elote Tacos are enjoyed to the fullest, whether serving them for a casual weeknight dinner or entertaining guests at a festive gathering.

Variations of Grilled Steak Elote Tacos:

1. Chicken Elote Tacos: Substitute grilled chicken breast or thighs for the steak to create a lighter version of the tacos. Marinate the chicken in a mixture of lime juice, chili powder, and garlic before grilling.
2. Vegetarian Elote Tacos: Skip the meat altogether and make vegetarian tacos by using grilled portobello mushrooms or tofu as a protein alternative. Season the mushrooms or tofu with taco seasoning before grilling for flavor.
3. Shrimp Elote Tacos: Switch up the protein by using grilled shrimp instead of steak. Marinate the shrimp in a mixture of lime juice, garlic, and smoked paprika before grilling for a smoky flavor.
4. Fish Elote Tacos: Opt for grilled fish fillets such as tilapia or mahi-mahi for a seafood twist on the tacos. Season the fish with a blend of cumin, coriander, and lime zest before grilling until cooked through.
5. Pork Elote Tacos: Use grilled pork tenderloin or pork chops as the protein for the tacos. Marinate the pork in a mixture of orange juice, chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, and garlic before grilling for a spicy and tangy flavor.
6. Beef Elote Tacos: Experiment with different cuts of beef such as skirt steak, sirloin, or ribeye for the tacos. Marinate the beef in a mixture of soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar before grilling for a sweet and savory flavor.
7. Vegan Elote Tacos: Create a vegan version of the tacos by using grilled portobello mushrooms or cauliflower florets as the protein. Serve with vegan-friendly toppings such as dairy-free cheese and avocado.
8. Spicy Elote Tacos: Add a kick of heat to the tacos by incorporating sliced jalapeños or serrano peppers into the elote mixture. You can also drizzle the tacos with hot sauce or sprinkle them with crushed red pepper flakes for extra spice.
9. Chipotle Lime Elote Tacos: Infuse the elote mixture with chipotle peppers in adobo sauce and fresh lime juice for a smoky and tangy flavor profile. Serve the tacos with a squeeze of lime juice for an added citrus kick.
10. Breakfast Elote Tacos: Enjoy the flavors of elote tacos for breakfast by adding scrambled eggs and crispy bacon or chorizo to the tacos. Top with salsa and avocado for a hearty and satisfying morning meal.

These variations offer a range of options to customize the Grilled Steak Elote Tacos recipe according to your taste preferences and dietary needs. Get creative with different proteins, flavors, and toppings to create your own unique taco creations!

FAQs:

1. Can I use a different cut of steak for the tacos? Yes, you can use various cuts of steak such as skirt steak, sirloin, or ribeye, depending on your preference. Ensure to slice the steak thinly against the grain for tenderness.
2. What is Mexican street corn (elote), and where can I find it? Mexican street corn, or elote, is grilled corn on the cob typically coated with mayonnaise, cotija cheese, chili powder, and lime juice. You can find it at local Mexican markets or prepare it at home using fresh corn.
3. How long should I marinate the steak? Marinate the steak for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat. For a more intense flavor, marinate it for up to 4 hours in the refrigerator.
4. Can I make the tacos ahead of time for a party or gathering? While it’s best to assemble the tacos just before serving to keep the tortillas from becoming soggy, you can prepare the components such as grilled steak and elote in advance and assemble them quickly when ready to serve.
5. Can I use store-bought taco seasoning instead of making my own marinade? Yes, you can use store-bought taco seasoning as a convenient alternative to making your own marinade. Simply sprinkle it over the steak before grilling.
6. How can I prevent the tortillas from breaking when warming them? To prevent tortillas from breaking, warm them on a preheated grill or in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few seconds on each side until pliable. Keep them warm by wrapping them in a clean kitchen towel.
7. Are there any vegetarian alternatives for the tacos? Yes, you can make vegetarian tacos by substituting grilled vegetables such as portobello mushrooms, bell peppers, and onions for the steak. Season the vegetables with taco seasoning before grilling.
8. Can I make the tacos gluten-free? Yes, you can use gluten-free corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas to make the tacos gluten-free. Ensure that all other ingredients and toppings are also gluten-free.
9. What are some optional toppings for the tacos? Optional toppings for the tacos include sliced avocado, chopped tomatoes, diced onions, sliced jalapeños, and fresh cilantro. Get creative and add your favorite toppings.
10. How should I store leftovers? Store leftover components such as grilled steak, elote, and toppings separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat them gently before assembling leftover tacos.