Grilled Steak Elote Tacos

Introduction

When I first tried these Grilled Steak Elote Tacos, I knew I had discovered something special. The combination of perfectly marinated steak with the smoky, creamy flavor of elote (Mexican street corn) wrapped in warm corn tortillas was a flavor explosion that left my family begging for seconds. As we gathered around the table, everyone was delighted by the colors and textures. The smoky, tender steak paired beautifully with the fresh corn mixture, and the vibrant toppings added a refreshing crunch. These tacos quickly became a family favorite, and they’re perfect for a casual weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering with friends.

Ingredients

To make these delicious Grilled Steak Elote Tacos, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Steak:

• 1 lb skirt or flank steak
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Elote (Mexican Street Corn):

• 2 ears corn, husked
• 2 tbsp mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp sour cream
• 1/2 cup cotija cheese, crumbled
• 1/2 tsp chili powder
• Juice of 1 lime
• 2 tbsp chopped cilantro

For the Tacos:

• 8 small corn tortillas
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
• 1 avocado, sliced
• Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
• Lime wedges, for serving

Instructions

Follow these straightforward steps to prepare your Grilled Steak Elote Tacos:

1. Marinate the Steak:

• In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
• Rub this mixture all over the steak and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.

2. Grill the Steak:

• Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
• Grill the steak for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness.
• Remove from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain.

3. Prepare the Elote:

• While the steak is grilling, place the husked corn directly on the grill grates.
• Grill until slightly charred on all sides, about 7-10 minutes.
• Once done, remove the corn kernels from the cob and place them in a bowl.
• Mix in the mayonnaise, sour cream, cotija cheese, chili powder, lime juice, and chopped cilantro. Stir well to combine.

4. Assemble the Tacos:

• Warm the corn tortillas on the grill for about 30 seconds on each side, or until soft and pliable.
• Top each tortilla with slices of grilled steak, a generous spoonful of elote, diced red onion, and avocado slices.

5. Serve:

• Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and serve with lime wedges on the side. Enjoy your Grilled Steak Elote Tacos hot and fresh!

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: 4
• Calories: Approximately 550 kcal per serving

Nutrition Breakdown (per serving):

• Serving Size: 2 tacos
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 34g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 27g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 6g
• Protein: 22g
• Cholesterol: 60mg

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes

How to Serve

To create the perfect taco experience, consider the following:

• Serve immediately: Enjoy the tacos while they are warm and fresh.
• Offer toppings: Provide additional toppings such as diced jalapeños, hot sauce, or extra cotija cheese.
• Accompaniments: Serve with a side of Mexican rice or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
• Garnishes: Fresh cilantro, lime wedges, and avocado slices add a nice touch.
• Presentation: Arrange the tacos on a colorful platter for a vibrant display.

Additional Tips

1. Marinate Longer: For even more flavor, marinate the steak overnight if possible.
2. Corn Alternatives: If fresh corn is not available, canned or frozen corn can be used as a substitute.
3. Cheese Options: If you can’t find cotija cheese, feta or queso fresco can work well too.
4. Heat it Up: For a spicier kick, add diced jalapeños to the elote mixture or use a spicier chili powder.
5. Rest the Steak: Allow the steak to rest after grilling to ensure it retains its juices.

Recipe Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Substitute the steak with grilled portobello mushrooms or marinated tofu for a meat-free version.
• Different Proteins: Use chicken or shrimp as an alternative to steak for a different flavor profile.
• Flavorful Sauces: Drizzle a chipotle aioli or avocado crema over the tacos for an extra layer of flavor.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with Drinks: Serve with a cold Mexican beer, margarita, or a refreshing agua fresca to complement the flavors.
• Side Dishes: Consider adding sides like black beans, Mexican street corn salad, or tortilla chips with salsa.
• Family Style: Set up a taco bar where guests can assemble their tacos with their choice of toppings.

Freezing and Storage

• Storing Leftovers: Store any leftover steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the grilled steak (wrapped tightly) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat the steak gently in a skillet over low heat to avoid drying it out.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use other cuts of steak?

• Yes, you can use ribeye or sirloin, but skirt or flank steak is recommended for tenderness and flavor.

1. What is cotija cheese?

• Cotija is a crumbly Mexican cheese with a salty flavor, often used as a topping for dishes like elote.

1. Can I make the elote ahead of time?

• Yes, you can prepare the elote mixture ahead and store it in the fridge. Just mix it in with the corn when ready to serve.

1. How do I know when the steak is done?

• Use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should be around 135°F (57°C) for medium-rare.

1. What can I substitute for sour cream?

• Greek yogurt is a great substitute for sour cream and will give a similar creamy texture.

1. Can I grill the corn indoors?

• Yes, you can use a grill pan on the stovetop or roast the corn in the oven if a grill isn’t available.

1. How can I add more flavor to the tortillas?

• Brush the tortillas with olive oil and grill them for a couple of minutes for added flavor and texture.

1. Are these tacos spicy?

• The spice level can be adjusted by varying the amount of chili powder or adding jalapeños.

1. How many tacos does this recipe make?

• This recipe yields about 8 tacos, depending on the size of your tortillas and how generously you fill them.

1. Can I make these tacos ahead of time?
   • The steak and elote can be prepared in advance, but it’s best to assemble the tacos just before serving to maintain freshness.

Conclusion

These Grilled Steak Elote Tacos are not just a meal; they’re an experience that brings friends and family together. With their vibrant flavors, tender steak, and creamy elote, they make for a satisfying dish that everyone will love. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a festive gathering, these tacos will be the star of the show. Give them a try, and you’ll understand why they’ve quickly become a favorite in our household!

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