If you’ve been craving something fresh, flavorful, and just a little bit indulgent, then Grilled Steak Elote Tacos are about to become your new obsession. Imagine juicy, perfectly grilled steak topped with smoky, cheesy, and creamy Mexican street corn (aka elote), all tucked inside a warm soft tortilla. Trust me, these tacos are a flavor explosion, with every bite bringing together the savory, the spicy, and the rich in perfect harmony. Whether you’re grilling for a casual dinner or hosting a taco night with friends, these tacos will steal the show every time.
Why You’ll Love Grilled Steak Elote Tacos
There’s something about the combination of grilled steak and elote that just works. Here’s why these tacos will have you coming back for more:
Bursting with Flavor: The tender steak is seasoned and grilled to perfection, while the elote adds smoky, creamy, and slightly spicy notes that complement the beef so well.
Perfect for Taco Lovers: If you’re the type of person who can’t resist a good taco, these ones are for you. The flavors are vibrant, fresh, and seriously satisfying.
Simple Yet Impressive: These tacos may look gourmet, but they’re surprisingly easy to make. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, they’re a crowd-pleaser that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen.
Versatile: These tacos can easily be customized to suit your preferences. Add more heat with chili powder or tone it down with a mild crema. The options are endless!
Great for Grilling Season: Perfect for summer cookouts or any time you’re craving that grilled flavor.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create these mouthwatering Grilled Steak Elote Tacos:
For the Steak:
Flank Steak or Skirt Steak: Both cuts are great for grilling, offering a juicy and tender bite when cooked properly.
Olive Oil: Helps to coat the steak for grilling and ensures it doesn’t stick to the grill.
Garlic Powder: Adds that savory depth of flavor to the steak.
Chili Powder: For a little smokiness and spice.
Cumin: To give the steak a touch of earthiness.
Salt and Pepper: For seasoning the steak and bringing out all the flavors.
For the Elote (Mexican Street Corn):
Corn on the Cob: Fresh corn on the cob works best for this recipe, but you can use frozen corn if it’s not in season.
Butter: To give the corn a rich and creamy base.
Mayonnaise: A classic elote ingredient that adds creaminess.
Cotija Cheese: Crumbled, salty, and delicious, cotija cheese is key to making the elote special.
Chili Powder or Paprika: Adds a little smoky spice to the corn.
Lime: The zest and juice of lime brighten up the elote and add a refreshing zing.
Fresh Cilantro: Chopped cilantro for a burst of freshness.
For the Tacos:
Soft Tortillas (Corn or Flour): You can use corn tortillas for a more authentic touch, or flour tortillas for a soft and chewy base.
Lime Wedges: For squeezing over the tacos, adding an extra layer of flavor.
(Note: the full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Here’s how you’ll make these mouthwatering tacos:
Step 1: Marinate and Grill the Steak:
In a small bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Rub this mixture all over the steak. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for deeper flavor). Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the steak for about 4-6 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until it reaches your desired level of doneness (medium-rare to medium works great). Let the steak rest for 5 minutes before slicing it thinly against the grain.
Step 2: Prepare the Elote:
While the steak is grilling, boil or grill the corn on the cob until it’s cooked and slightly charred. Once cooked, let it cool slightly before cutting the kernels off the cob. In a bowl, combine the butter, mayonnaise, crumbled cotija cheese, chili powder, lime juice, and chopped cilantro. Add the corn and toss it to coat evenly in the creamy mixture.
Step 3: Warm the Tortillas:
Warm the tortillas on the grill or in a skillet for a few seconds on each side. This step makes them soft and more pliable, perfect for holding all those delicious fillings.
Step 4: Assemble the Tacos:
To assemble the tacos, layer each tortilla with a generous portion of grilled steak slices, then top with a spoonful of the elote mixture. Garnish with extra cilantro, a squeeze of lime juice, and a pinch of chili powder or paprika for extra flavor.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the tacos immediately while the steak is juicy and the elote is creamy and fresh. Enjoy these tasty bites with a cold drink and some good company!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 450
Fat: 24g
Carbs: 30g
Protein: 30g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 8g
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
How to Serve Grilled Steak Elote Tacos
These tacos are packed with enough flavor to stand on their own, but you can pair them with a variety of sides to create a complete meal. Here are a few ideas:
With Mexican Rice: Fluffy and flavorful, Mexican rice is a great complement to the tacos.
Guacamole and Chips: Serve alongside a bowl of fresh guacamole and crispy tortilla chips for an extra touch of indulgence.
Fresh Salad: A simple salad with avocado, tomato, and a lime vinaigrette balances out the richness of the tacos.
Corn Chips or Street Corn: If you’re a fan of corn, serve these tacos with additional street corn or a side of crispy tortilla chips for added texture.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips for making your Grilled Steak Elote Tacos even better:
Don’t Skip Resting the Steak: Let the steak rest after grilling. This keeps the juices locked in, ensuring each bite is tender and juicy.
Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer more heat, add extra chili powder or a dash of hot sauce to the elote mixture.
Try Different Cuts of Beef: While flank or skirt steak works wonderfully, you can also try ribeye or sirloin for different flavors.
Make the Elote Ahead of Time: The elote mixture can be made ahead of time and kept in the fridge. Just toss it with fresh, warm corn before assembling the tacos.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh?
A1: Yes, frozen corn works well if fresh isn’t available. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly and let it cool before mixing with the mayo and cotija.
Q2: Can I make these tacos vegetarian?
A2: Absolutely! You can skip the steak and use grilled veggies like peppers, zucchini, or portobello mushrooms as a hearty, flavorful filling.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store any leftover steak in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The elote can also be stored in the fridge in a separate container for up to 2 days. Reheat the steak before assembling the tacos again.
Q4: Can I make the elote ahead of time?
A4: Yes, you can prepare the elote mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just reheat the corn before combining it with the creamy sauce.
Q5: What can I use instead of cotija cheese?
A5: If you can’t find cotija, feta cheese is a good substitute with a similar crumbly texture and salty flavor.
Conclusion
Grilled Steak Elote Tacos are the perfect combination of tender, smoky steak and creamy, tangy elote wrapped in a warm tortilla. They’re packed with bold flavors and offer a little something for everyone—whether you’re a steak lover, corn fanatic, or taco enthusiast. So fire up the grill, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy these delicious tacos that are sure to be the star of your next meal. Once you try them, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them!
PrintGrilled Steak Elote Tacos
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Delicious tacos featuring marinated grilled steak topped with creamy Mexican street corn, avocado, and fresh cilantro.
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
- Marinate the Steak:
- In a small bowl, mix 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.
- 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. Slice thinly against the grain.
- Prepare the Elote:
- While the steak is grilling, grill the corn directly on the grill grates 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 mayonnaise, sour cream, cotija cheese, chili powder, lime juice, and chopped cilantro. Stir well to combine.
- 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.
- Serve:
- Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and serve with lime wedges on the side. Enjoy your Grilled Steak Elote Tacos hot and fresh!
Notes
- For extra flavor, let the steak marinate longer.
- Feel free to adjust toppings according to your preference.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taco
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg