These Grilled Steak Elote Tacos are a fun twist on traditional tacos! The juicy steak is perfectly grilled and topped with creamy corn toppings that are simply irresistible.
Honestly, who could resist corn and steak wrapped in a soft tortilla? I love serving them with a squeeze of lime for a little zing—yum! 🌮🍋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Flank Steak or Skirt Steak: Both cuts are great for grilling due to their flavor and tenderness. If you can’t find them, try sirloin or ribeye as alternatives that will still deliver a juicy taco experience.
Dan-O’s Seasoning: This seasoning blends herbs and spices perfectly. If you don’t have it, use a mix of garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika for a similar flavor. Alternatively, any taco seasoning works nicely.
Corn: Fresh corn really gives that sweet crunch, but if fresh isn’t available, canned corn is a great substitute. Just make sure to drain it well before mixing to avoid a watery mixture.
Cotija Cheese: Cotija lends a salty touch to tacos. Feta works nicely in its place, or try a mild goat cheese for something different. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, consider nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Grill Marks on My Steak?
Grilling steak can be tricky, but with a few tips, you’ll get those perfect grill marks and flavors. Here’s how:
- Start with a clean and preheated grill. This prevents sticking and delivers good marks.
- Season the steak generously just before grilling. This helps to create a crust.
- Place the steak on the grill at a 45-degree angle for the first half of cooking, then rotate it to achieve crosshatch marks.
- Let the steak rest after grilling. This redistributes juices, ensuring a moist taco filling.
How to Make Grilled Steak Elote Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Tacos:
- 1 lb flank steak or skirt steak
- 1 tsp Dan-O’s Seasoning (or your favorite seasoning)
- 4-6 corn tortillas
For the Elote Corn Mix:
- 2 cups fresh corn kernels (or canned corn, drained)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 lime, juiced
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/4 cup crumbled cotija cheese (or feta cheese)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: additional lime wedges and cilantro for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe will take you about 30 minutes in total. This includes about 10 minutes for prep and 20 minutes to grill and assemble your tacos. It’s a quick and tasty meal that’s perfect for any day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. This will help you achieve those lovely grill marks and keep the steak juicy while cooking.
2. Season the Steak:
Generously sprinkle Dan-O’s seasoning (or your favorite seasoning) over both sides of the flank or skirt steak. Make sure it’s well-coated so you get plenty of flavor!
3. Grill the Steak:
Place the seasoned steak on the grill and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side if you like it medium-rare. Cook longer if you want it more done. Once cooked to your liking, remove it from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute.
4. Make the Elote Corn Mix:
While the steak is resting, grab a bowl and mix together the fresh corn kernels, mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, chopped cilantro, and crumbled cotija cheese. Give it a good stir and season with salt and pepper to taste. This mix will give your tacos a delicious creamy kick!
5. Warm the Tortillas:
To warm the corn tortillas, place them on the grill for about 30 seconds on each side until they are warm and pliable. This helps them hold everything together nicely.
6. Slice the Steak:
After the steak has rested, slice it into thin strips. Cutting against the grain will make the steak more tender and easier to eat.
7. Assemble the Tacos:
Take a warm tortilla and add a few strips of the grilled steak. Top it off with a generous spoonful of the elote corn mixture for that perfect flavor blend.
8. Add Garnishes:
If you like, add some extra chopped cilantro and lime wedges on top for that finishing touch. It not only makes the tacos look great but also adds a burst of freshness!
9. Serve and Enjoy!
Your Grilled Steak Elote Tacos are ready to serve! Enjoy them immediately for the best flavor, and gather your friends and family around for a tasty meal!
Can I Use Different Cuts of Steak for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While flank and skirt steak are great choices, you can use ribeye, sirloin, or even chicken for a variation. Just adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the meat—thicker steaks will need more time on the grill.
Can I Prepare the Elote Corn Mixture in Advance?
Yes, you can! Mix the corn, mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, cilantro, and cheese up to a day ahead. Just keep it covered in the fridge to stay fresh. Give it a quick stir before using, as it may thicken a bit in the fridge.
How Do I Store Leftover Tacos?
Store any leftover tacos in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. If you have unassembled tacos, keep the steak, corn mixture, and tortillas separate to maintain freshness. Reheat the steak on the grill or in a skillet over medium heat, and warm the tortillas briefly before serving.
Can I Make This Recipe Spicy?
Definitely! To add some heat, mix in diced jalapeños into the elote corn mixture or sprinkle some cayenne pepper into the seasoning for the steak. You can also serve with hot sauce on the side for those who like it spicy!
