Grilled Elote Steak Tacos Recipe

Introduction

Grilled Elote Steak Tacos are a vibrant and flavorful twist on traditional tacos, combining the bold flavors of grilled steak with the smoky, creamy goodness of elote—the popular Mexican street corn. The juicy, tender steak pairs perfectly with the charred corn, and the creamy, tangy sauce adds a delicious contrast. These tacos are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ, enjoying Taco Tuesday, or looking for a delicious dinner that packs a punch of flavor.

The marriage of tender steak, roasted corn, fresh toppings, and a zesty crema creates a taco experience that is both satisfying and full of bold flavors. Whether you’re an experienced home cook or just beginning your taco-making journey, these Grilled Elote Steak Tacos are a breeze to prepare and will quickly become a family favorite. This guide will take you step by step through the process, offer helpful tips, and suggest fun variations to customize your tacos to your taste.

Why You’ll Love Grilled Elote Steak Tacos

• Bold, Smoky Flavor: The grilled steak offers rich, savory flavors that are enhanced by the smoky, charred corn. The combination of grilled meat and street corn is an irresistible duo.
• Creamy and Tangy Crema: The crema made with mayonnaise, sour cream, lime, and cotija cheese adds a creamy, tangy finish that brings all the elements of the taco together perfectly.
• Fresh, Colorful Toppings: Toppings like fresh cilantro, red onion, and lime wedges add brightness and freshness to each bite, balancing the richness of the steak and corn.
• Customizable: This recipe is highly customizable. You can swap out the steak for chicken, shrimp, or even vegetarian options like portobello mushrooms for a different twist.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re grilling for a crowd or enjoying a quick weeknight dinner, these tacos are always a crowd-pleaser and can easily be scaled to serve any number of people.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings (approximately 3 tacos per person)
• Calories per Serving: Around 350-400 calories per serving, depending on portion sizes and toppings.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 350-400 kcal
• Fat: 20-25g
• Carbohydrates: 25-30g
• Protein: 20-25g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 4-6g

Ingredients

For the Grilled Elote Steak Tacos:

• 1 lb (450g) flank steak, skirt steak, or sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch strips
• 4 small to medium-sized corn on the cob, husked
• 8 small corn tortillas (or flour tortillas, if preferred)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
• 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced (for garnish)
• 2 lime wedges (for garnish)

For the Elote Crema:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup cotija cheese, crumbled
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Special Equipment

Although the ingredients are simple, a few pieces of equipment can make the process more efficient and ensure your tacos come out perfectly:

1. Grill or Grill Pan: A grill or a grill pan is essential for charring the corn and grilling the steak. The high heat adds flavor and texture to the meat and vegetables, giving your tacos that authentic grilled taste.
2. Tongs: A pair of tongs will help you flip the steak strips and corn on the grill without burning yourself, allowing for safe handling while cooking.
3. Grater or Zester: A grater or zester is needed to finely grate the cotija cheese for the crema, adding a delicious tangy richness to the sauce.
4. Mixing Bowls: Two mixing bowls are required: one for preparing the marinade for the steak and one for mixing the crema. Stainless steel or glass mixing bowls work best.
5. Basting Brush (Optional): A basting brush can be useful for brushing the grilled corn with olive oil or butter, enhancing its flavor and promoting even charring.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Marinate the Steak

Start by preparing the steak marinade. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine olive oil, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir to mix the spices together. Add the steak strips to the bowl, making sure the meat is evenly coated with the marinade. Let the steak marinate for at least 10-15 minutes (or up to 30 minutes) while you prepare the other components of the dish.

2. Grill the Corn

While the steak marinates, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the husked corn on the grill and cook for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure the corn is evenly charred. You want the corn to develop those signature grill marks and a slight smokiness, which will add depth to the flavor of the tacos.

Once the corn is grilled, remove it from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes. After it’s cool enough to handle, use a sharp knife to slice the kernels off the cob. Set the corn aside while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.

3. Prepare the Elote Crema

While the corn is grilling, mix the ingredients for the elote crema. In a small mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, crumbled cotija cheese, lime juice, chili powder, garlic powder, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy. The crema should be tangy, creamy, and slightly spicy, perfectly complementing the grilled corn and steak. Set aside.

4. Grill the Steak

Once the corn is off the grill, increase the grill’s heat to high. Place the marinated steak strips on the grill and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare. If you prefer your steak well-done, cook for a few extra minutes until the desired level of doneness is reached. After grilling, let the steak rest for a couple of minutes before slicing it into smaller pieces if needed. The steak should be tender and juicy, with a slight char on the outside.

5. Warm the Tortillas

While the steak is resting, warm the tortillas. You can do this by placing them on the grill for about 30 seconds on each side, or warming them in a dry skillet over medium heat. Warming the tortillas makes them more pliable and helps enhance their flavor.

6. Assemble the Tacos

To assemble the tacos, place a warm tortilla on a plate. Spoon some grilled steak onto the center of the tortilla, followed by a generous portion of grilled corn. Drizzle the elote crema over the steak and corn, ensuring that each taco is well-coated. Top with freshly chopped cilantro, thinly sliced red onion, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice. For an extra kick, you can sprinkle a little more chili powder or cotija cheese on top.

7. Serve and Enjoy

Serve the tacos immediately while the steak is still warm and the tortillas are soft. These tacos are best enjoyed fresh, with a side of extra lime wedges for squeezing. The combination of grilled steak, smoky corn, and creamy elote crema will have everyone reaching for seconds.

Tips for Perfect Grilled Elote Steak Tacos

• Choose the Right Cut of Steak: Flank steak, skirt steak, or sirloin are ideal cuts for grilling since they are tender, flavorful, and cook quickly. Avoid thicker cuts that require longer cooking times, as they might become tough.
• Grill the Corn to Perfection: Make sure to turn the corn regularly to achieve even charring. The corn should have deep grill marks, but don’t let it burn. The slight char will bring out the natural sweetness of the corn.
• Make the Elote Crema Ahead of Time: To save time, you can make the elote crema ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld together, enhancing the overall taste of the tacos.
• Customize the Toppings: Feel free to add additional toppings like sliced avocado, diced tomatoes, or hot sauce to elevate your tacos. You can also add a bit of lettuce or cabbage for crunch.
• Make it Spicy: If you love heat, add a few dashes of hot sauce to the crema or sprinkle red pepper flakes on top of the tacos for an extra kick.

Variations of Grilled Elote Steak Tacos

• Chicken Elote Tacos: Swap the steak for grilled chicken breast or thighs for a lighter but still flavorful taco option. Marinate the chicken with the same spices and grill as you would the steak.
• Vegetarian Elote Tacos: For a vegetarian version, use portobello mushrooms or cauliflower instead of steak. Grill the mushrooms or cauliflower with the same seasoning and combine with the elote crema for a delicious meatless taco.
• Shrimp Elote Tacos: For a seafood twist, grill shrimp instead of steak. Marinate the shrimp in the same spices and grill for about 2-3 minutes per side until cooked through.
• Baja-Style Tacos: Add a crunchy slaw to your tacos for a Baja-style variation. A cabbage slaw with lime and cilantro pairs perfectly with the smoky steak and sweet corn.

Storage and Shelf Life

Grilled Elote Steak Tacos are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To store, keep the steak, corn, crema, and tortillas separate to prevent them from getting soggy. Reheat the steak and corn in a skillet over medium heat, and warm the tortillas before assembling the tacos again.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Grilled Elote Steak Tacos

Pair these tacos with complementary sides for a complete meal:

• Mexican Street Corn Salad: A refreshing corn salad with lime, cilantro, and cotija cheese pairs wonderfully with the tacos.
• Guacamole and Chips: Creamy guacamole served with crispy tortilla chips adds a nice appetizer or side dish to accompany your tacos.
• Mexican Rice: Fluffy, flavorful Mexican rice seasoned with garlic and cilantro complements the tacos and adds a filling side.
• Grilled Veggies: Serve with a side of grilled vegetables, such as bell peppers, zucchini, or onions, to add extra flavor and color to the meal.

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Conclusion

Grilled Elote Steak Tacos bring together the smoky flavors of grilled steak, the sweetness of charred corn, and the creamy tang of elote crema. The combination of these elements creates a taco experience that is both vibrant and satisfying. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can create a delicious meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re grilling for a family dinner or hosting a party, these tacos will impress every time. Enjoy the rich flavors and textures in each bite, and make this recipe a regular favorite in your kitchen!