If you’re searching for a taco recipe that delivers bold flavors, vibrant colors, and an irresistible mix of textures, look no further than grilled steak elote tacos. This recipe is a celebration of Mexican-inspired cuisine, blending smoky, tender steak with the creamy, tangy goodness of elote (Mexican street corn). Perfect for Taco Tuesday, summer barbecues, or any casual gathering, these tacos will have everyone coming back for more.
In this article, we’ll guide you through every step to make these mouthwatering tacos, from choosing the perfect steak cut to creating the signature elote topping. Plus, you’ll find tips for grilling, creative variations, and answers to common questions. Ready to dive into this flavor-packed adventure? Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Why Make Grilled Steak Elote Tacos?
There are plenty of taco recipes out there, but grilled steak elote tacos stand out for several reasons:
- Flavor Explosion: These tacos bring together the smoky, savory taste of grilled steak with the creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy notes of elote.
- Versatility: Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or hosting a party, this recipe is sure to impress.
- Customizable Options: From swapping the steak for chicken or shrimp to making it vegetarian, the possibilities are endless.
If you’re new to grilling, don’t worry! With a few simple techniques and the right marinade, you’ll achieve perfectly grilled steak every time. For more grilling inspiration.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. With fresh ingredients and a few pantry staples, you can create tacos that taste like they came straight from a Mexican street market.
For the Steak
- 1 lb skirt steak (flank or ribeye also works)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Elote Topping
- 2 ears of fresh corn, husked
- 3 tbsp mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup cotija cheese, crumbled
- 1 tsp chili powder or Tajín seasoning
- Juice of 1 lime
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
For the Tacos
- 8 small corn tortillas
- Optional toppings: sliced avocado, pico de gallo, hot sauce
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Marinate the Steak
The key to flavorful, tender steak lies in the marinade. In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, chili powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Coat the steak evenly with the marinade, cover it, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. For deeper flavor, let the steak marinate for up to 4 hours.
2. Grill the Corn
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the corn directly on the grill grates, turning occasionally until lightly charred on all sides, which should take about 10 minutes. Let the corn cool slightly before cutting the kernels off the cob.
3. Cook the Steak
Heat your grill to high. Remove the steak from the marinade and shake off any excess liquid. Grill the steak for 3-5 minutes per side, depending on the thickness and your preferred level of doneness. Use a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy (130°F for medium-rare). Once cooked, let the steak rest for 5-10 minutes to retain its juices.
4. Prepare the Elote Topping
In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, and chili powder. Add the grilled corn kernels, cotija cheese, and cilantro. Stir until everything is well combined.
5. Assemble the Tacos
Warm the tortillas on the grill for about 30 seconds per side until they’re pliable and slightly charred. To assemble, layer thinly sliced steak on each tortilla, followed by a generous scoop of the elote topping. Add optional garnishes like avocado slices or pico de gallo for extra flavor.
Tips for Perfect Grilled Steak Elote Tacos
Choosing the Right Steak
Skirt steak is the go-to cut for tacos because of its flavor and tenderness when cooked properly. However, flank steak or ribeye are excellent alternatives.
Grilling Like a Pro
- Preheat your grill to ensure even cooking.
- Use tongs to flip the steak—never a fork, as piercing the meat can cause it to lose its juices.
- Let the steak rest before slicing to ensure maximum tenderness.
Balancing Flavors
The creaminess of the elote topping pairs beautifully with the smoky steak, but feel free to add heat with sliced jalapeños or your favorite hot sauce.
Variations and Customizations
One of the best things about grilled steak elote tacos is how easily you can customize them. Here are a few ideas to get creative with your tacos:
Alternative Proteins
- Swap the steak for grilled chicken thighs or shrimp for a lighter option.
- Try grilled portobello mushrooms or jackfruit for a vegetarian version.
Healthy Swaps
- Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for the elote topping to cut calories.
- Opt for lettuce wraps instead of tortillas for a low-carb option.
Regional Twists
- Add a drizzle of avocado crema for a rich, zesty kick.
- Sprinkle crispy tortilla strips on top for added crunch.
FAQs
Grilled Steak Elote Tacos Recipe
What sets this recipe apart is the perfect combination of smoky steak and creamy elote. The step-by-step instructions above make it easy to create these restaurant-quality tacos at home.
Grilled Steak Elote Tacos Grill Nation
For expert grilling techniques and recipes, visit Grill Nation. They offer tips on how to achieve the perfect char and smoky flavor for your steak.
Grilled Steak Elote Tacos Marinade
A good marinade is essential for tender, flavorful steak. This recipe uses olive oil, lime juice, and a mix of spices to infuse the steak with smoky, tangy goodness.
Easy Grilled Steak Elote Tacos
This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. With just a few fresh ingredients and simple grilling steps, you can create tacos that are both delicious and easy to prepare.
Conclusion
Grilled steak elote tacos are more than just a meal—they’re a celebration of bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and the joy of grilling. The combination of smoky, tender steak and creamy, tangy elote topping creates a taco experience that is truly unforgettable. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, planning a Taco Tuesday feast, or simply craving a gourmet meal at home, this recipe is guaranteed to impress.
Plus, these tacos are versatile and easy to customize. Swap the steak for grilled chicken, shrimp, or even a vegetarian option to suit your preferences. Pair them with Mexican rice, black beans, or a refreshing margarita for a complete meal.
Ready to fire up the grill? Gather your ingredients and start cooking! Share your creations in the comments below, and explore more delicious, easy-to-make recipes on our website. Enjoy every bite of these irresistible tacos!
Grilled Steak Elote Tacos
Equipment
- Grill
Ingredients
For the Steak
- 1 lb skirt steak
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 juice of lime
- salt and pepper to taste
For the Elote Topping
- 2 ears fresh corn husks removed
- 3 tbsp mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sour cream or Greek yogurt
- ½ cup cotija cheese crumbled
- 1 tsp chili powder or Tajín seasoning
- 1 juice of lime
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro chopped
For the Tacos
- 8 small corn tortillas
Optional toppings
- sliced avocado
- pico de gallo
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, chili powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Coat the steak evenly with the marinade, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the corn directly on the grates, turning occasionally until lightly charred, about 10 minutes. Let it cool slightly before cutting off the kernels.
- Preheat your grill to high. Grill the marinated steak for 3-5 minutes per side depending on thickness and desired doneness. Let the steak rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing.
- In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), lime juice, and chili powder. Stir in the grilled corn kernels, cotija cheese, and cilantro.
- Warm the tortillas on the grill for 30 seconds per side until pliable. Layer thinly sliced steak on each tortilla, followed by a generous scoop of the elote topping. Add optional toppings like avocado or pico de gallo.
Notes
Internal and External Linking
- For grilling tips, check out How to Grill Steak on a Pellet Grill.
- Looking for ways to repurpose leftovers? Read Creative Ways to Use Leftover Taco Meat.
- Explore more protein options with Delicious Grilled Chicken Thigh Recipes.
Related Recipes and Ideas
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