These Grilled Steak Elote Tacos are a tasty treat! With juicy grilled steak and sweet corn, they bring a burst of flavor that will make your taste buds dance!
Pair these tacos with your favorite toppings like cheese and cilantro, and you’ve got a winner. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll want to make them again and again! 🌮
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Flank or Sirloin Steak: Both cuts work great for these tacos. Flank is lean and flavorful, while sirloin is a bit more tender. If you’re a fan of marinated meats, try using a flank steak and marinating it overnight for extra flavor!
Corn Kernels: Fresh corn adds a wonderful sweetness, but if it’s out of season, canned corn can step in. Just drain and rinse it. I love using frozen corn too; it’s sweet and convenient—just a quick thaw and you’re good to go!
Dan-O’s Seasoning: This seasoning is fantastic, but if you don’t have it, any taco seasoning will do. You can even mix your own with cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and a bit of cayenne for heat. Always customize it to your taste!
Cotija Cheese: Traditional for elote, but if you can’t find it, feta cheese makes a decent substitute. For a dairy-free option, try crumbled tofu mixed with a bit of nutritional yeast for flavor.
How Do You Grill Steak to Perfect Doneness?
Grilling steak can seem tricky, but with a little practice, it becomes easier! Here’s how to achieve the desired doneness:
- Preheat your grill so it’s medium-high; a hot grill creates nice sear marks!
- Season the steak generously and let it rest so the flavors meld.
- Grill steak for 5-7 minutes per side for medium-rare (135°F); use a meat thermometer for precision!
- Let the steak rest after grilling to keep it juicy. This step is a game-changer!
- Slice against the grain for tenderness in each bite.
How to Make Grilled Steak Elote Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Tacos:
- 1 lb flank steak or sirloin steak
- 2 tablespoons Dan-O’s Seasoning (or your favorite taco seasoning)
- 8 small corn tortillas
For the Elote Mixture:
- 2 cups fresh corn kernels (about 2-3 ears of corn, or substitute with canned corn)
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 lime, juiced
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cotija cheese, crumbled (for topping)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep, plus about 15-25 minutes for cooking and resting the steak. In total, you should be ready to serve these tasty tacos in about 30-40 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. This will give the steak a nice sear when you grill it.
2. Season the Steak:
Take your flank or sirloin steak and season it with Dan-O’s Seasoning or your favorite taco seasoning on both sides. Let the steak sit for about 15 minutes to let those flavors soak in beautifully.
3. Grill the Steak:
Place the seasoned steak on the hot grill. Grill it for about 5-7 minutes on each side, depending on how well-done you like it. For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of 135°F. Once done, remove the steak from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing it thinly against the grain.
4. Prepare the Elote Mixture:
While the steak is resting, grab a large bowl. Combine the fresh corn kernels, mayonnaise, sour cream, chopped cilantro, lime juice, and chili powder if you’re using it. Season with salt and pepper, then mix everything together until well combined.
5. Warm the Tortillas:
Warm your corn tortillas on the grill for about 1 minute on each side. You want them to be soft and pliable so they can hold all the delicious fillings!
6. Assemble the Tacos:
Now it’s time to put it all together! Take a warm tortilla, add a few slices of your grilled steak, and top it off with that fantastic elote mixture.
7. Add the Finishing Touch:
Sprinkle crumbled Cotija cheese on top of your tacos for that extra flavor boost. If you like, serve with lime wedges on the side to squeeze over your tacos!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Your Grilled Steak Elote Tacos are ready to serve! Enjoy the wonderful combination of flavors and textures in every bite!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Steak?
Absolutely! You can use any cut of steak that you prefer, such as ribeye or even ground beef. Just keep in mind that cooking times might vary based on the thickness and fat content of the steak. Adjust grilling times accordingly to ensure it’s cooked to your desired doneness.
What If I Can’t Find Fresh Corn?
No worries! Canned corn works just fine as a substitute. Use about 2 cups of drained canned corn in place of fresh corn kernels. If you prefer the sweet taste of grilled corn, you can also use frozen corn. Just thaw it and then grill or sauté for a few minutes for a similar flavor.
How Should I Store Leftover Tacos?
For the best taste, store the steak and elote mixture separately in airtight containers in the fridge. Enjoy your leftovers within 2-3 days. To reheat, simply warm the steak in a skillet over medium heat and serve it with freshly warmed tortillas to keep them soft and pliable!
Can I Make the Elote Mixture Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! Prepare the elote mixture up to a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just give it a good stir before using it, as some of the ingredients may separate while sitting. Enjoy the convenience of having it ready to go when you’re ready to assemble your tacos!
