Grilled Steak Elote Tacos are a tasty treat! Juicy steak, sweet corn, and all the classic taco flavors come together in a fun way. Perfect for any meal!
I love how the corn adds a nice pop of sweetness to the tacos. Pair them with a little lime, and you’ve got a fiesta on your plate! 🌮
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Flank or Skirt Steak: Both cuts are great for grilling. If you’re looking for a leaner option, you can use sirloin steak. For a more budget-friendly choice, try using ground beef or chicken instead.
Dan-O’s Seasoning: This seasoning is fantastic for steak, but feel free to swap it out for any steak seasoning you love. You can even make a simple mix with garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika with some salt and pepper.
Corn Kernels: Fresh corn gives the best flavor, but frozen corn works too! You can even use canned corn if that’s what you have. Just remember to rinse it well to remove excess salt.
Cotija Cheese: This crumbly cheese is essential for that authentic elote flavor. If you can’t find it, you can substitute feta cheese or even parmesan in a pinch.
Corn Tortillas: While small corn tortillas are traditional, feel free to use flour tortillas if you prefer. They’re softer and can hold more filling!
How Can I Ensure My Steak is Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking steak on the grill can be tricky, but following this method will help you get it just right. First, let the steak sit at room temperature; this helps it cook evenly. Pay attention to the cooking time, aiming for about 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare.
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. For medium-rare, it should read 130°F (54°C).
- Let the steak rest for at least 5 minutes after grilling. This allows juices to redistribute for more flavor.
- Always slice the steak against the grain for easier chewing and tenderness.
How to Make Grilled Steak Elote Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Steak:
- 1 lb flank steak or skirt steak
- 1 tbsp Dan-O’s seasoning (or your favorite steak seasoning)
For the Elote Mixture:
- 2 cups corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1 tsp chili powder (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Tacos:
- 8 small corn tortillas
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe will take approximately 30 minutes total: 15 minutes for prep and seasoning the steak and another 15 minutes for grilling and assembling. Enjoy a tasty meal in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Steak:
Start by preheating your grill to high heat. While it’s heating up, season your flank or skirt steak generously on both sides with Dan-O’s seasoning. Let the seasoned steak rest at room temperature for about 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
2. Make the Elote Corn Mixture:
While the steak is resting, whisk together your elote mixture! In a mixing bowl, combine the corn, mayonnaise, sour cream, crumbled cotija cheese, the juice of one lime, chopped cilantro, finely chopped red onion, and chili powder (if you’d like a bit of heat). Stir well until everything is mixed together and set this aside for later.
3. Grill the Steak:
Once the grill is nice and hot, carefully place the seasoned steak on it. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side for a medium-rare steak, or adjust the time to your preferred doneness. If you’re unsure, you can use a meat thermometer for more precise results!
4. Rest and Slice the Steak:
When the steak is finished cooking, take it off the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps keep it juicy! After resting, slice the steak thinly against the grain so it’s tender and easy to chew.
5. Warm the Tortillas and Assemble:
While the steak rests, warm the corn tortillas either on the grill or in a skillet until they’re lightly toasted. Now it’s time to fill them! Place some of the sliced steak on each tortilla, then generously top with that delicious corn elote mixture.
6. Serve and Enjoy!
These Grilled Steak Elote Tacos are ready to serve! Enjoy them fresh and hot right off the grill, and savor every bite!
Can I Use Different Cuts of Beef for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While flank or skirt steak are ideal, you can also use ribeye, sirloin, or even ground beef if you prefer. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the thickness and type of meat you’re using to achieve your desired doneness.
How Do I Store Leftover Tacos?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep the tortillas from getting soggy, consider storing the steak and elote mixture separately from the tortillas and assembling them fresh when you’re ready to eat!
Can I Use Frozen Corn for the Elote Mixture?
Yes! Frozen corn works perfectly; just be sure to thaw it completely and drain any excess liquid before mixing it with the other ingredients. For the best flavor, you might want to sauté the thawed corn in a skillet for a few minutes to enhance its sweetness!
What Can I Substitute for Cotija Cheese?
If you can’t find cotija cheese, feta is a great substitute as it has a similar texture and salty flavor. You can also try queso fresco, but keep in mind it is milder than cotija, so you may want to add a pinch more salt for flavor!
