These Grilled Steak Elote Tacos are a tasty treat! They combine juicy steak with sweet corn, fresh toppings, and a creamy sauce all wrapped in soft tortillas. Yum!
Every bite is bursting with flavor! I love how easy they are to whip up for a fun dinner. Also, you might just find yourself going back for seconds—or thirds! 🌮
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Flank Steak: This cut is great for grilling because it’s flavorful and tender when cooked correctly. If flank steak isn’t available, you can use skirt steak or ribeye, both of which offer a nice taste and texture.
Dan-O’s Seasoning: This seasoning blend adds delicious flavor to the steak. If you don’t have it, make your own mix with garlic powder, paprika, oregano, and a pinch of salt. Or, just use your favorite steak seasoning!
Corn: Fresh corn is unbeatable in this recipe but frozen corn works just as well for convenience. If you’re using canned corn, be sure to drain it to avoid extra moisture.
Cotija Cheese: This crumbly cheese adds a nice touch to the tacos. If you can’t find cotija, feta cheese is a good alternative that can offer a similar salty kick.
Jalapeño: Adding jalapeño gives the tacos some heat. If you’re not into spicy food, consider leaving it out or using a milder pepper, like a bell pepper, for a touch of flavor without too much heat.
How Can I Grill the Perfect Steak?
Getting that perfect grill on your steak makes all the difference. First, ensure your steak is at room temperature before grilling. This helps it cook evenly. Preheat your grill on high and oil the grates lightly to prevent sticking.
- Place your marinated steak on the grill and close the lid.
- Grill for about 5-7 minutes on each side for medium-rare. Remember, grilling times may vary based on thickness.
- Use a meat thermometer for precision: a reading of 135°F means medium-rare.
- Let your steak rest for about 5 minutes before slicing. This keeps it juicy!
How to Make Grilled Steak Elote Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Tacos:
- 1 pound flank steak
- 2 tablespoons Dan-O’s seasoning (or your preferred steak seasoning)
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 2 cups corn (fresh or frozen)
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1 jalapeño, diced (optional for spice)
- 1/4 cup cotija cheese, crumbled
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for grilling
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes of prep time, plus 5-10 minutes for grilling. The steak should marinate for at least 30 minutes, so plan on about an hour from start to finish, including resting and assembling your delicious tacos!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Steak:
Start by rubbing the flank steak with Dan-O’s seasoning (or your favorite steak seasoning). Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature, or you can refrigerate it for up to 2 hours for even more flavor.
2. Prepare the Corn Mixture:
In a mixing bowl, combine the corn, mayonnaise, sour cream, chopped cilantro, diced jalapeño (if you want some heat), cotija cheese, lime juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything together until well mixed, and then set it aside to let the flavors meld a bit while the steak is marinating.
3. Grill the Steak:
Once you’re ready, preheat your grill on high heat and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. Grill the marinated flank steak for about 5-7 minutes on each side for medium-rare, or adjust the time for your preferred doneness. After grilling, let the steak rest for about 5 minutes before slicing it into thin strips.
4. Prepare the Tortillas:
While the steak is resting, warm the flour tortillas on the grill. Place them on the grill for about 30 seconds on each side, until they’re nice and pliable. This enhances their flavor and makes them easier to fold.
5. Assemble the Tacos:
Now it’s time to build your tacos! Take a warm tortilla and lay a generous portion of sliced grilled steak in the center. Top it off with a scoop of that delicious corn mixture you prepared earlier.
6. Serve:
Serve your tacos immediately, and don’t forget to garnish with extra cilantro, lime wedges, or more cotija cheese if you like. Enjoy these flavorful Grilled Steak Elote Tacos with friends and family!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Meat for These Tacos?
Absolutely! While flank steak is ideal for its flavor and tenderness, you can substitute it with skirt steak, sirloin, or even chicken if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking times accordingly, as different meats will vary in cooking duration!
How Can I Make These Tacos Spicier?
If you want to kick up the heat, you can add more diced jalapeños, or include some chopped fresh serrano peppers for an extra kick. Additionally, consider adding a drizzle of hot sauce over the taco assembly for more flavor and heat!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Tacos?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To keep the tortillas from getting soggy, separate the steak and corn mixture from the tortillas when storing. Reheat the steak in a skillet or microwave before assembling the tacos again.
Can I Make the Corn Mixture Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the corn mixture up to a day in advance! Just mix everything together, cover it, and refrigerate. This will allow the flavors to meld beautifully. Just give it a quick stir before serving!
