Of course! Get ready for a flavor explosion. These Grilled Steak Elote Tacos combine the smoky, savory goodness of grilled steak with the creamy, tangy, and spicy delight that is Mexican street corn (elote). It’s a match made in heaven.
Grilled Steak Elote Tacos – A Flavor-Packed Mexican Delight
This recipe breaks down into three simple components: a flavorful marinade for the steak, the iconic elote topping, and the final assembly. The result is a restaurant-quality taco that will absolutely wow you.
Ingredients
For the Steak & Marinade:
· 1 lb flank steak or skirt steak
· 2 tbsp olive oil
· 2 cloves garlic, minced
· 1 tsp chili powder
· 1 tsp ground cumin
· ½ tsp smoked paprika
· 1 lime, juiced
· Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Elote (Corn) Topping:
· 3 cups corn kernels (from about 3-4 ears of fresh corn, or frozen/thawed)
· 2 tbsp mayonnaise
· 2 tbsp Mexican crema or sour cream
· ¼ cup crumbled cotija cheese (plus more for garnish)
· 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
· 1-2 tbsp finely chopped cilantro
· ½ tsp chili powder (plus more for dusting)
· 1 small jalapeño, seeded and finely minced (optional)
· 1 clove garlic, minced
· Salt to taste
For Assembly:
· 8 small corn or flour tortillas
· Fresh cilantro, chopped
· Lime wedges
· Extra crumbled cotija cheese
· Sliced avocado or a drizzle of hot sauce (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Steak
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, lime juice, salt, and pepper.
- Place the steak in a shallow dish or a zip-top bag and pour the marinade over it, ensuring it’s fully coated.
- Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature, or ideally for 2-4 hours in the refrigerator.
Step 2: Prepare the Elote Topping
- Grill the Corn (Preferred Method): Heat your grill to medium-high. Brush the shucked corn cobs with a little oil and grill, turning occasionally, until kernels are lightly charred in spots, about 8-10 minutes. Let cool slightly, then cut the kernels off the cob into a large bowl.
- Stovetop Method: If not grilling, you can char the corn in a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat with a tablespoon of oil. Cook, stirring occasionally, until some kernels are browned and blistered.
- To the bowl with the corn, add the mayonnaise, crema (or sour cream), cotija cheese, lime juice, cilantro, ½ tsp chili powder, minced jalapeño (if using), and minced garlic. Stir until everything is well combined. Season with salt to taste. Set aside.
Step 3: Grill the Steak & Tortillas
- Preheat your grill to high heat (about 400-450°F / 200-230°C).
- Remove the steak from the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Grill the steak for 4-6 minutes per side for medium-rare (or to your desired doneness), depending on thickness.
- Transfer the steak to a cutting board and let it rest for at least 5-10 minutes. This is crucial for juicy meat!
- While the steak rests, lightly grill the tortillas for about 20-30 seconds per side until warm and slightly charred. Keep them warm in a towel.
Step 4: Assemble the Tacos
- Slice the rested steak against the grain into thin, bite-sized strips. This ensures the steak is tender and not chewy.
- To build each taco, place a few slices of grilled steak onto a warm tortilla.
- Top generously with the elote corn mixture.
- Garnish with extra crumbled cotija cheese, a sprinkle of chili powder, and fresh cilantro.
- Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the top.
Pro-Tips for the Perfect Taco
· Don’t Skip the Steak Rest: Letting the steak rest allows the juices to redistribute. If you cut it immediately, all those flavorful juices will end up on your cutting board.
· Char is Flavor: Don’t be afraid to get a good char on both the corn and the steak. Those little blackened bits are packed with smoky flavor.
· Tortilla Matters: Warming the tortillas is non-negotiable! It makes them pliable and enhances their corn flavor. You can also warm them directly over a gas flame for a few seconds each side.
· Make it a Meal: Serve with a side of Mexican Rice, Black Beans, or a simple Jicama Slaw for a complete feast.
Enjoy your incredible, flavor-packed Mexican delight