Grilled Steak Elote Tacos bring together juicy steak, sweet corn, and flavorful spices all wrapped in a warm tortilla. It’s like a fiesta in every bite!
These tacos are super fun to make, and I love adding a squeeze of lime for extra zing. Trust me, they’re a hit at any gathering—just like trying to eat them without spilling is a fun challenge! 😂
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Flank or Skirt Steak: These cuts are great for grilling because they’re flavorful and tender. If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, try sirloin or even chicken for a lighter version.
Olive Oil: This adds moisture and helps the seasoning stick. You can swap it for vegetable or avocado oil if that’s what you have on hand, but olive oil gives a nice flavor.
Corn: Fresh corn is ideal, but frozen works well too. Canned corn also fits, just rinse it to reduce sodium. For grilling, corn on the cob could be grilled first for extra flavor!
Cotija Cheese: This cheese is crumbly and salty, perfect for tacos. If you can’t find it, feta is a good substitute. For a dairy-free option, try crumbled tofu or leave it out!
Dan-O’s Seasoning: This is a great blend, but feel free to substitute with any taco seasoning you like. Homemade spice mixes can be a fun alternative too—just combine chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder!
How Do I Get the Perfect Steak for Tacos?
Cooking steak to the right doneness can be tricky, but here’s how to ensure it comes out juicy and tender:
- Let the steak marinate for 15-30 minutes. This enhances the flavor!
- Preheat your grill to medium-high, so the steak gets a nice sear.
- Grill for about 5-7 minutes on each side for medium-rare. Use a meat thermometer for perfect results—about 130°F is ideal.
- Let the steak rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This allows juices to redistribute, making each bite flavorful.
How to Make Grilled Steak Elote Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Steak:
- 1 lb flank steak or skirt steak
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp Dan-O’s seasoning (or any preferred taco seasoning)
For the Elote Topping:
- 2 cups corn (fresh, frozen, or grilled)
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup cotija cheese, crumbled (or feta cheese as a substitute)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 lime, juiced
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
For Serving:
- 4-6 corn tortillas
- Slices of lime
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 50 minutes to prepare. You’ll need around 15-30 minutes to marinate the steak, followed by about 15 minutes for grilling and assembling your tacos. Plus, you’ll have a few minutes for prepping the elote topping. In total, you’ll be enjoying these tasty tacos in under an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. This ensures that the steak cooks evenly and gets those lovely grill marks.
2. Marinate the Steak:
Rub your flank or skirt steak with olive oil, salt, pepper, and Dan-O’s seasoning. Make sure it’s well coated. Let it marinate for about 15-30 minutes to soak up all the flavors. If you’re in a hurry, even a quick 10-minute marinade works!
3. Prepare the Elote Topping:
While the steak is soaking in the flavor, let’s make the elote topping! In a medium bowl, mix together the corn, mayonnaise, sour cream, cotija cheese, cilantro, lime juice, and smoked paprika if you’re using it. Stir everything together and set the bowl aside. This topping is going to add such a burst of flavor!
4. Grill the Steak:
Once the grill is hot, put your marinated steak on it. Grill for about 5-7 minutes on each side for a nice medium-rare. If you like your steak more cooked, feel free to leave it on a bit longer. After grilling, let the steak rest for about 5 minutes before cutting it. This keeps it juicy!
5. Warm the Tortillas:
While the steak is resting, it’s time to warm the tortillas! Place them on the grill for about 30 seconds on each side until they’re soft and pliable. This makes them easier to fill and eat.
6. Slice the Steak:
Now, slice the grilled steak against the grain into thin strips. This helps ensure each bite is tender. You can cut them however thick you like, just keep it uniform!
7. Assemble the Tacos:
It’s taco time! Place a few slices of the grilled steak in each tortilla. Top generously with the elote mixture you prepared earlier. Don’t be shy, this topping is what makes these tacos special!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your tacos with lime slices on the side. A little squeeze of lime adds a zesty kick that’s simply delightful. Enjoy your Grilled Steak Elote Tacos—you deserve it!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Steak?
Absolutely! You can swap flank steak or skirt steak for cuts like sirloin or ribeye if you prefer. Just remember that cooking times may vary based on the thickness and fat content of the meat, so adjust accordingly to achieve your desired doneness.
What if I Don’t Have Cotija Cheese?
No worries! Feta cheese is a great substitute as it has a similar crumbly texture and tangy flavor. If you’d like a creamier option, try using ricotta or even cream cheese, but keep in mind that it will alter the flavor a bit.
How to Store Leftover Taco Fillings?
Store any leftover steak and elote topping in separate airtight containers in the fridge. They should be good for about 3 days. To reheat, warm the steak in a skillet over low heat until heated through and mix up the elote topping again before serving.
Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
Certainly! If you enjoy heat, consider adding chopped jalapeños or a sprinkle of chili powder to the elote mixture. Alternatively, drizzle some hot sauce over the finished tacos for an extra kick. Adjust to your heat preference!
