These Grilled Steak Elote Tacos are a delicious twist on the classic taco! With tasty grilled steak and creamy corn, they’re packed with flavor in every bite.
Plus, who can resist a taco? I love to pile them high with fresh toppings like cilantro and lime. It’s like a fiesta in your mouth! 🌮🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Flank Steak: This cut has great flavor, but you can swap it with sirloin or even chicken for a lighter option. If you prefer plant-based, consider using marinated mushrooms or tempeh.
Dan-O’s Seasoning: This adds a unique flavor to the steak. If you can’t find it, any good steak seasoning will work, or just use salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika for a homemade mix.
Corn: Fresh corn is fantastic, but frozen corn is also a great choice, especially when fresh isn’t in season. Canned corn can work in a pinch if well drained.
Cilantro: If cilantro isn’t your thing, fresh parsley is a nice alternative. You can also skip it, but it does add a fresh note to the tacos.
Feta Cheese: While I love feta, cotija gives a more traditional elote flavor. Mexican queso fresco is also a yummy substitute if you want something creamier.
How Do I Ensuring the Steak is Perfectly Grilled?
Grilling steak can be tricky, but here are some tips to get it right:
- Make sure to preheat your grill properly. The aim is a nice sear, so it should be medium-high heat.
- Let your steak marinate! A minimum of 30 minutes enhances the flavor, but overnight is ideal for extra tenderness.
- Grill the steak for 4-5 minutes per side. Timing may vary with thickness, so check for doneness with a meat thermometer if you’re unsure (130°F for medium-rare).
- Rest the steak after grilling. Cover it with foil and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. This retains juices and makes each bite tasty.
Grilled Steak Elote Tacos Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Steak:
- 1 lb flank steak (or sirloin)
- 2 tbsp Dan-O’s seasoning (or your choice of steak seasoning)
For the Elote-Style Corn:
- 2 cups corn (fresh or frozen)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 lime (juiced)
- 1/4 cup cilantro (chopped)
- 1/4 cup red onion (finely chopped)
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (or cotija cheese)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Tacos:
- 4 corn tortillas
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prepare and 30 minutes to marinate the steak. You’ll then grill the steak for about 10 minutes and spend a few more minutes assembling the tacos, making it a total of around 50 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Steak:
Start by seasoning the flank steak with Dan-O’s seasoning or your favorite steak seasoning. Cover the steak with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator to marinate for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, marinating overnight will enhance the flavor even more!
2. Grill the Steak:
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, place the marinated flank steak on the grill and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, depending on how you like your steak (less time for rare, more for well done). Once cooked to your liking, remove it from the grill, cover it with foil, and let it rest for about 5-10 minutes to keep it juicy.
3. Prepare the Elote-Style Corn:
While the steak is resting, grab a medium bowl and combine the corn, mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chopped cilantro, red onion, and crumbled feta cheese. Stir everything together until well mixed. Taste and adjust with a pinch of salt and pepper as needed to make it taste just right.
4. Warm the Tortillas:
Take the corn tortillas and warm them on the grill for about 30 seconds on each side until they are soft and pliable. This makes them easier to fold and eat!
5. Slice the Steak:
Once the steak has rested, slice it thinly against the grain. This will help keep your steak nice and tender!
6. Assemble the Tacos:
Now it’s time to put everything together! Take a warm tortilla and place a few slices of the grilled steak on top. Spoon on a generous amount of the elote-style corn mixture to make every bite taste amazing.
7. Serve:
Your tacos are ready! Serve them immediately with some extra lime wedges on the side for that zesty kick. Enjoy your delicious Grilled Steak Elote Tacos!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Steak?
Absolutely! While flank steak is ideal for tacos, you can use sirloin, ribeye, or even skirt steak. Just adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the steak. Always aim for a good sear and let it rest after grilling to keep it tender.
How Can I Make This Recipe Spicy?
If you’d like to add some heat, consider mixing in diced jalapeños or spicy chili powder to the elote-style corn mixture. You can also serve the tacos with a spicy salsa or hot sauce for an extra kick!
Can I Make the Elote-Style Corn Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the elote-style corn mixture a day in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Stir well before using to recombine, as it may thicken slightly.
How to Store Leftover Tacos?
To store leftovers, keep the steak, corn mixture, and tortillas separate in airtight containers. The steak can last up to 3 days in the fridge. Reheat the steak on a grill or in a skillet, and warm the tortillas just before serving for the best flavor.
