These Grilled Steak Elote Tacos are a fun twist on your taco night! They feature juicy steak, fresh corn, and creamy toppings all in a soft tortilla. Yum!
Every bite is bursting with flavor, making it hard to eat just one! I love loading mine up with extra corn and a squeeze of lime for that zesty kick. 🌽🌮
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Flank Steak: I love flank steak for its great flavor and tenderness when grilled. But if it’s not available, you can use skirt steak, sirloin, or even chicken if you’re looking for a lighter option.
Dan-O’s Seasoning: This is a unique all-purpose seasoning, and while it’s fantastic, you can easily swap it for your favorite spice blend or even a simple mix of garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
Corn: Fresh corn is the best for that sweet crunch, but if you’re in a pinch, frozen or canned corn can work just fine. Just make sure to drain canned corn well before adding it to the mix.
Mayonnaise & Sour Cream: This combination creates a creamy texture. If you prefer a healthier route, Greek yogurt can be a great substitute for both for a tangy flavor and added protein.
Cheese: Queso fresco adds a nice touch, but if you can’t find it, feta or even goat cheese would work well for a creamy, crumbly top!
How Do I Grill the Steak to Perfection?
Getting the steak just right can make all the difference! Here are some tips to ensure it’s tender and flavorful:
- Start by letting the steak sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before grilling. This helps it cook evenly.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high, around 450°F. A hot grill gives those nice sear marks!
- Cook the steak for about 4-5 minutes on each side for medium-rare. Adjust the time for your preferred doneness.
- Always let the steak rest for at least 5 minutes off the grill. This keeps the juices intact for a juicy bite!
- Finally, slice against the grain for more tender pieces.
How to Make Grilled Steak Elote Tacos?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Tacos:
- 1 pound flank steak (or your choice of steak)
- 1 tablespoon Dan-O’s seasoning (or any all-purpose seasoning)
- 4 large tortillas (homemade or store-bought)
For the Elote Topping:
- 2 cups corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 lime, juiced
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional, for heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Crumbled queso fresco or feta cheese for topping (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious taco recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and 15 minutes to cook, totaling around 30 minutes from start to finish. You’ll first grill the steak, prepare the elote topping while it rests, and then assemble your tasty tacos. Quick and satisfying!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. This ensures that your steak gets that lovely grilled flavor and nice sear.
2. Season the Steak:
Take your flank steak and rub it all over with Dan-O’s seasoning. Make sure both sides are well-coated to pack in the flavor. This is where the magic starts!
3. Grill the Steak:
Place the seasoned steak on the hot grill. Cook it for about 4-5 minutes on each side, depending on how you like your steak cooked. Once it reaches your desired doneness, take it off the grill and let it rest for a few minutes—this helps keep it juicy!
4. Make the Elote Topping:
While your steak is resting, grab a medium bowl and combine the corn, mayonnaise, sour cream, chopped cilantro, lime juice, and chili powder (if you want some heat). Season with salt and pepper, then mix everything together until it’s well-blended. This will be the delicious topping for your tacos!
5. Warm the Tortillas:
To make your tortillas nice and soft, warm them on the grill for about 30 seconds on each side. You want them just pliable enough to fold without breaking.
6. Slice the Steak:
After your steak has rested, thinly slice it against the grain. This will make it tender and easy to chew in your tacos.
7. Assemble the Tacos:
Now it’s time for the fun part! Take a tortilla, add a generous amount of the sliced steak, and top it off with the corn elote mixture you prepared earlier.
8. Add Cheese (Optional):
If you like, sprinkle some crumbled queso fresco or feta cheese on top of your tacos for added flavor and a bit of creaminess.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your tacos immediately with lime wedges on the side for a zesty kick. Enjoy your homemade grilled steak elote tacos—you’ve earned it!
Can I Use a Different Type of Meat for These Tacos?
Absolutely! You can substitute the flank steak with other cuts like sirloin, ribeye, or even chicken or shrimp for a different flavor. Just adjust the cooking time based on the meat you choose, ensuring it’s cooked to your desired level of doneness.
Can I Make the Elote Mixture Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the elote topping a day in advance! Just mix all the ingredients and store it in an airtight container in the fridge until you’re ready to serve. Stir well before using, as it may thicken a bit as it chills.
How to Store Leftover Tacos?
To store leftover tacos, separate the steak and elote mixture from the tortillas. Place these in airtight containers and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to eat, reheat the steak and elote mixture on the stove or microwave, and warm the tortillas on the grill or in a pan for a few seconds.
Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
Of course! To add more heat, you can increase the amount of chili powder in the elote mixture or add a dash of cayenne pepper. You could also toss in some diced jalapeños or serve with a spicy salsa on the side for an extra kick!