These grilled steak elote tacos are a tasty treat! Loaded with tender steak and sweet corn, each bite is bursting with flavor. Plus, there’s cheese and spices to make them extra yummy.
Honestly, who can resist tacos? I love piling mine high with toppings, and trust me, the combo of steak and corn is a match made in taco heaven! Just grab some tortillas and enjoy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Flank or Skirt Steak: I love using flank steak for its rich flavor and tenderness. Skirt steak is another great choice if you’re looking for something even a bit more flavorful! If you’re looking for a leaner option, chicken or turkey can work, though the flavor will differ.
Corn: Fresh corn adds sweetness and crunch, but frozen corn also gets the job done if fresh isn’t available. Grilled corn really enhances the flavor, but you can skip that step if you’re pressed for time.
Cotija Cheese: This crumbly cheese gives a nice salty kick. If you can’t find cotija, feta is a good alternative. You can also use queso fresco, which is milder and still delicious!
Seasoning: Dan-O’s seasoning is a winner, but feel free to replace it with your favorite blend. If you’re into DIY, a mix of garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper works well too!
How Do You Achieve the Perfectly Grilled Steak?
Getting that steak just right is crucial for tasty tacos. Here’s how to achieve the perfect grill:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat—this ensures nice grill marks and a delicious crust.
- Let the steak sit with seasoning and olive oil for at least 15 minutes; this adds a ton of flavor.
- Grill for 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy; 130°F is the sweet spot!
- Most importantly, let the steak rest for 5 minutes after grilling. This helps the juices redistribute and keeps the meat tender.
How to Make Grilled Steak Elote Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Tacos:
- 1 lb flank steak or skirt steak
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons Dan-O’s seasoning (or your favorite steak seasoning)
- 4 corn tortillas
For the Corn Mixture:
- 1 cup corn (fresh or grilled)
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup cotija cheese, crumbled
- 1 lime, juiced
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare plus 10-15 minutes for cooking. You’ll be grilling the steak and warming the tortillas while mixing up that tasty corn topping. It’s a quick and satisfying meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. Getting it nice and hot will give you those perfect grill marks and flavor on your steak.
2. Prepare the Steak:
Rub the flank steak with olive oil and season it generously with Dan-O’s seasoning or your choice of steak seasoning. Let it sit for a few minutes to absorb the flavors while you make the corn mixture.
3. Create the Corn Mixture:
In a mixing bowl, combine the corn, mayonnaise, sour cream, crumbled cotija cheese, lime juice, chopped cilantro, and chili powder (if you decided to use it). Stir everything together until it’s well mixed and set it aside.
4. Grill the Steak:
Once your grill is hot, place the seasoned steak on it. Grill for about 4-5 minutes on each side for medium-rare or cook it longer if you prefer it more done. The key is to not overcook it!
5. Let it Rest and Slice:
Remove the steak from the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This step is important as it keeps the juices in. After resting, slice the steak against the grain into thin strips.
6. Warm the Tortillas:
While the steak is resting, warm up the corn tortillas on the grill for about 30 seconds on each side. You want them soft and pliable for easy folding.
7. Assemble the Tacos:
Take a tortilla and place a few strips of grilled steak on it. Top with a generous amount of that delicious corn mixture you made earlier. Yum!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your tacos immediately with extra lime wedges on the side for some zesty kick. Enjoy your tasty grilled steak elote tacos! Perfect for sharing or enjoying all by yourself!
Can I Substitute the Steak with Another Meat?
Absolutely! You can use chicken, pork, or even a plant-based protein like tempeh or tofu. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as different proteins have different cooking requirements. For chicken, grill until it reaches 165°F internal temperature, and for pork, aim for around 145°F.
How Can I Store Leftover Tacos?
To store leftovers, keep the tacos deconstructed. Place the grilled steak and corn mixture in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to eat, warm the steak and tortillas separately before assembling your tacos again to keep them fresh.
What Can I Use Instead of Cotija Cheese?
If you don’t have cotija cheese, you can substitute it with feta or queso fresco for a similar flavor profile. Crumbled goat cheese can also work if you’re looking for a different taste twist!
How Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
To add some heat, try mixing chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce into the corn mixture. You can also increase the amount of chili powder or sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes on top of assembled tacos for an extra kick!
