Get ready for a tasty twist on taco night with these Grilled Steak Elote Tacos! Juicy steak meets sweet corn, all wrapped in a warm tortilla—it’s a match made in heaven!
I mean, who doesn’t love the crunchy toppings that remind us of summer? 🌽 These tacos are not only fun to eat but super easy to put together, making them perfect for any weeknight!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Steak: Flank or skirt steak provides great flavor for tacos. You can substitute these with sirloin or ribeye if you prefer. Just remember to adjust cooking times as different cuts vary.
Dan-O’s Seasoning: This seasoning is delicious, but you can swap it for any steak seasoning you like, or simply use salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder for a homemade mix.
Corn: Fresh corn is ideal for its sweetness, but frozen or canned corn works too. Just make sure to drain canned corn well. My personal favorite is to use charred corn for extra flavor!
Cotija Cheese: This crumbly cheese adds a nice tanginess. If you can’t find it, feta is a good substitute. For a dairy-free option, consider using a vegan cheese or nutritional yeast for a similar flavor.
Tortillas: Flour and corn tortillas are both delicious options. I lean towards corn tortillas for their authentic taste, but use what you enjoy most.
How Do I Grill the Steak to Perfection?
Grilling steak just right can be tricky. Here’s how to nail it:
- To start, let your steak marinate for at least 15 minutes for the best flavor.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high—this helps create a nice sear. You want that sizzling sound when the meat hits the grill!
- Grill each side for 4-5 minutes. Use a meat thermometer if you like; aim for 135°F for medium-rare.
- Don’t forget to let the steak rest for about 5 minutes after grilling. This lets the juices redistribute, making it more tender.
- Finally, slice against the grain to keep those bites juicy and easy to chew.
How to Make Grilled Steak Elote Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Tacos:
- 1 lb flank or skirt steak
- 2 tablespoons Dan-O’s seasoning or your favorite steak seasoning
- 4 large tortillas (flour or corn)
For the Elote Mixture:
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup cotija cheese, crumbled
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes of cooking time. You’ll spend a little time seasoning the steak, grilling it, and preparing the elote mixture. Perfect for a quick and delicious meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Grill and Steak:
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. While the grill is heating up, season your flank or skirt steak with Dan-O’s seasoning or your favorite steak seasoning. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to soak in.
2. Grill the Steak:
Once the grill is ready, place the steak on the grill. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until it reaches your desired doneness. When it’s done, remove it from the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps keep the juices in for a tender bite. After resting, slice the steak thinly against the grain.
3. Make the Elote Mixture:
While the steak is resting, grab a mixing bowl. Combine the corn, mayonnaise, sour cream, crumbled cotija cheese, lime juice, chopped cilantro, and chili powder. Mix everything well. Season with salt and pepper to your taste—this layer adds a creamy and tangy kick!
4. Warm the Tortillas:
Next, place the tortillas on the grill for about 30 seconds on each side until they’re warm and pliable. This step makes it easier to fold and enjoy your tacos!
5. Assemble Your Tacos:
Now it’s time to put everything together! Take a tortilla and place a few slices of the grilled steak in the center. Top it generously with the elote mixture you prepared.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Your Grilled Steak Elote Tacos are ready to serve! Enjoy them immediately while they are warm and full of flavor. Dive in and savor every delicious bite!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Steak?
Absolutely! While flank or skirt steak are great choices for tacos, you can also use sirloin, ribeye, or even chicken. Just adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the meat and its type to ensure it cooks perfectly.
What if I Don’t Have Cotija Cheese?
If you can’t find cotija cheese, feta cheese is a good alternative as it has a similar texture and saltiness. You could also use ricotta or queso fresco if those are what you have on hand. Just crumble it up when adding to the elote mixture for that creamy goodness!
How to Store Leftover Tacos?
Store any leftover tacos in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To keep the tortillas from getting soggy, store the taco fillings separately. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat the steak and the elote mixture and assemble fresh tacos!
Can I Make the Elote Mixture Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the elote mixture up to a day in advance. Just keep it in the fridge in an airtight container. Mixing it ahead allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just give it a quick stir before using to combine everything again!
