These Easy Grilled Steak Elote Tacos are a tasty twist on your regular tacos! They feature juicy steak wrapped in soft tortillas and are topped with a delicious mix of elote flavors, like cheese and spices.
What’s not to love? I mean, who can resist that blend of smoky grilled meat and creamy toppings? It’s like a party in every bite! Perfect for dinner or game day.
These tacos come together quickly, making them a favorite on busy nights. I love to serve them with some fresh lime on the side—it really brightens up the flavors!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Flank or Skirt Steak: Both cuts are great for grilling and packed with flavor. If you prefer a leaner option, try chicken breast or tofu marinated in the same seasonings.
Corn: Fresh corn gives the best flavor, but frozen or canned corn works well too. If corn isn’t available, grilled bell peppers or zucchini make a lovely substitute!
Cotija Cheese: This cheese has a crumbly texture and salty flavor. If you can’t find it, feta cheese is a good alternative. Or use a mix of cream cheese and sour cream for creaminess.
Tortillas: Use flour tortillas for a softer bite or corn tortillas for a traditional touch. These can be warmed easily on the grill, adding a nice char if you like.
How Do You Get Perfectly Grilled Steak?
Grilling steak can be tricky, but here are some simple tips for the best results:
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. A hot grill helps to sear the meat and lock in juices.
- Marinate the steak with seasonings and oil to infuse flavor. Resting it before cooking ensures better texture.
- Grill for 4-6 minutes per side for medium-rare. Use a meat thermometer if you’re unsure (130-135°F is perfect!).
- Always let the steak rest for 5 minutes after grilling. This allows the juices to redistribute, making for a more tender bite.
Easy Grilled Steak Elote Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb flank steak or skirt steak
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 cup corn kernels, fresh or frozen
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sour cream
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1/4 cup crumbled cotija cheese (or feta cheese as substitute)
- 1 tsp lime juice
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- Flour or corn tortillas (6-8)
- Optional: hot sauce or taco seasoning for serving
Time Estimate:
Total time for this recipe is about 30 minutes. You’ll spend around 10 minutes preparing the ingredients and marinating the steak, and about 20 minutes grilling and assembling your delicious tacos!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. This ensures it’s hot enough to get a nice sear on your steak.
2. Prepare the Steak:
In a bowl, season the flank or skirt steak with olive oil, salt, pepper, chili powder, and garlic powder. Rub the seasonings into the meat to ensure it’s well-coated, then set it aside to marinate while the grill heats up.
3. Grill the Corn:
Place the corn kernels in a grill basket or wrap them in a foil packet. Grill for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally until they are slightly charred. If you prefer, you can sauté the corn kernels in a skillet over medium heat until they are lightly charred.
4. Grill the Steak:
Once the grill is ready, place the steak on it. Grill for about 4-6 minutes per side for medium-rare, or to your desired level of doneness. After grilling, remove the steak from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes to retain the juices.
5. Make the Elote Mixture:
While the steak is resting, grab a bowl and mix together mayonnaise, sour cream, chopped cilantro, diced red onion, crumbled cotija cheese, lime juice, smoked paprika, and ground cumin. Stir in the grilled corn kernels until well combined. Taste the mixture and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
6. Slice the Steak:
After resting, thinly slice the steak against the grain. This helps make each bite more tender and enjoyable.
7. Warm the Tortillas:
To warm the tortillas, place them on the grill or in a skillet until they’re soft and pliable. This step is great for preventing tearing when filling them with steak and toppings.
8. Assemble the Tacos:
Now comes the fun part! Take a warm tortilla and place a few slices of grilled steak in it. Top generously with the creamy elote mixture.
9. Add Final Touches:
If you like, sprinkle extra cotija cheese on top or drizzle with your favorite hot sauce or taco seasoning for a bit of an extra kick!
10. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your tacos immediately and enjoy every delightful, savory bite with friends or family!
This recipe promises savory flavors and a wonderful mix of textures with smoky grilled steak and creamy, tangy toppings. It’s perfect for any taco night!
FAQ for Easy Grilled Steak Elote Tacos
Can I Use a Different Cut of Meat?
Absolutely! While flank or skirt steak are great choices, you can also use sirloin, ribeye, or even chicken. Just adjust the cooking time based on the cut to ensure it’s cooked to your liking.
Can I Make the Elote Mixture Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the elote mixture a day in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just give it a quick stir before using to mix everything back together!
How Do I Store Leftover Tacos?
If you have leftovers, store the components separately. Keep any sliced steak in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The elote mixture can be stored similarly. Warm everything up before assembling the tacos again!
What Can I Substitute for Cotija Cheese?
If you can’t find cotija cheese, feta is a good substitute! You could also use mozzarella for a milder flavor, or mix cream cheese into the elote for extra creaminess.
