Irresistible Grilled Elote Steak Tacos

Get ready to elevate your taco game with these mouthwatering Grilled Elote Steak Tacos! Picture this: juicy ribeye steak, perfectly seasoned and grilled to perfection, topped with a creamy, tangy elote mixture featuring fresh corn, mayo, sour cream, cilantro, and a generous sprinkle of cotija cheese. The burst of flavors in each bite will transport you to the vibrant streets of Mexico, where every taco is a celebration of bold tastes and textures.

Inspired by the irresistible allure of Mexican street corn, these tacos are a delightful twist on traditional steak and corn dishes. The magic happens when the tender steak meets the addictive elote topping, creating a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue, looking for a quick weeknight meal, or simply craving a fiesta on your plate, these Grilled Elote Steak Tacos are sure to impress even the pickiest eaters.

Join me in savoring the joy of creating delicious street food favorites in the comfort of your own kitchen. With simple ingredients, easy-to-follow steps, and a whole lot of love, these tacos promise to be a hit with family and friends alike. So fire up the grill, gather around the table, and let the fiesta begin with these unforgettable Grilled Elote Steak Tacos!

Quick Benefits

• Flavorful Twist: Elevates regular steak and corn into a delicious, creamy, tangy, and cheesy elote mixture that enhances the overall taste experience.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Impresses even picky eaters and attracts unexpected dinner guests with its irresistible aroma and unique flavors.
• Versatile: Offers flexibility in ingredient choices, such as using different cuts of steak, adjusting spiciness levels, or swapping cheeses to suit personal preferences.
• Make-Ahead Option: The elote mixture can be prepared in advance, allowing flavors to develop further, making meal prep easier and quicker.

Why You’ll Love This Irresistible Grilled Elote Steak Tacos Recipe

• Flavorful and Unique Twist: Combining perfectly grilled steak with a creamy, tangy, and cheesy elote mixture creates a burst of incredible flavors that elevate traditional taco night.
• Addictive Taste Experience: Each bite delivers tender steak with the irresistible elote flavor, reminiscent of popular Mexican street corn, providing a satisfying and indulgent eating experience.
• Versatile and Crowd-Pleasing: Loved by steak enthusiasts, picky eaters, and guests alike, these tacos offer a balanced mix of flavors and textures that appeal to a wide range of palates.
• Easy to Customize: Easily substitute steak cuts, adjust spice levels, or swap cheeses to cater to individual preferences, allowing for personalization without compromising on taste.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: The elote mixture can be prepared in advance, enhancing the flavors, while the steak can be grilled fresh for a quick and convenient meal prep option.
• Perfect Summer Meal: Ideal for summer gatherings or easy weeknight dinners, these tacos encapsulate the essence of summer flavors, making them a go-to recipe for a no-fuss yet impressive meal.
• Recreates Street Food Experience: Capturing the essence of Mexican street food in a homemade dish, these tacos provide a taste of authentic flavors with simple and accessible ingredients.
• Satisfying and Complete Meal: Serve as a standalone dinner option or pair with Mexican rice, black beans, a cold beverage, or fresh sides for a well-rounded and satisfying meal experience.

Ingredients for Irresistible Grilled Elote Steak Tacos

For the steak

• 2 ribeye steaks
• Black pepper to taste
• Salt to taste

For the elote topping

• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 4 ears fresh corn, husked
• Juice of 1 lime
• Zest of 1 lime (optional)
• ½ cup cotija cheese, crumbled
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 2 tablespoons sour cream

For assembly

• 8 small flour or corn tortillas
• 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced (optional)
• Extra lime wedges for serving

How to Make Irresistible Grilled Elote Steak Tacos

Step 1: Heat the grill

Preheat the grill to medium-high heat, ensuring the grates are clean.

Step 2: Grill the corn

Grill the husked corn for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until charred and tender.

Step 3: Cut the corn

Take the grilled corn off the heat and allow it to cool. Cut the kernels off the cobs using a sharp knife into a large bowl once they are cool enough to handle.

Step 4: Make elote mixture

Combine mayonnaise, sour cream, cilantro, cotija cheese, lime juice, and lime zest with the corn in a bowl, mixing until fully incorporated.

Step 5: Grill the steaks

Season ribeyes with salt and pepper on both sides. Grill for 4-5 minutes per side until desired doneness.

Step 6: Rest and slice steak

Take the steaks off the grill and allow them to rest for 5 minutes. Slice thinly against the grain before serving.

Step 7: Warm the tortillas

Grill tortillas for approximately 1 minute on each side until warmed through with light char marks.

Step 8: Assemble and serve

Layer warm tortillas with sliced steak, top with elote mixture, and jalapeño slices if desired. Serve with lime wedges.

Storage Tips

After preparing the grilled elote steak tacos, it’s essential to store the leftovers properly to maintain their freshness and flavor. The elote mixture, which is a combination of corn, mayonnaise, sour cream, cilantro, cotija cheese, lime juice, and zest, can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. This advance preparation not only helps to meld the flavors but also allows for easy assembly when you’re ready to enjoy the tacos again. Storing the elote mixture in an airtight container will help preserve its taste and texture.

While the steak is best grilled fresh for optimal tenderness and juiciness, you can prepare it in advance and gently reheat it when you’re ready to assemble the tacos. To store leftover steak, ensure it is tightly wrapped in foil or placed in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out in the refrigerator. When reheating, consider using gentle methods like briefly warming it in the oven or on a skillet to maintain its initial quality. It’s important to assemble the tacos just before serving to enjoy them while the ingredients are still warm and the tortillas remain soft, ensuring a delightful dining experience with every bite.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a vegetarian option, you can substitute the ribeye steaks with portobello mushrooms. The meaty texture of portobellos works well in tacos and can be seasoned with salt, pepper, and your favorite taco spices. Grilled portobello mushrooms will absorb the flavors of the elote mixture and provide a delicious alternative for those who don’t eat meat.

If you prefer a lighter option, you can replace the mayonnaise and sour cream in the elote mixture with Greek yogurt. Greek yogurt adds a creamy texture and tanginess similar to sour cream but with less fat. It still pairs well with the corn, cilantro, and cotija cheese, maintaining the essence of the elote flavor while making the dish slightly healthier. Feel free to adjust the amount of Greek yogurt to achieve your desired consistency.

Serving Suggestions

For a creative serving suggestion with these Grilled Elote Steak Tacos, set up a DIY taco bar for a fun and interactive dining experience. Arrange the grilled steak, elote mixture, tortillas, lime wedges, jalapeño slices, and any additional toppings like avocado salad or pickled jalapeños in separate bowls. Let your guests build their own tacos to their liking, mixing and matching the components for a personalized culinary adventure.

To elevate the presentation, consider serving these tacos on a wooden platter lined with vibrant, fresh cilantro leaves for a pop of color. Alternatively, for a casual outdoor gathering, pack the components in individual containers for a picnic-style meal. Pair these delicious tacos with a refreshing agua fresca or a cold beer to complement the bold flavors and create a memorable dining experience that celebrates the essence of Mexican street food.

FAQs for Irresistible Grilled Elote Steak Tacos

Can I use a different type of steak for this recipe?

Absolutely! If ribeye is too expensive or you prefer a different cut of steak, you can try flank steak or skirt steak as alternatives. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time and method according to the specific cut you choose.

How far in advance can I make the elote mixture?

You can make the elote mixture a day ahead and store it in the fridge. In fact, letting the flavors meld overnight can enhance the taste of the mixture. Just remember to give it a good stir before using it as a taco topping.

Can I make the steak ahead of time?

While the steak is best grilled fresh for optimal flavor and juiciness, you can prep it earlier and reheat it gently before assembling the tacos. Be careful not to overcook the steak during reheating to ensure it stays tender.

What other toppings can I add to these tacos for extra flavor?

For extra freshness and flavor contrast, you can add toppings like a simple avocado salad, pickled jalapeños, diced jalapeños mixed into the elote mixture for more heat, or a sprinkle of chili powder on the corn mixture for added spice and authenticity.

Conclusion

Grilled Elote Steak Tacos are truly a flavor explosion that will have your taste buds dancing with joy. The smoky char from the grill, the tender ribeye steak, and that creamy, tangy elote mixture all come together in perfect harmony inside a warm tortilla. These tacos are not just a meal; they are a culinary experience that brings the vibrant flavors of street food right to your own backyard.

Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or simply looking to spice up your weeknight dinner routine, these Grilled Elote Steak Tacos are sure to impress. Don’t be afraid to get creative with the recipe – try different cuts of steak, add some extra jalapeños for heat, or experiment with various cheeses to suit your taste. The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility and the way it can be tailored to suit your preferences.

So fire up the grill, gather your loved ones around, and indulge in the deliciousness of these Grilled Elote Steak Tacos. With each bite, you’ll be transported to the bustling streets of Mexico, savoring the essence of authentic street food right at home. Enjoy every moment of making and devouring these tacos, and let the flavors speak for themselves.