Elote Steak Tacos: A Delicious & Easy Recipe

Elote Steak Tacos: Prepare to embark on a culinary adventure that marries the smoky, savory goodness of grilled steak with the sweet, tangy, and utterly irresistible flavors of Mexican street corn. These aren’t just tacos; they’re a fiesta in your mouth! Imagine juicy, perfectly seared steak nestled in a warm tortilla, topped with a creamy, vibrant elote salad that bursts with freshness.

Elote, or Mexican street corn, has been a beloved staple in Mexican cuisine for generations. Vendors line the streets, offering this grilled corn on the cob slathered in mayonnaise, cotija cheese, chili powder, and lime juice. It’s a taste of pure joy, and we’ve taken that iconic flavor profile and elevated it to create something truly special.

People adore Elote Steak Tacos for their incredible balance of flavors and textures. The tender steak provides a hearty foundation, while the elote adds a creamy, crunchy, and slightly spicy counterpoint. It’s a dish that’s both satisfying and exciting, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering. Plus, they are surprisingly easy to make! So, ditch the boring taco Tuesday routine and get ready to experience the magic of Elote Steak Tacos. You won’t regret it!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Steak:
• 1.5 lbs Flank Steak, skirt steak, or sirloin steak
• 2 tbsp Olive Oil
• 1 tbsp Chili Powder
• 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
• 1 tsp Garlic Powder
• 1/2 tsp Onion Powder
• 1/2 tsp Cumin
• 1/4 tsp Cayenne Pepper (optional, for heat)
• Salt and Black Pepper to taste
• For the Elote (Mexican Street Corn):
• 4 ears of Corn, husks and silk removed
• 1/4 cup Mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup Mexican Crema or Sour Cream
• 1/4 cup Cotija Cheese, crumbled
• 2 tbsp Chopped Cilantro
• 1 Lime, juiced
• 1/4 tsp Chili Powder
• Salt and Black Pepper to taste
• For the Tacos:
• 12 Corn Tortillas (or flour tortillas, if preferred)
• Optional Toppings: Avocado slices, pickled onions, hot sauce, extra cilantro

Preparing the Steak:

Alright, let’s get started with the star of our tacos – the steak! I like to use flank steak for this recipe because it’s flavorful and cooks quickly, but skirt steak or sirloin also work great. The key is to marinate it well to tenderize it and infuse it with delicious flavors.

1. Prepare the Steak: Pat the flank steak dry with paper towels. This helps it get a nice sear.
2. Make the Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper.
3. Marinate the Steak: Place the steak in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the steak, making sure to coat it evenly. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful and tender it will be!
4. Preheat Your Grill or Pan: When you’re ready to cook the steak, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Alternatively, you can use a cast-iron skillet or a heavy-bottomed pan on the stovetop over medium-high heat. Make sure the grill or pan is nice and hot before adding the steak.
5. Cook the Steak: Remove the steak from the marinade and discard the marinade. Place the steak on the hot grill or in the hot pan. Cook for about 3-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or longer if you prefer it more well-done. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. For medium-rare, aim for 130-135°F (54-57°C).
6. Rest the Steak: Once the steak is cooked to your liking, remove it from the grill or pan and place it on a cutting board. Tent it loosely with foil and let it rest for at least 10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful steak.
7. Slice the Steak: After the steak has rested, slice it thinly against the grain. This is crucial for tender tacos! Slicing against the grain shortens the muscle fibers, making the steak easier to chew.

Preparing the Elote (Mexican Street Corn):

Now, let’s move on to the elote! This is what really elevates these tacos and gives them that authentic Mexican street food flavor. You can grill the corn for a smoky taste, or boil it if you prefer a quicker method. I’ll walk you through both options.

1. Prepare the Corn: Remove the husks and silk from the corn.
2. Grill the Corn (Optional): If you want to grill the corn, preheat your grill to medium heat. Place the corn directly on the grill grates and cook for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the kernels are slightly charred and tender.
3. Boil the Corn (Alternative): If you prefer to boil the corn, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the corn and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the kernels are tender.
4. Cool the Corn: Once the corn is cooked, remove it from the grill or pot and let it cool slightly.
5. Prepare the Elote Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Mexican crema (or sour cream), cotija cheese, chopped cilantro, lime juice, chili powder, salt, and black pepper.
6. Coat the Corn: Once the corn is cool enough to handle, spread the elote sauce evenly over each ear of corn. Make sure to get it into all the crevices between the kernels.
7. Cut the Kernels: Using a sharp knife, carefully cut the corn kernels off the cob. You can do this by standing the corn upright on a cutting board and slicing downwards.

Assembling the Elote Steak Tacos:

Finally, the moment we’ve all been waiting for – assembling the tacos! This is where you can get creative and add your own personal touch with your favorite toppings. I’ll give you my basic assembly instructions, but feel free to customize them to your liking.

1. Warm the Tortillas: Warm the corn tortillas (or flour tortillas) in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds per side, or until they are pliable and slightly charred. You can also warm them in the microwave by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for about 30 seconds.
2. Assemble the Tacos: Place a generous amount of sliced steak in the center of each tortilla.
3. Add the Elote: Top the steak with a generous spoonful of the elote corn mixture.
4. Add Optional Toppings: Add any optional toppings you like, such as avocado slices, pickled onions, hot sauce, or extra cilantro.
5. Serve Immediately: Serve the tacos immediately and enjoy!

Tips and Variations:

• Spice it Up: If you like your tacos with a little extra kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the steak marinade or a dash of hot sauce to the elote sauce.
• Cheese Please: Feel free to add other types of cheese to your tacos, such as shredded Monterey Jack, cheddar, or queso fresco.
• Veggie Power: Add some grilled or sautéed vegetables to your tacos, such as bell peppers, onions, or zucchini.
• Make it a Bowl: If you’re not in the mood for tacos, you can easily turn this recipe into a bowl. Simply serve the steak and elote over a bed of rice or quinoa.
• Meal Prep Friendly: The steak and elote can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This makes these tacos a great option for meal prepping.

Enjoy Your Homemade Elote Steak Tacos!

I hope you enjoy making and eating these delicious Elote Steak Tacos as much as I do! They’re perfect for a weeknight dinner, a weekend barbecue, or any occasion where you want to impress your friends and family with a flavorful and authentic Mexican dish. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different toppings and variations to create your own signature taco recipe. Happy cooking!

Conclusion:

So there you have it! These Elote Steak Tacos are truly a flavor explosion you won’t soon forget. From the juicy, perfectly seasoned steak to the creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy elote topping, every bite is a celebration of textures and tastes. I genuinely believe this recipe is a must-try because it elevates the humble taco to a whole new level. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience. The combination of the savory steak with the sweet and spicy corn is simply divine, and the fresh cilantro and lime add that perfect finishing touch.

But the best part? It’s surprisingly easy to make! While it might seem like a lot of steps, each component is straightforward, and the end result is well worth the effort. Trust me, your family and friends will be singing your praises after they taste these.

Why is this recipe a must-try? Because it’s a unique and delicious twist on a classic, offering a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. It’s also incredibly versatile!

Looking for serving suggestions or variations? I’ve got you covered!

* Serving Suggestions: Serve these Elote Steak Tacos with a side of Mexican rice and refried beans for a complete and satisfying meal. A simple green salad with a lime vinaigrette would also be a refreshing complement. And don’t forget the drinks! A cold Mexican beer or a refreshing margarita would be the perfect accompaniment.

* Variations: Feel free to experiment with different types of steak. Flank steak, skirt steak, or even sirloin would work well. If you’re not a fan of steak, you could easily substitute grilled chicken or shrimp. For a vegetarian option, try using grilled halloumi cheese or black beans.

* Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chili powder and jalapeño in the elote topping to suit your taste. If you like it extra spicy, add a pinch of cayenne pepper. If you prefer a milder flavor, omit the jalapeño altogether.

* Cheese: While I love the cotija cheese in this recipe, you could also use crumbled queso fresco or shredded Monterey Jack.

* Tortillas: Corn or flour tortillas both work well. If you’re using corn tortillas, be sure to warm them up before serving to make them more pliable.

* Make Ahead: You can prepare the steak marinade and the elote topping ahead of time. This will save you time on the day you plan to serve the tacos. Just store them separately in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use them.

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe! I truly believe that these Elote Steak Tacos will become a new favorite in your household. They are perfect for a weeknight dinner, a weekend barbecue, or any occasion where you want to impress your guests.

Now it’s your turn! I encourage you to give this recipe a try and let me know what you think. Did you make any variations? What did your family and friends think? Share your experience in the comments below! I can’t wait to hear from you. Happy cooking!