There’s something undeniably magical about tacos—especially when they combine smoky grilled steak, charred corn, and a burst of creamy, zesty flavors. If you love bold, mouthwatering bites that transport you straight to a street food paradise, then trust me, this one’s a game-changer. Every bite of these Grilled Steak Elote Tacos is packed with juicy steak, sweet corn, and a luscious, tangy crema that brings everything together beautifully. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, a weekend cookout, or just a delicious way to treat yourself—because, let’s be real, you deserve it.

Why You’ll Love Grilled Steak Elote Tacos

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:

Versatile

These tacos work for any occasion—quick weeknight dinner, BBQ nights, or even meal prep. The steak can be grilled, pan-seared, or even cooked in an air fryer if needed.

Budget-Friendly

Steak tacos sound fancy, but they don’t have to break the bank. You can use a variety of steak cuts, from flank steak to skirt steak, and still achieve a flavorful and tender result.

Quick and Easy

With just a few simple steps, you’ll have these tacos ready in no time. Marinate, grill, assemble, and enjoy!

Customizable

Add toppings, switch up the cheese, or throw in extra heat with more jalapeños. You can make these tacos exactly the way you like them.

Crowd-Pleasing

A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.

Ingredients

Steak

The star of the show! Choose a tender cut like flank or skirt steak for the best flavor and texture. Marinating it enhances the taste and keeps it juicy.

Corn

Fire-roasted or grilled corn brings that signature elote flavor—sweet, smoky, and slightly charred. It’s the perfect taco topping.

Cotija Cheese

This crumbly Mexican cheese adds the perfect salty kick to balance out the sweetness of the corn.

Crema

A creamy, tangy mix of mayo, sour cream, lime juice, and spices that ties all the flavors together beautifully.

Tortillas

Soft corn tortillas are the way to go for an authentic touch. Warm them up for the best texture.

Lime

Fresh lime juice enhances all the flavors and adds a zesty punch.

Cilantro

A fresh, herbaceous touch that brightens up every bite.

Jalapeños (Optional)

For those who like a little heat, sliced jalapeños add the perfect spicy kick.

Instructions

Marinate the Steak

In a bowl, combine the steak with lime juice, garlic, spices, and olive oil. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes to soak up all the flavors.

Grill the Steak

Preheat your grill or pan over medium-high heat. Cook the steak for a few minutes on each side until you achieve a perfect char. Let it rest before slicing against the grain.

Prepare the Elote Mixture

In a bowl, mix grilled corn with mayo, sour cream, lime juice, and cotija cheese. Stir until well combined.

Warm the Tortillas

Heat the tortillas on the grill or a dry skillet for a few seconds on each side until they’re warm and pliable.

Assemble the Tacos

Place sliced steak on each tortilla, then top with the elote mixture. Sprinkle with extra cotija cheese, fresh cilantro, and sliced jalapeños if using.

Serve and Enjoy

Serve immediately with extra lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the top.

Notes

Servings: 4 Calories per serving: 450

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

How to Serve Grilled Steak Elote Tacos

These tacos are perfect on their own, but they pair wonderfully with:

A side of Mexican rice or black beans
Fresh guacamole and tortilla chips
A chilled margarita or agua fresca for the ultimate taco night experience

Additional Tips

Don’t skip the resting time for the steak. It helps the juices redistribute for the most tender bite.
Use fresh corn if possible. It brings out the best elote flavor, but canned or frozen can work in a pinch.
Double up on tortillas. This helps prevent breakage, especially if you’re loading up on toppings.
Make it dairy-free. Swap the cotija cheese for a dairy-free alternative and use a cashew-based crema.
Adjust the spice level. If you prefer a milder taco, skip the jalapeños and reduce the chili powder in the marinade.

FAQ

Can I make these tacos ahead of time?
Yes! You can marinate the steak up to 24 hours in advance and prep the elote mixture ahead of time. Just grill and assemble when ready.

What’s the best cut of steak for tacos?
Flank, skirt, or sirloin are great choices because they stay tender and soak up marinades well.

Can I cook the steak indoors?
Absolutely! Use a cast-iron skillet or grill pan over high heat for that perfect char.

How do I store leftovers?
Keep the steak and elote mixture separate in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat and assemble fresh tacos as needed.

Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn?
Yes, but corn tortillas give the most authentic taste and texture.

How can I make this vegetarian?
Swap the steak for grilled portobello mushrooms or jackfruit for a delicious meat-free version.

What can I substitute for cotija cheese?
Feta cheese is a good alternative if you can’t find cotija.

Can I make this spicy?
Yes! Add extra chili powder to the marinade, toss in some hot sauce, or use spicier peppers like serranos.

What’s the best way to grill corn for elote?
Grill the corn directly on the flames until it gets charred and smoky, then cut off the kernels.

Can I freeze the marinated steak?
Yes! Freeze it in a sealed bag with the marinade for up to 3 months. Thaw before grilling.

Conclusion

Grilled Steak Elote Tacos bring together the best of both worlds—juicy, flavorful steak and creamy, tangy elote all wrapped in a warm tortilla. Whether you’re making them for a casual meal or a festive taco night, they’re guaranteed to be a hit. So go ahead, fire up that grill, gather your ingredients, and get ready for a taco experience that’ll have you coming back for more!

Grilled Steak Elote Tacos

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Author: ikram
Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus marinating time)
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes (plus marinating time)
Yield: 4 servings (2 tacos per person) 1x
Category: Main Dish
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: Mexican-American Fusion
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

These Grilled Steak Elote Tacos are a flavor-packed fusion of juicy grilled steak, creamy Mexican street corn (elote), and warm tortillas. Topped with crumbled cotija cheese, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime, these tacos are perfect for summer grilling or a festive weeknight dinner.

Instructions

Marinate the Steak:
In a small bowl, mix olive oil, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Rub the mixture evenly over the steak. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator).
Grill the Corn:
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
Place the corn directly on the grill and cook for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until charred and tender.
Remove from the grill and let cool slightly.
Prepare the Elote:
In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, sour cream, chili powder, and lime juice.
Brush the grilled corn with the mayo mixture, then sprinkle with cotija cheese and cilantro.
Grill the Steak:
Grill the steak for 4-5 minutes per side (for medium-rare), or until it reaches your desired doneness.
Let the steak rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly against the grain.
Assemble the Tacos:
Warm the tortillas on the grill or in a skillet.
Slice the grilled corn kernels off the cob.
Fill each tortilla with sliced steak, grilled corn, and avocado (if using).
Top with extra cotija cheese, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.
Serve:
Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side. Enjoy!