The tantalizing aroma of grilled elote steak tacos wafts through the air, teasing your taste buds with promises of smoky goodness and fresh flavors. Imagine sinking your teeth into perfectly seasoned steak, adorned with a rainbow of toppings, all snuggled inside warm corn tortillas — pure bliss! perfectly grilled corn.
As a kid, summer barbecues meant one thing: tacos. My family would gather around the grill, laughter mingling with the sizzle of meat, and I’d be the one eagerly awaiting my turn to assemble the ultimate taco creation. These grilled elote steak tacos are a nostalgic nod to those sunny afternoons and are perfect for any gathering, whether it’s Taco Tuesday or just a casual weekend feast! For more inspiration, check out this Chipotle Honey Salmon Tacos recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This recipe for grilled elote steak tacos is not just simple; it’s a flavor explosion in every bite
- You can customize each taco to suit your tastes or dietary needs effortlessly
- The vibrant colors and textures create an eye-catching presentation that will impress your guests
- Perfect for summer cookouts or cozy weeknight dinners, these tacos are incredibly versatile!
Ingredients for Grilled Elote Steak Tacos
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Flank Steak: This cut is perfect for grilling; it’s flavorful and tender when cooked properly.
- Fresh Corn on the Cob: Sweet, juicy corn adds a delightful crunch and authentic elote flavor. sweet banana bread.
- Cilantro: Fresh cilantro brings brightness to the dish; use it generously for that classic taco vibe.
- Queso Fresco: Crumbled queso fresco adds creaminess and saltiness that complements the smoky flavors.
- Lime Juice: A splash of lime juice elevates all the flavors and adds a refreshing zing.
For the Sauce:
- Mayo: Use as a base for your sauce to give it creaminess; you can mix in some spices for extra flavor.
- Paprika: Adds smokiness and a hint of sweetness to your sauce; perfect for drizzling over your tacos.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Grilled Elote Steak Tacos
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preheat Your Grill
Get that grill fired up! Preheat it to medium-high heat (around 400°F or 200°C) while you prepare your ingredients. A hot grill will give your steak those beautiful char marks we all love.
Step 2: Season the Steak
Generously season both sides of your flank steak with salt, pepper, and any other favorite spices you desire. Rub them in like you mean it! Let it sit at room temperature while you prep everything else.
Step 3: Grill the Steak
Place the seasoned flank steak on the preheated grill. Grill each side for about 4-5 minutes or until it reaches your desired doneness (medium-rare is around 135°F or 57°C). Once done, let it rest so all those juices can redistribute.
Step 4: Prepare Elote Corn
While the steak rests, place the corn directly on the grill. Grill until charred all over (about 10 minutes), turning occasionally. Once it’s cool enough to handle, cut off the kernels into a bowl.
Step 5: Make Your Sauce
In a small bowl, mix mayo with paprika and lime juice until well combined. Adjust seasoning as needed — this sauce will take your tacos to another level!
Step 6: Assemble Your Tacos
Slice the rested flank steak against the grain into thin strips. Warm corn tortillas on the grill briefly before assembling. On each tortilla, layer sliced steak, grilled corn kernels, crumbled queso fresco, fresh cilantro, and drizzle with your special sauce.
Transfer to plates and serve immediately — these grilled elote steak tacos are best enjoyed fresh off the grill! Enjoy every bite while reminiscing about those childhood summer barbecues!
You Must Know
- Grilled Elote Steak Tacos are more than just a tasty meal; they’re a fiesta on a plate!
- These tacos combine the smoky flavor of grilled steak with the sweetness of elote, making them irresistible
- They are perfect for gatherings or a fun weeknight dinner
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by marinating your steak while you prepare the elote toppings. Grill the steak to your desired doneness, then warm your tortillas. Assemble everything together for an efficient and flavorful taco-making experience.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize these tacos! Swap out the steak for grilled chicken or shrimp, add fresh avocado slices, or sprinkle on some spicy queso fresco for an extra kick. Get creative!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover Grilled Elote Steak Tacos in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, place the tacos in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, ensuring they stay crispy.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfect Grilled Elote Steak Tacos, marinate your steak overnight for deeper flavor
- Use fresh corn for authentic elote taste, and don’t skimp on seasoning—flavor is key!
- Also, warm tortillas on the grill for that extra delight
Sharing my first experience making Grilled Elote Steak Tacos was unforgettable; my friends devoured them faster than I could serve and demanded I make them every weekend!
FAQs:
What are Grilled Elote Steak Tacos?
Grilled Elote Steak Tacos are a delicious Mexican dish that combines marinated steak, grilled corn, and fresh toppings. The star ingredient, elote, refers to grilled corn on the cob coated with creamy sauce and spices. These tacos offer a delightful blend of smoky flavors and vibrant textures, making them perfect for a summer barbecue or a cozy dinner at home. They are usually served in warm tortillas and topped with ingredients like cilantro, lime juice, and crumbled cheese.
How do you prepare the steak for Grilled Elote Steak Tacos?
To prepare the steak for Grilled Elote Steak Tacos, start by marinating it in a mixture of lime juice, garlic, cumin, and chili powder. This marinade not only enhances the flavor but also tenderizes the meat. Let the steak marinate for at least 30 minutes before grilling it to your desired doneness. Once cooked, slice the steak thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness. The juicy steak pairs perfectly with the grilled corn and other toppings. For more inspiration, check out this Garlic Butter Steak Bites recipe.
Can I make Grilled Elote Steak Tacos vegetarian?
Yes! You can easily make Grilled Elote Steak Tacos vegetarian by substituting the steak with grilled vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms. Marinate the veggies in similar spices to infuse flavor. Additionally, add grilled corn tossed in cotija cheese and lime juice to maintain that classic elote taste. This adaptation allows everyone to enjoy these delicious tacos while catering to different dietary preferences.
What toppings go well with Grilled Elote Steak Tacos?
Grilled Elote Steak Tacos can be topped with various delicious ingredients. Fresh cilantro adds an aromatic touch, while diced onions provide crunch. A squeeze of lime juice enhances flavor brightness. You might consider adding avocado slices or guacamole for creaminess. Crumbled queso fresco or cotija cheese complements the smoky flavors beautifully. Feel free to customize your toppings based on personal preference or seasonal ingredients for a fresh twist.
Conclusion for Grilled Elote Steak Tacos:
In summary, Grilled Elote Steak Tacos combine marinated steak with vibrant grilled corn and fresh toppings for an explosion of flavor. The recipe allows for flexibility with vegetarian options while still maintaining its delicious essence. tropical pineapple salsa By following simple preparation steps and using quality ingredients, you can create an unforgettable dining experience that brings everyone together around the table. Enjoy these flavorful tacos at your next gathering or family meal!
Grilled Elote Steak Tacos
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 8 tacos 1x
Description
Grilled Elote Steak Tacos offer a deliciously vibrant fusion of smoky, marinated flank steak and sweet, charred corn, all wrapped in warm corn tortillas. This easy-to-follow recipe is perfect for gatherings or weeknight dinners, with customizable toppings like fresh cilantro and creamy queso fresco. Get ready to impress your guests with a fiesta of flavors that brings back memories of summer barbecues!
Ingredients
- 1 lb flank steak
- 2 ears fresh corn on the cob
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup queso fresco, crumbled
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Corn tortillas (about 8)
Instructions
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat (400°F).
- Season both sides of the flank steak with salt, pepper, and desired spices.
- Grill steak for 4-5 minutes per side or until desired doneness (medium-rare is about 135°F). Let it rest before slicing.
- Grill corn until charred all over (approximately 10 minutes), then cut kernels off the cob.
- In a bowl, mix mayonnaise with paprika and lime juice; adjust seasoning as needed.
- Warm corn tortillas on the grill briefly. Assemble each taco by layering sliced steak, grilled corn, cilantro, queso fresco, and drizzle with sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taco (approx. 150g)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 360mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
