These Grilled Steak Elote Tacos are a fun and tasty twist on your usual taco night! Juicy steak is grilled to perfection and topped with creamy corn, tangy cheese, and fresh cilantro.
Who wouldn’t want tacos that are both tasty and easy to make? I love serving them with a side of extra lime for that zesty kick. Trust me, you’ll want to share these with friends (or keep them all for yourself!).
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Flank Steak: Flank steak is great because it’s flavorful and fairly tender. If you can’t find it, skirt steak is a solid alternative. People often use sirloin or even chicken for a lighter option.
Dan-O’s Seasoning: This blend adds a nice kick. If you don’t have it, try a mix of cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and salt for a similar flavor. Personally, I love using a spicy taco seasoning for a kick!
Corn Tortillas: Small corn tortillas work best for tacos. If you prefer, you can use flour tortillas. They’re softer and easier to handle but aren’t as traditional. I like to toast them slightly for extra flavor.
Corn Kernels: Fresh corn is perfect, but if it’s not in season, you can use frozen corn, just make sure to thaw it first. Grilled corn gives a nice smoky touch that I absolutely love!
Mayonnaise and Sour Cream: This combo creates a creamy base for the elote topping. If you want a healthier option, Greek yogurt works well too, adding protein while keeping it creamy.
Feta or Cotija Cheese: Feta adds a tangy flavor, while cotija is traditional for elote. If you can’t find either, try a crumbly goat cheese. I really enjoy the flavors from cotija in this recipe.
How Can I Perfectly Grill the Steak?
Getting the steak right is key for tasty tacos. It’s all about the temperature and timing. Start with a clean, hot grill to sear the meat, locking in flavors. Here’s how to do it:
- Preheat the grill to medium-high (about 400°F).
- Season the steak, let it sit for 15 mins to absorb flavors.
- Grill each side for 5-7 mins, depending on thickness. Aim for medium-rare (130-135°F) for juiciness.
- Let the steak rest for 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute for a tender bite.
Use a meat thermometer for accuracy. It makes a big difference in ensuring perfect doneness!
How to Make Grilled Steak Elote Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Tacos:
- 1 lb flank steak (or skirt steak)
- 1 tbsp Dan-O’s seasoning (or your favorite seasoning blend)
- 8 small corn tortillas
For the Elote Topping:
- 2 cups corn kernels (fresh or grilled)
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled (or cotija cheese)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 lime, juiced
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 10-15 minutes to cook, making a total of about 30 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend some time grilling the steak and mixing the delicious topping before enjoying your tacos!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Steak:
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. While it’s heating up, season your flank steak generously with Dan-O’s seasoning or whatever seasoning you love. Let the steak sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes so it can soak up all that flavor.
2. Grill the Steak:
Once the grill is hot, place the seasoned steak on it. Grill for about 5-7 minutes on each side, depending on how well you like your steak cooked (medium-rare is the best!). When it’s done, take the steak off the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes—this helps keep it juicy.
3. Make the Elote Topping:
While your steak is resting, it’s time to make the elote topping! In a bowl, mix together the corn kernels, mayonnaise, sour cream, crumbled feta cheese, chopped cilantro, and lime juice. Stir it all well and season with salt and pepper to taste. This creamy mixture is going to add amazing flavor to your tacos!
4. Warm the Tortillas:
Next, warm the corn tortillas on the grill for about 30 seconds on each side. This step is important because it makes them soft and easy to handle. You can keep them warm by wrapping them in a clean kitchen towel once they’re done.
5. Assemble Your Tacos:
Now for the fun part! Slice the rested steak against the grain into thin strips. Take a warm tortilla, place a few slices of grilled steak in it, and then generously top it with your delicious corn elote mixture. Don’t be shy—load it up!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your tacos immediately with lime wedges and extra cilantro if you’d like. Each bite is packed with flavor, and you’re going to love how fresh they taste. Enjoy your Grilled Steak Elote Tacos!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Steak?
Absolutely! If you don’t have flank or skirt steak, you can use sirloin or ribeye as they also grill well and have great flavor. Just adjust cooking times according to the thickness of the steak. The key is to slice against the grain for tenderness!
How Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
For a dairy-free version, you can substitute the crumbled feta cheese with a dairy-free cheese alternative or simply omit it. For the creamy element, use a dairy-free mayonnaise and perhaps a bit of avocado for richness!
Can I Prepare the Filling Ahead of Time?
Definitely! You can prepare the corn elote mixture a day in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Give it a good stir before serving as the flavors will meld beautifully overnight!
How to Store Leftover Tacos?
If you have any leftovers, store the components separately. Keep the grilled steak and elote topping in airtight containers and refrigerate them for up to 3 days. When ready to eat, simply reheat the steak in a skillet and warm the elote mixture before assembling your tacos again!
