Tacos are a beloved staple of Mexican cuisine — endlessly versatile, bursting with flavor, and always crowd-pleasers. But when you combine juicy, perfectly grilled steak with the creamy, smoky goodness of elote (Mexican street corn), you elevate taco night to a whole new level. Grilled Elote Steak Tacos blend the best of both worlds: tender, charred steak and rich, zesty corn topping that’s a fiesta of texture and taste.
This recipe is perfect for summer barbecues, casual dinners, or any time you crave a taco that’s bursting with bold flavors and fresh ingredients. Let’s dive into why these tacos are so special, how to make them, and tips for serving and customization.
What Are Grilled Elote Steak Tacos?
“Elote” means grilled corn on the cob slathered in a creamy, tangy, cheesy sauce, typically finished with chili powder and fresh lime juice. It’s a beloved Mexican street food classic. In these tacos, that iconic elote topping is transformed into a luscious topping for smoky grilled steak, all wrapped up in soft corn or flour tortillas.
The combination is irresistible: the savory, slightly spicy steak paired with the creamy, tangy corn topping creates a balance of flavors and textures that makes every bite unforgettable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Steak and Marinade:
- 1½ pounds flank steak or skirt steak
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Juice of 1 lime
For the Grilled Elote Topping:
- 2 ears fresh corn, husked
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream
- ½ cup crumbled Cotija cheese (or feta as substitute)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt, to taste
To Assemble:
- 8 small corn or flour tortillas
- Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
- Lime wedges, for serving
Prep and Cook Time
- Preparation: 20 minutes
- Marinating: 30 minutes (optional, but recommended)
- Grilling: 15 minutes
- Total time: Approximately 1 hour
- Yield: 8 tacos
How to Make Grilled Elote Steak Tacos
1. Marinate the Steak
In a bowl, combine olive oil, garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Rub the mixture all over the steak. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors penetrate.
2. Grill the Steak and Corn
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the steak for about 4-5 minutes per side for medium rare, or longer for desired doneness. Remove and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain.
Simultaneously, grill the corn, turning occasionally, until charred and tender—about 10 minutes. Once cool enough to handle, cut the kernels off the cob.
3. Prepare the Elote Topping
In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, sour cream, chili powder, lime juice, salt, and cilantro. Stir in the grilled corn kernels and crumbled Cotija cheese until well combined.
4. Warm the Tortillas
Heat tortillas on the grill or a skillet until soft and pliable.
5. Assemble the Tacos
Layer sliced steak onto each tortilla, then spoon a generous amount of the grilled elote topping over the steak. Garnish with extra cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice.
Nutritional Information (Per Taco)
- Calories: Approximately 350
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Protein: 22g
- Sodium: 400mg
Note: Nutritional values will vary depending on tortilla type and portion sizes.
Presentation and Serving Tips
- Serving Style: Serve tacos family-style on a large platter garnished with extra lime wedges and cilantro for guests to customize their own.
- Side Dishes: Complement with Mexican rice, black beans, or a fresh avocado salad for a complete meal.
- Beverage Pairing: These tacos pair beautifully with a cold Mexican beer, margarita, or a crisp sparkling water with lime.
Variations and Customizations
- Protein Swap: Substitute flank steak with grilled chicken, shrimp, or even portobello mushrooms for a vegetarian version.
- Spice Level: Add diced jalapeños or hot sauce to the elote topping for an extra kick.
- Cheese Options: If Cotija is unavailable, use queso fresco or crumbled feta cheese as alternatives.
- Tortilla Choices: Corn tortillas keep it traditional, but flour or whole wheat tortillas work well too.
Why You’ll Love Grilled Elote Steak Tacos
The marriage of smoky grilled steak and creamy, tangy elote is a match made in culinary heaven. These tacos bring together a variety of textures—from the tender meat to the crisp corn kernels—along with layers of bold, fresh flavors that will delight your taste buds.
Perfect for summer grilling, festive gatherings, or a casual dinner that feels special, Grilled Elote Steak Tacos are a crowd-pleasing way to enjoy a twist on traditional Mexican favorites.
If you’re looking to add a delicious, impressive dish to your taco repertoire, Grilled Elote Steak Tacos check all the boxes: easy to prepare, packed with flavor, and visually stunning. They’re an ideal way to showcase fresh ingredients and smoky grilling at its finest.
So fire up your grill, grab some fresh corn and steak, and get ready to enjoy a taco night that’s bold, fresh, and utterly unforgettable. ¡Buen provecho!