These Grilled Steak Elote Tacos are a tasty treat! Packed with juicy steak, fresh corn, and creamy toppings, they’re a fun twist on traditional tacos.
Who wouldn’t love the sweet corn and spicy seasoning together? I can’t resist throwing in extra cheese, just because! 🧀 Perfect for a quick dinner or a fun gathering!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Flank or Skirt Steak: These cuts are great for grilling due to their flavor and tenderness. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, try using sirloin or even chicken for a lighter twist.
Dan-O’s Seasoning: This seasoning adds fantastic flavor, but if you can’t find it, a mix of garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and a pinch of salt will work just fine to spice up the meat.
Corn: Fresh grilled corn gives the best flavor, but canned corn is a good substitute. If you prefer, you can also use frozen corn; just ensure it’s thawed before mixing.
Cotija Cheese: While cotija adds a unique salty bite, you can substitute with feta cheese or even Parmesan cheese if that’s what you have on hand. Both will provide a similar texture.
Mayo and Sour Cream: For a lighter option, use Greek yogurt instead. It pairs well and adds a nice creaminess without all the calories.
How Do I Get the Steak Just Right on the Grill?
Grilling steak perfectly can be tricky, but follow these steps to get it right:
- Preheat your grill well before putting the steak on—this helps to sear it nicely.
- Season your steak and let it sit for about 15 minutes. Letting it absorb the flavors is key!
- Grill the steak for about 4-5 minutes on each side. For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of about 135°F (57°C).
- After grilling, let the steak rest for a few minutes. This helps keep it juicy when you slice it.
How to Make Grilled Steak Elote Tacos?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Tacos:
- 1 lb flank steak or skirt steak
- 2 tablespoons Dan-O’s seasoning (or any preferred seasoning blend)
- 6 corn tortillas
For the Elote Mixture:
- 2 cups corn (grilled or canned)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup cotija cheese, crumbled
- 1 lime, juiced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: sliced jalapeños for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe will take about 30 minutes in total. You’ll spend around 15 minutes preparing and seasoning the steak, plus 10-15 minutes grilling and assembling your tacos. It’s quick and perfect for a tasty meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. This ensures that your steak cooks evenly and gets those beautiful grill marks.
2. Season the Steak:
Take your flank or skirt steak and season it with Dan-O’s seasoning, or your favorite blend. Let it sit for about 15 minutes so all the delicious flavors can soak in.
3. Grill the Steak:
Once the grill is ready, place the steak on it. Grill each side for about 4-5 minutes or until it reaches your preferred doneness. For a juicy medium-rare steak, aim for an internal temperature of about 135°F (57°C). After grilling, remove the steak and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it.
4. Prepare the Elote Mixture:
While the steak is resting, grab a bowl and mix together the corn, mayonnaise, sour cream, chopped cilantro, cotija cheese, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Stir well until everything is nicely combined. This mixture is what makes your tacos extra special!
5. Warm the Tortillas:
Next, warm the corn tortillas on the grill for about 30 seconds on each side. You want them to be pliable and ready to hold all your delicious fillings.
6. Slice the Steak:
Now, it’s time to slice the grilled steak! Make sure to cut it against the grain into thin strips for the best texture.
7. Assemble Your Tacos:
Take a tortilla and add a generous amount of steak strips. Top it off with the elote mixture you prepared earlier. Loading up the toppings makes these tacos irresistible!
8. Garnish (Optional):
If you like a little heat, feel free to garnish your tacos with sliced jalapeños. They add a nice kick!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your Grilled Steak Elote Tacos immediately and enjoy every bite of this delicious meal!
Can I Substitute the Flank Steak with Another Type of Meat?
Absolutely! You can substitute flank steak with skirt steak, sirloin, or even chicken if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time slightly based on the thickness of the meat, and always use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
What Can I Use Instead of Cotija Cheese?
If you can’t find cotija cheese, you can use feta cheese or queso fresco as a substitute. Both provide a similar salty flavor that complements the elote mixture well!
How Should I Store Leftover Tacos?
Store any leftover tacos in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. If you have leftover elote mixture, keep it separate to maintain the taco’s texture. To reheat, warm the steak in a skillet and serve with fresh tortillas.
Can I Make the Elote Mixture in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the elote mixture up to a day in advance. Store it in the fridge in an airtight container. Just give it a good stir before using, as it may thicken slightly in the refrigerator.
