Grilled Elote Steak Tacos Recipe

Here’s a recipe that perfectly captures the essence of summer grilling and the zest of Mexican street food: *Grilled Elote Steak Tacos*. These tacos bring together the smoky flair of grilled ribeye steaks and the creamy crunch of elote, or Mexican street corn. Trust me, each bite is a burst of flavors you won’t soon forget.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk ingredients. They’re delightfully simple yet essential for delivering the wonderfully textured and flavorful experience of Grilled Elote Steak Tacos. Each component plays a unique role in crafting the perfect bite.

• Ribeyes: These are the stars of the show, providing rich and juicy flavor when grilled to perfection.
• Elote Mixture: A delightful mix of grilled corn, mayonnaise, sour cream, cilantro, cotija cheese, and lime—this adds the unbeatable Mexican street corn twist.
• Tortillas: Your choice of flour or corn, freshly grilled for a slight char that complements the zest of the tacos.
• Optional Jalapeño Crème: For those who seek a touch of heat, thinly sliced jalapeños add an extra kick.

Variations

Feeling creative? You can easily tweak this recipe! Whether for dietary needs or taste preferences, here’s how you can mix things up without losing the delicious essence of Grilled Elote Steak Tacos.

• Chicken Tacos: Swap out the ribeyes for chicken breasts marinated with lime, chili, and garlic for a lighter but equally flavorful option.
• Vegetarian Delight: Leave out the meat entirely and load up on grilled veggies and extra elote for a satisfying vegetarian taco.

How to Make Grilled Elote Steak Tacos

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. This ensures everything gets that perfect char without overcooking. While it’s heating, gather your ingredients and prepare your elote mixture—getting organized now makes cooking a breeze.

Step 2: Grill the Corn

Place your husked corn directly on the grill. Turn occasionally for an even char, cooking until they’re beautifully browned and aromatic, about 10-12 minutes. This step gives your elote its characteristic smokiness.

Step 3: Prepare the Elote Mixture

Once the corn has cooled slightly, shave the kernels off into a large bowl. Add the mayonnaise, sour cream, cilantro, cotija cheese, lime juice, and zest. Stir everything together until well mixed—this creamy blend brings distinct flavors to your tacos.

Step 4: Grill the Steak

Season the ribeyes with salt and pepper. Grill them for about 4-5 minutes per side to achieve your preferred doneness. Let them rest briefly to lock in juices before slicing thinly against the grain for tender, succulent pieces.

Step 5: Toast the Tortillas

Briefly lay each tortilla on the grill for about a minute per side until they are warm with slight grill marks. This step adds a toasty note and makes your tacos taste even better.

Step 6: Assemble the Tacos

On each tortilla, layer slices of the grilled steak, followed by a generous dollop of the elote mixture. Add sliced jalapeños if you crave some extra heat. Serve immediately with extra lime wedges for squeezing over the top.

How to Serve Grilled Elote Steak Tacos

Garnishes

Garnishes can really make your tacos pop, both visually and flavor-wise. Consider fresh cilantro leaves, a sprinkle of extra cotija cheese, and a wedge of lime. These add-ons reinforce the theme while enhancing the aesthetic appeal.

Side Dishes

Pair these tacos with a light and refreshing side like a cucumber-tomato salad, or go all out with a classic Mexican rice and beans for a truly hearty meal. Both options will complement the flavors without overpowering them.

Creative Ways to Present

Presentation can take these tacos to a new level. Consider serving them on a wooden board with small bowls of extra toppings. Dot the board with lime wedges and colorful napkins, transforming your meal into a festive display.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge. The steak and elote mixture should be kept separately from the tortillas to maintain their textures. They’ll keep well for up to 3 days.

Freezing

If you want to freeze portions, wrap the sliced steak tightly in plastic wrap and store it in a freezer-safe container or bag. The elote mixture can also be frozen, but it may change texture slightly upon thawing.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the steak in a skillet over medium heat with a touch of oil. The elote mixture is best reheated separate from the steak, either in a non-stick pan or microwave, until just warm.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

The vibrant flavors and textures of these Grilled Elote Steak Tacos make them a true crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re enjoying a summer barbecue or a casual dinner, this recipe offers a deliciously satisfying experience. Give it a try and let the combination of smoky steak and creamy elote whisk you away to a culinary paradise!

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