Grilled Steak Elote Tacos Recipe

Meet your next summer obsession: Grilled Steak Elote Tacos! Imagine perfectly charred sweet corn mingling with juicy slices of grilled ribeye, all bundled into warm tortillas and showered with a creamy, zesty elote topping. This recipe brings the soulful flavors of street corn and the satisfaction of a steakhouse taco right to your table, creating an irresistible blend of smokiness, creaminess, and tang in every bite. Whether you’re celebrating Taco Tuesday or just craving something extraordinary, these tacos make the simplest weeknight feel like a fiesta.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Grilled Steak Elote Tacos are all about gathering a handful of fresh, vibrant ingredients that sing together beautifully. Each component does its part: from the rich ribeye to the sweet charred corn, creamy sauces, and zippy citrus. Here’s what you need and why it matters:

• Ribeyes: Go for thick-cut ribeyes for maximum flavor and tenderness—these steaks are the star of your taco night.
• Salt and pepper: Simple seasoning lets the steak shine, highlighting its natural beefy goodness.
• 4 ears of corn, husked: Fresh corn brings that signature sweetness and crunch you love in elote.
• Mayonnaise: Adds crucial creaminess to the elote topping, binding all the flavors together.
• Sour cream: Brings tang and lightness to the elote mixture, balancing the richness of the mayo and cheese.
• Chopped cilantro: For a punch of herby freshness in every bite—don’t skip it unless you’re a cilantro hater!
• Cotija cheese: This crumbly, salty Mexican cheese makes your tacos irresistibly savory.
• Lime juice: The burst of citrus ties everything together and lifts all those rich flavors.
• Lime zest (optional): If you love extra zing, grate a little zest into your elote mixture.
• Tortillas (8 small): Corn or flour, your call—just make sure they’re fresh for the perfect taco base.
• Jalapeño, thinly sliced (optional): For a punchy, spicy jalapeño crème if you want to add a little heat.

How to Make Grilled Steak Elote Tacos

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Fire up your grill and set it to medium-high heat; you’ll want those grates piping hot for both the corn and steak. While it’s heating, husk the corn and set it aside so everything is ready to go. Prepping while the grill gets hot ensures you’ll have a smooth, stress-free cooking experience—and keep up the momentum for taco night!

Step 2: Grill the Corn

Once your grill is ready, lay the husked corn directly on the grates. Rotate the ears every few minutes so they develop an even, golden char all around, about 10 to 12 minutes total. You’re looking for beautiful caramelized spots, which add depth and smoky sweetness to the elote. Remove the corn, cool just enough to handle, then carefully cut the kernels off the cobs. Place those golden kernels in a large bowl—you’ve just made the base for your irresistible taco topping!

Step 3: Prepare the Elote Mixture

Now comes the magic: to the bowl of corn, add 2 tablespoons mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons sour cream, 1/4 cup of chopped cilantro, and 1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese. Squeeze in the juice of one lime and, if zesting is your thing, add a few sprinkles of lime zest for even more brightness. Mix it all gently, making sure every kernel is coated in that creamy, tangy, and cheesy goodness. This will be the defining layer of your Grilled Steak Elote Tacos.

Step 4: Grill the Steak

Season your ribeyes generously on both sides with salt and pepper—don’t be shy! Place the steaks on the hot grill and cook for about 4 to 5 minutes per side, until they reach your desired doneness (aim for 135°F for medium-rare if you like it juicy). When done, pull the steaks off and let them rest for a few minutes. This little pause lets the juices redistribute, so every slice is tender and succulent. Slice the steak thinly against the grain for ultimate tenderness.

Step 5: Toast the Tortillas

While the steak rests, toss the tortillas straight onto the grill—about a minute per side is perfect. That kiss of heat brings out their aroma and gives each one a slightly crispy, smoky edge, making your Grilled Steak Elote Tacos so much more memorable.

Step 6: Assemble the Tacos

Grab a toasted tortilla and layer on a few slices of grilled steak. Add a generous spoonful of the elote mixture right on top. The juicy beef paired with the cool, creamy, tangy elote is a game changer—each mouthful is packed with contrasting yet complimentary flavors and textures.

Step 7: Optional Jalapeño Crème

If you like a bit of a spicy kick, top your tacos with thin slices of jalapeño. Their heat cuts through the richness and adds extra zing, making the Grilled Steak Elote Tacos uniquely craveable.

Step 8: Serve

Arrange the tacos on a platter and serve immediately, preferably with extra lime wedges so everyone can squeeze on as much citrus as they like. Dig in while the steak is juicy and the elote is creamy—there’s no better way to celebrate taco night!

How to Serve Grilled Steak Elote Tacos

Garnishes

Go wild with garnishes! Cilantro leaves, crumbled cotija, extra lime wedges, and a sprinkle of chili powder or Tajín all complement and brighten the tacos. Sliced radishes add crunch, and a drizzle of hot sauce can wake up every bite. The key is to personalize your Grilled Steak Elote Tacos so every plate feels festive and unique.

Side Dishes

Pair these tacos with simple sides that let their star quality shine—think smoky black beans, a fresh cucumber-avocado salad, or classic Mexican rice. For a fun twist, serve with street corn-style esquites in cups or charred pineapple salsa for a summery pop. Grilled Steak Elote Tacos play so nicely with any side that brings out their bold flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your taco night into a DIY bar! Set up bowls with all the taco fixings, so friends and family can build their dream Grilled Steak Elote Tacos. Or serve them on a big platter, family-style, lined with colorful toppings. For parties, slice each taco in half and skewer with toothpicks for irresistible two-bite appetizers that disappear fast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra Grilled Steak Elote Tacos fillings, store the steak and elote mixture in separate airtight containers in the fridge. The steak will keep for up to four days, while the creamy corn topping tastes fresh for up to three. Keep tortillas in a sealed bag to maintain their softness.

Freezing

While the steak itself freezes beautifully (just wrap tightly before freezing for up to two months), the elote mixture is best made fresh; the mayo and sour cream lose their lusciousness after thawing. If you want to freeze steak for future tacos, slice before freezing for quicker reheating and assembly later on.

Reheating

Reheat sliced steak gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or water to keep it juicy. Tortillas can be revived in a hot, dry pan or on the grill for a minute per side. The elote mixture doesn’t really need heating—just bring it to room temperature and give it a quick stir.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef for Grilled Steak Elote Tacos?

Absolutely! While ribeye is wonderfully flavorful and tender, you can swap in skirt steak or flank steak. Just make sure to slice thinly against the grain for the best texture.

Are Grilled Steak Elote Tacos gluten-free?

If you use corn tortillas instead of flour, your tacos will be gluten-free. Always double-check your ingredients, especially if serving someone with a gluten allergy.

What if I don’t have a grill?

No grill? No problem! Cook the corn and steak on a grill pan or even a hot cast iron skillet. The flavors will still be delicious, though you might miss a touch of smokiness.

How spicy is the jalapeño crème?

The level of heat is up to you. Leaving the seeds in the jalapeño will make it spicier. For a milder topping, use only the green flesh or skip the jalapeño altogether—your Grilled Steak Elote Tacos will still be fabulous and flavorful.

Can I make the elote topping in advance?

Definitely! The elote mixture can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated. Just give it a good stir before serving, and it’s ready to spoon onto your fresh tacos.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a show-stopping meal that’s both festive and easy, Grilled Steak Elote Tacos are the answer. They deliver a brilliant punch of flavor, color, and texture in every bite—and they’re even more fun to share. Gather your friends, fire up the grill, and let these tacos turn an ordinary day into a delicious celebration!

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