If you are craving a mouthwatering combination of smoky, tangy, and creamy flavors all wrapped in a warm tortilla, the Grilled Steak Elote Tacos Recipe is your new go-to. This dish is a celebration of juicy, perfectly charred steak paired with vibrant grilled corn tossed in zesty lime and spicy goodness, topped with a luscious, cheesy sauce that takes elote tacos to a whole new level. Whether you’re planning a casual weeknight dinner or impressing friends at a weekend cookout, these tacos deliver big on flavor and texture, making every bite feel special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to making the Grilled Steak Elote Tacos Recipe shine. Each component brings a unique texture, flavor, or color that blends into a perfect harmony of tastes. From the savory marinated steak to the tangy lime and creamy sauces, these simple yet essential ingredients ensure a delicious result.
- 1 Whole Flap Steak: The star protein that’s tender and perfect for grilling.
- 2 medium Limes, juiced: Adds bright citrus notes to the marinade and salsa.
- 1 cup Cola: A secret marinade ingredient that tenderizes and adds subtle sweetness.
- 2 tbsp Hot Sauce: Brings a spicy kick to the steak marinade.
- 1.5 tbsp Kosher Salt: Enhances all the flavors in the steak and corn.
- 1.5 tbsp Black Pepper: Adds a robust peppery aroma and taste.
- 1 tbsp Garlic Powder: Elevates the savory profile of the steak marinade.
- Canola Oil, as needed: Helps with grilling and keeping everything juicy.
- 2.5 tbsp Mayonnaise: The creamy base for the elote sauce.
- 1.5 tbsp Sour Cream: Adds tang and smoothness to the sauce.
- 1 tsp Hot Sauce: A little more heat for the creamy elote topping.
- 3-4 Corn on the Cob: Fresh corn gets smoky and sweet when grilled.
- 2 tbsp Chopped Cilantro: Bright herbal notes to balance the richness.
- 2 tbsp Diced Red Onions: Adds crunch and a mild sharpness to the corn salsa.
- 1.5 tbsp Mayonnaise: Also used in the corn salsa for creaminess.
- 1.5 tbsp Cotija Cheese: Crumbly Mexican cheese that adds salty tang.
- 1.5 tsp Tajin Seasoning: Perfect for adding spice and zest to the corn.
- Flour Tortillas: Soft yet sturdy enough to hold all those delicious fillings.
- 2 cups Jack Cheese, shredded: Melts beautifully for crispy, cheesy tortillas.
How to Make Grilled Steak Elote Tacos Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Steak
Start by combining the lime juice, cola, hot sauce, kosher salt, black pepper, and garlic powder in a bowl to create a flavorful marinade. Submerge the whole flap steak in this mixture, making sure it’s fully coated. Let it marinate for at least 4 hours, but for the best flavor and tenderness, overnight is ideal. This marinade not only infuses the steak with complex flavors but also helps break down the fibers for ultimate juiciness.
Step 2: Grill the Steak
Preheat your grill to high heat to get those gorgeous sear marks. Grill the marinated steak for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side—this gives it a beautiful char while keeping the inside juicy. Once done, let the steak rest for about 10 minutes; this step allows the juices to redistribute evenly. Then slice the steak into bite-sized cubes, ready to be piled onto your tacos.
Step 3: Prepare the Corn and Elote Sauce
While the steak is marinating or resting, grill the corn on the cob until tender and slightly charred all over. Once grilled, cut the kernels off the cobs and mix them with chopped cilantro, diced red onions, mayonnaise, lime juice, a touch more hot sauce, and Tajin seasoning. This combination creates a fresh, spicy, and creamy corn salsa. Don’t forget to mix in Cotija cheese for that iconic salty pop and richness that elote lovers adore.
Step 4: Make the Cheesy Tortillas and Assemble
Warm your flour tortillas lightly on the griddle or skillet, then sprinkle a generous handful of shredded Jack cheese onto each one. Let the cheese melt and turn slightly crispy, forming the perfect cheesy base. To build your tacos, layer on the grilled steak cubes, followed by a hearty spoonful of the grilled corn salsa. Finally, drizzle with the creamy elote sauce for an irresistible finish.
How to Serve Grilled Steak Elote Tacos Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes make all the difference in these tacos. Sprinkle chopped cilantro or extra Cotija cheese on top to brighten flavors and add a little texture. A wedge of lime on the side invites guests to add a fresh squeeze that uplifts every bite. If you like a bit of heat, some sliced jalapeños provide a fantastic spicy contrast.
Side Dishes
Serve these tacos alongside simple sides like a fresh green salad or a zesty black bean salad for added fiber and freshness. Crispy tortilla chips with salsa or guacamole complement the smoky, cheesy elements brilliantly. For something heartier, Mexican street-style rice or grilled vegetables pair perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, serve the Grilled Steak Elote Tacos Recipe on a colorful platter with lime wedges, mini bowls of extra sauce, and fresh cilantro scattered around. You can also use small cast iron skillets or rustic wooden boards for a cozy, inviting feel. Another fun idea is setting up a taco bar where everyone can customize their tacos with toppings and garnishes, making it interactive and memorable.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover steak, corn salsa, and tortillas stored separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The steak will stay juicy for up to 3 days, and the corn salsa will maintain its vibrant flavors for about the same time. Keeping components separate helps preserve texture and taste when you’re ready to eat again.
Freezing
While you can freeze leftover steak cubes wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil, the corn salsa and tortillas do not freeze well because they lose texture upon thawing. Freeze the steak for up to 2 months to enjoy grilled steak elote tacos another time but plan on preparing fresh corn salsa and using fresh tortillas for the best experience.
Reheating
Reheat the steak gently in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of oil to keep it moist and tender. The corn salsa is best served cold or at room temperature, so avoid reheating it. Warm the tortillas on a hot pan or in the oven until pliable and slightly toasted to bring back their freshness.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of steak for this recipe?
Absolutely! While flap steak is ideal for its flavor and tenderness, skirt steak or flank steak are great alternatives that also grill well and absorb marinades nicely.
Is there a vegetarian way to enjoy this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the steak with grilled portobello mushrooms or marinated tofu and follow the same assembly steps for delicious vegetarian elote tacos.
How spicy is the Grilled Steak Elote Tacos Recipe?
The heat level is moderate and can easily be adjusted by increasing or decreasing the hot sauce and Tajin seasoning to suit your personal taste.
Can I make this recipe indoors if I don’t have a grill?
Definitely. Use a grill pan or cast iron skillet on the stovetop to get a nice sear on the steak and char the corn by carefully turning it over medium-high heat.
What’s the best way to serve these tacos for a party?
Set up a taco assembly station with all the toppings and sauces laid out so guests can customize their own. This makes it interactive and fun while keeping things easy for you.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Grilled Steak Elote Tacos Recipe—its layers of smoky steak, bright and tangy corn salsa, creamy sauces, and melty cheese combine into a taco experience you’ll want to enjoy over and over. I hope you’ll try making these for your next meal and find yourself falling in love with the effortless, bold flavors as much as I have. Trust me, these tacos are worth every delicious bite!
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Grilled Steak Elote Tacos Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
Savor the bold flavors of Grilled Steak Elote Tacos, combining tender marinated steak with smoky grilled corn, creamy elote sauce, and fresh salsa, all wrapped in crispy flour tortillas. This vibrant taco recipe is perfect for a satisfying and crowd-pleasing meal.
Ingredients
Steak Marinade
- 1 Whole Flap Steak
- 2 medium Limes, juiced
- 1 cup Cola
- 2 tbsp Hot Sauce
- 1.5 tbsp Kosher Salt
- 1.5 tbsp Black Pepper
- 1 tbsp Garlic Powder
- Canola Oil, as needed
Elote Sauce
- 2.5 tbsp Mayonnaise
- 1.5 tbsp Sour Cream
- 1 tsp Hot Sauce
- 2 medium Limes, juiced
Corn Salsa
- 3–4 Corn on the Cob
- 2 tbsp Chopped Cilantro
- 2 tbsp Diced Red Onions
Taco Assembly
- 1.5 tbsp Mayonnaise
- 1.5 tbsp Cotija Cheese
- 1.5 tsp Tajin Seasoning
- Canola Oil, as needed
- Flour Tortillas
- 2 cups Jack Cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, combine lime juice, cola, hot sauce, kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and a splash of canola oil. Mix thoroughly to create the marinade base for the steak.
- Marinate the Steak: Place the whole flap steak into the marinade, ensuring it is fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to infuse flavors and tenderize the meat.
- Grill the Steak: Preheat the grill to high heat. Remove the steak from the marinade and grill for approximately 4-5 minutes per side until cooked to your preferred doneness. Let the steak rest for a few minutes, then slice into cubes for the tacos.
- Grill the Corn: While the steak rests, grill the corn on the cob until cooked through and slightly charred, enhancing its smoky flavor.
- Prepare the Elote Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, sour cream, hot sauce, and lime juice to create a creamy, tangy elote sauce that will complement the corn and steak.
- Make the Corn Salsa: Cut the grilled corn kernels off the cob and combine them with chopped cilantro and diced red onions. Toss gently to mix all the fresh ingredients.
- Toast the Tortillas: Lightly oil a pan and cook the flour tortillas with shredded jack cheese until the cheese melts and the tortillas are crispy.
- Assemble the Tacos: Spread a thin layer of mayonnaise on the tortillas, then fill with sliced grilled steak, corn salsa, and a generous drizzle of the prepared elote sauce. Sprinkle with cotija cheese and Tajin seasoning to finish.
Notes
- Marinating the steak overnight will deepen the flavor and improve tenderness.
- Adjust the hot sauce quantities in the marinade and elote sauce to suit your spice preference.
- Use fresh corn for the best texture and flavor in the corn salsa.
- When grilling, avoid moving the steak too frequently to achieve a good sear.
- Serve tacos immediately while the tortillas are still warm and crispy for optimal taste and texture.
