Grilled Elote Steak Tacos

Grilled Elote Steak Tacos are a delightful fusion of flavors that will elevate your next gathering or weeknight dinner. These tacos combine the rich taste of grilled steak with the vibrant flavors of elote, making them perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or just craving something satisfying, these tacos deliver a unique twist on traditional recipes that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and minimal prep time, you’ll have these tacos ready in no time.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of grilled steak and elote toppings creates an irresistible flavor profile.
• Versatile Serving: Perfect as an appetizer or main course, these tacos can fit any meal plan.
• Customizable: Adjust toppings and spice levels to suit your taste preferences.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Great for family dinners and gatherings; everyone will be asking for seconds!

Tools and Preparation

To make your Grilled Elote Steak Tacos a breeze, gather some essential kitchen tools. Having the right tools will make your cooking experience smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Grill or grill pan
• Mixing bowl
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Tongs

Why These Tools Matter

• Grill or grill pan: Provides that authentic charred flavor to the steak and corn.
• Mixing bowl: Ideal for combining ingredients like the mayonnaise, sour cream, and lime juice.
• Knife: Ensures precision when slicing the jalapeño and prepping other ingredients.
• Tongs: Makes flipping the steak and handling hot corn easy and safe.

Ingredients

For the Steak

• 2 ribeyes
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Elote Topping

• 4 ears of corn (husked)
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons sour cream
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• 1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese
• Juice of 1 lime
• Zest of 1 lime (optional)

For the Tacos

• 8 small flour or corn tortillas
• 1 jalapeño (thinly sliced, optional, for jalapeño crème)

How to Make Grilled Elote Steak Tacos

Step 1: Prepare the Grill

Preheat your grill over medium-high heat. Make sure it’s clean to get those beautiful grill marks on your steak.

Step 2: Season the Steak

Generously season both sides of the ribeyes with salt and pepper. Allow them to rest at room temperature for about 15 minutes for better grilling results.

Step 3: Grill the Corn

Place the husked corn directly on the grill. Cook for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally until charred. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Step 4: Grill the Steak

Once your corn is done, place the ribeyes on the grill. Cook for about 4-5 minutes per side (or until preferred doneness). Use tongs to flip them halfway through cooking.

Step 5: Assemble Elote Mixture

In a mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, chopped cilantro, crumbled cotija cheese, lime juice, and lime zest (if using). Mix well until combined.

Step 6: Cut Corn Off Cob

Once cool enough to handle, cut kernels off the grilled corn cobs. Fold into your elote mixture.

Step 7: Build Your Tacos

Warm tortillas on a skillet or directly on the grill briefly. Slice up your grilled ribeye into strips. To assemble, place steak slices onto tortillas, top with elote mixture, and add jalapeño slices if desired.

Step 8: Serve

Enjoy your Grilled Elote Steak Tacos immediately while they’re warm!

How to Serve Grilled Elote Steak Tacos

Serving Grilled Elote Steak Tacos can be a delightful experience that tantalizes the taste buds. Here are some creative ways to present this flavorful dish.

Classic Presentation

• Taco Stand: Use a taco holder or stand to display your tacos upright for easy serving and a vibrant look.
• Corn on the Side: Serve extra grilled corn alongside for a complete elote experience.

Garnish Ideas

• Fresh Cilantro: Sprinkle additional chopped cilantro on top of the tacos for added freshness.
• Lime Wedges: Offer lime wedges for squeezing over tacos, enhancing the flavor with fresh acidity.

Dipping Sauces

• Sour Cream Dip: Provide a bowl of sour cream mixed with lime juice for dipping.
• Spicy Jalapeño Crème: Serve a thinly sliced jalapeño crème on the side for those who enjoy heat.

How to Perfect Grilled Elote Steak Tacos

To achieve the best Grilled Elote Steak Tacos, keep these tips in mind for perfect results.

• Bold Seasoning: Generously season the ribeyes with salt and pepper before grilling to enhance their flavor.
• High Heat Grill: Preheat your grill to high heat for optimal searing, which locks in juices and flavors.
• Rest the Meat: Allow the grilled steaks to rest for several minutes before slicing to maintain tenderness.
• Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh corn and produce for the elote topping to ensure vibrant flavors and textures.

Best Side Dishes for Grilled Elote Steak Tacos

Pairing side dishes with your Grilled Elote Steak Tacos can elevate your meal. Here are some fantastic options.

1. Mexican Rice: A flavorful cilantro-lime rice complements the tacos beautifully and adds a filling component.
2. Black Beans: Seasoned black beans provide protein and balance out the flavors of the tacos.
3. Guacamole: Creamy guacamole adds richness and pairs well with the steak’s bold flavors.
4. Pico de Gallo: Fresh pico de gallo brings brightness and freshness that enhances each bite of taco.
5. Chips and Salsa: Crunchy tortilla chips served with salsa make for a fun appetizer before diving into tacos.
6. Grilled Vegetables: A mix of grilled peppers, zucchini, and onions can add color and nutrition to your plate.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Grilled Elote Steak Tacos, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Avoid these common mistakes for the best results.

• Ignoring seasoning: Failing to season your steak properly can lead to bland tacos. Always use salt and pepper generously on both sides of the meat before grilling.
• Overcooking the corn: Cooking corn for too long can make it tough. Grill it just until it’s slightly charred for that perfect sweetness.
• Skipping the marinade: Not marinating the steak can result in less flavor. A simple marinade of lime juice and spices can enhance the taste significantly.
• Forgetting to warm tortillas: Serving cold tortillas can ruin the experience. Warm them in a skillet or on the grill just before assembling your tacos.
• Neglecting toppings: Skimping on toppings like cotija cheese or cilantro takes away from the dish’s authenticity. Be generous with these flavorful additions.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Keep all components (steak, corn, and toppings) separate to maintain freshness.

Freezing Grilled Elote Steak Tacos

• You can freeze cooked steak and corn for up to 2 months.
• Use freezer-safe bags or containers, removing as much air as possible.

Reheating Grilled Elote Steak Tacos

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place tacos on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place tacos on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel and heat in 30-second intervals until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat, add tacos, and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Grilled Elote Steak Tacos?

Grilled Elote Steak Tacos combine juicy grilled steak with flavorful elote-style corn, all wrapped in warm tortillas topped with creamy sauces and cheese.

Can I use different meats for these tacos?

Absolutely! While ribeye is delicious, you can substitute with chicken, turkey, or lamb according to your preferences.

How do I customize my Grilled Elote Steak Tacos?

Feel free to add other toppings like avocado, fresh salsa, or even different cheeses based on your taste!

How do I ensure my steak is tender?

Marinating the steak beforehand helps break down fibers and keeps it juicy during grilling.

Can I prepare any part of this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can grill the steak and corn ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator for easy assembly later.

Conclusion

Grilled Elote Steak Tacos are not only delicious but also versatile. With options for customization, you can make them perfect for any occasion. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different ingredients or toppings; your taste buds will thank you!