Tacos are a staple in Mexican cuisine, offering a fun, flavorful way to enjoy fresh, vibrant ingredients wrapped in a soft tortilla. Among the many delicious taco varieties, Street Corn Steak Tacos stand out as an irresistible combination of two beloved Mexican dishes: steak tacos and elote (Mexican street corn). These tacos are a true celebration of flavors—smoky, savory grilled steak paired with creamy, spicy street corn, all wrapped in a soft corn tortilla. Whether you’re hosting a taco night or preparing a quick weeknight meal, these tacos are the perfect solution. They are packed with juicy steak, grilled corn, and tangy Mexican toppings, making them a hit at any Street Taco Dinner.
In this article, we’ll take you through the steps of creating Street Corn Steak Tacos, share tips for crafting the perfect Mexican Corn Tacos, and explore how to make the best BBQ Street Tacos at home. Whether you’re making Corn Street Tacos for the family or Grilled Street Tacos for a BBQ, this dish is sure to impress!
What Are Street Corn Steak Tacos?
Street Corn Steak Tacos combine two beloved Mexican dishes—steak tacos and elote—into one delicious meal. Elote, or Mexican street corn, is traditionally grilled corn on the cob slathered with mayonnaise (or sour cream), lime, chili powder, and cotija cheese. This flavorful street snack is a favorite at food stalls in Mexico and can be easily replicated at home. When you add grilled steak to the mix, you get a savory taco that is smoky, creamy, tangy, and absolutely bursting with flavor.
These tacos are a perfect fusion of savory steak and the irresistible sweetness of street corn, making them a must-try for any taco lover. They are ideal for a Street Taco Dinner or any casual get-together, and they also make an excellent addition to any Fajita Dinner Recipe. Whether you’re hosting a BBQ or simply craving something different, these Corn Street Tacos will bring the fiesta to your table.
Ingredients for Street Corn Steak Tacos
Before we get started, let’s gather the ingredients needed for making these Mexican Corn Tacos and Grilled Street Tacos. This recipe serves 4, so you’ll need:
For the Steak:
- 1 lb of flank steak or skirt steak (these cuts are tender and flavorful, perfect for grilling)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lime wedges for serving
For the Street Corn:
- 4 ears of corn, husked
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (or sour cream for a lighter option)
- 1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese
- 1 tbsp chili powder or smoked paprika (for a smokier flavor)
- 1 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt to taste
For the Tacos:
- 8 small corn tortillas (for authentic Corn Street Tacos)
- Sliced avocado or guacamole (optional, but highly recommended)
- Red onion, thinly sliced
- Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
- Hot sauce or salsa of your choice
- Lime wedges for serving
How to Make Street Corn Steak Tacos
Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the process of making these delicious Street Corn Steak Tacos. This recipe comes together in just a few simple steps.
Step 1: Season and Grill the Steak
To start, you’ll need to season your steak. Flank steak or skirt steak are the most common cuts used for tacos due to their flavor and tenderness. Drizzle the steak with olive oil and sprinkle it with cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Rub the seasonings into the meat to ensure it’s evenly coated. Let the steak marinate for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
While the steak is marinating, preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. If you’re using an outdoor grill, make sure it’s hot enough to get a good sear on the steak. Once the grill is ready, place the steak on the grill and cook for about 4-6 minutes per side, depending on your preferred doneness. For a medium-rare steak, aim for an internal temperature of about 130°F. If you prefer it more cooked, let it stay on the grill a little longer. After grilling, remove the steak and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
Once rested, slice the steak thinly against the grain. This ensures a tender bite in every taco.
Step 2: Make the Street Corn
While the steak is resting, it’s time to prepare the street corn. Start by grilling the corn over medium heat, turning occasionally for about 10-12 minutes, or until the kernels are nicely charred. If you don’t have a grill, you can use a stovetop griddle or even an oven, but grilling will impart that signature smoky flavor.
Once the corn is grilled, carefully remove the kernels from the cob by cutting along the sides with a sharp knife. Place the kernels in a mixing bowl and add the mayonnaise (or sour cream), lime juice, chili powder, cilantro, and cotija cheese. Stir the mixture until the corn is fully coated with the creamy, spicy sauce. Taste it and adjust the seasoning with salt if needed. Now, your street corn is ready to top the tacos!
Step 3: Assemble the Tacos
Now comes the best part—assembling the tacos! Warm the corn tortillas by heating them on a dry skillet or directly on the grill for a few seconds on each side. This will make them more pliable and give them a nice char.
Once the tortillas are ready, add a generous amount of grilled steak to each tortilla. Top with a generous helping of the creamy street corn mixture, and then add your favorite Mexican Toppings. For some extra flavor and texture, add fresh slices of avocado or a scoop of guacamole. Red onion and cilantro will provide a sharp, fresh contrast to the richness of the steak and corn. If you like things spicy, drizzle some hot sauce or salsa over the top. A squeeze of lime juice will add a burst of freshness and help balance the creamy flavors.
Now, your Grilled Street Tacos are ready to be devoured!
Why You’ll Love These Street Corn Steak Tacos
- Flavorful Steak: The grilled steak is juicy, tender, and perfectly seasoned. It provides a rich, savory flavor that pairs beautifully with the creamy street corn.
- Creamy Street Corn: The corn is coated in a tangy and spicy mixture of mayonnaise, lime, chili powder, and cotija cheese. It adds a creamy texture and a burst of flavor that elevates the taco to the next level.
- Customizable Toppings: You can personalize your tacos by adding extra toppings like sliced avocado, pickled onions, or a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce. This makes the tacos versatile and suitable for everyone’s taste.
- Easy to Make: Despite its vibrant flavors, this recipe is easy to make. The steak can be grilled in minutes, and the street corn comes together quickly, making these tacos perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a BBQ Street Taco feast.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re preparing a Street Taco Dinner with friends or looking for a fun twist on your regular taco night, these Cowboy Tacos bring the fiesta to your table.
Tips for Perfecting Your Street Corn Steak Tacos
- Don’t Overcook the Steak: Flank and skirt steak are best cooked medium-rare or medium. If you overcook them, they can become tough. Make sure to keep an eye on the grill and check the internal temperature to ensure you get the perfect doneness.
- Use Fresh Corn: The quality of the corn plays a big role in the flavor. Fresh, in-season corn will have the sweetest and juiciest kernels. If fresh corn isn’t available, frozen corn works as well, though you’ll want to char it in a skillet to mimic the grilled flavor.
- Experiment with Toppings: While traditional toppings like cilantro, avocado, and onion are great, feel free to get creative. Try adding crumbled queso fresco, pickled jalapeños, or even a drizzle of creamy cilantro-lime dressing for added flavor.
- Pre-cook the Corn: If you’re preparing this meal for a crowd or want to make it ahead of time, you can cook the corn and prepare the street corn mixture earlier in the day. Just reheat the mixture before serving.
- Try Different Proteins: While this recipe uses steak, you can easily swap it out for grilled chicken, shrimp, or even a vegetarian filling like grilled mushrooms or black beans. The Street Corn For Tacos pairs well with a variety of proteins.
Serving Ideas for Street Corn Steak Tacos
These tacos are perfect on their own, but if you want to make your meal even more exciting, here are a few serving ideas:
- Mexican Rice: A side of flavorful, cilantro-lime rice is the perfect accompaniment to your tacos.
- Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans are a classic side dish for tacos. You can prepare them with a bit of cheese and chili powder to add a little kick.
- Grilled Vegetables: A simple mix of grilled peppers, onions, and zucchini will bring color and health to your taco night.
- Salsa and Chips: Serve a vibrant salsa (pico de gallo, roasted tomato salsa, or a smoky chipotle salsa) alongside some crunchy tortilla chips for an appetizer or side dish.
- Margaritas or Agua Fresca: Pair your tacos with a refreshing drink like a lime margarita or a cool agua fresca for the ultimate taco experience.
Conclusion
Street Corn Steak Tacos are an irresistible combination of smoky, juicy steak and the creamy, tangy goodness of Mexican street corn. The flavors meld together beautifully in a taco that is fresh, savory, and perfectly balanced. These tacos are ideal for any casual gathering, and they also make a great addition to a BBQ Street Tacos spread. With customizable toppings, you can easily tailor the tacos to suit your taste preferences, making them a hit at your next taco night. Whether you’re preparing Corn Street Tacos, Grilled Street Tacos, or Cowboy Tacos, this recipe is sure to bring a smile to everyone at the table.
So fire up the grill, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself to a delicious taco experience that’s packed with flavor. These Mexican Corn Tacos are the perfect way to bring a taste of Mexico into your home!
