If you’re craving a taco experience that bursts with smoky, tangy, and creamy flavors all at once, then the Grilled Steak Elote Tacos Recipe is exactly what you need in your life. This dish combines tender, marinade-infused grilled steak with the irresistible sweetness of charred corn tossed in zesty, cheesy elote sauce. Wrapped in crispy, cheesy tortillas and topped with fresh herbs and a punch of lime, these tacos are the perfect celebration of vibrant textures and bold Mexican-inspired flavors. Every bite invites you to savor a harmony of tastes that feel like summer on a plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the right ingredients is the secret to making this Grilled Steak Elote Tacos Recipe truly shine. Each component plays a vital role in layering texture and flavor — from the perfectly seasoned steak to the juicy corn and tangy sauce that brings everything together.
- Flap Steak: A flavorful, tender cut perfect for grilling and slicing into bite-sized cubes.
- Limes (4 total, juiced): Adds bright acidity to the marinade and the corn salsa, balancing richness beautifully.
- Cola (1 cup): Works as a marinade sweetener and tenderizer, creating a subtle caramelized crust on the steak.
- Hot Sauce (2 tbsp + 1 tsp): Brings spicy heat to both the steak marinade and the creamy sauce.
- Kosher Salt (1.5 tbsp) and Black Pepper (1.5 tbsp): Essential seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the meat.
- Garlic Powder (1 tbsp): Adds depth and an aromatic touch to the steak marinade.
- Canola Oil: A neutral oil perfect for grilling and cooking without overpowering the flavors.
- Mayonnaise (3 tbsp total) and Sour Cream (1.5 tbsp): Combine to create a creamy, tangy elote sauce that coats the corn.
- Corn on the Cob (3-4 ears): Grilled until lightly charred, it brings smoky sweetness and texture.
- Chopped Cilantro (2 tbsp) and Diced Red Onions (2 tbsp): Add freshness and crunch to the corn salsa.
- Cotija Cheese (1.5 tbsp): A salty, crumbly cheese that makes the elote sauce irresistible.
- Tajin Seasoning (1.5 tsp): Adds a spicy, citrusy kick to the corn mixture.
- Flour Tortillas: The soft yet sturdy foundations that hold together the steak, corn salsa, and sauce.
- Shredded Jack Cheese (2 cups): Melted into the tortillas to create a crispy, cheesy taco shell.
How to Make Grilled Steak Elote Tacos Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade and Marinate the Steak
Start by mixing lime juice, cola, hot sauce, kosher salt, black pepper, and garlic powder in a bowl. This vibrant marinade combines tang, sweetness, and spice to infuse the steak with bold flavor. Place the whole flap steak in the mixture and let it soak up all those flavors for at least 4 hours or overnight if you can. This slow soak tenderizes the meat and creates a delicious crust once grilled.
Step 2: Grill the Steak
Preheat your grill to high heat. Remove the steak from the marinade, brush with a little canola oil, and grill for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side to get that perfect sear and smoky char. After grilling, let the steak rest for a few minutes to lock in the juices before slicing it into bite-sized cubes. Resting is key to a juicy steak, so don’t skip this step.
Step 3: Grill the Corn and Prepare the Elote Sauce
While the steak rests, grill your corn on the cob until it’s tender and slightly charred, which enhances its natural sweetness. After grilling, cut the kernels off the cob and toss them with chopped cilantro, diced red onions, lime juice, Tajin seasoning, cotija cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, and a touch of hot sauce. This creamy, tangy, spicy elote sauce elevates the corn into taco-worthy magic.
Step 4: Cook the Tortillas with Cheese
Heat a skillet or griddle and cook each flour tortilla with a generous sprinkle of shredded Jack cheese until the cheese melts and the tortilla turns crispy and golden brown. This cheesy shell adds texture and a rich flavor base that holds all your taco fillings together beautifully.
Step 5: Assemble the Tacos
Fill each cheesy tortilla with cubes of the juicy grilled steak, a hearty spoonful of the corn elote mixture, and drizzle extra elote sauce if you like it saucy. These tacos bring together smoky, creamy, spicy, and fresh elements in every single bite—a definite crowd-pleaser.
How to Serve Grilled Steak Elote Tacos Recipe
Garnishes
Top your tacos with extra chopped cilantro, a sprinkle of cotija cheese, and a few lime wedges on the side for squeezing. Adding thinly sliced radishes or pickled red onions can also give an extra crunch and tang if you want to get creative. These garnishes brighten up the dish and add those little bursts of flavor that make dining unforgettable.
Side Dishes
Serve these tacos alongside a fresh cabbage slaw, spicy black beans, or a simple Mexican rice for a complete meal. A chilled Mexican street corn salad or a bowl of guacamole with crispy chips also pairs wonderfully, making your meal festive and satisfying for everyone at the table.
Creative Ways to Present
For a casual party, present the steak, corn salsa, sauces, and tortillas separately and let guests build their own tacos. Or serve the tacos stacked on a colorful platter with garnishes arranged beautifully around them for an inviting centerpiece. Adding mini bowls of extra toppings like sliced jalapeños, sour cream, or hot sauce lets everyone customize their perfect taco experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from this Grilled Steak Elote Tacos Recipe, store the grilled steak cubes and the corn salsa separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This keeps the steak juicy and the salsa fresh without sogginess. The tortillas and cheese shells are best prepared fresh but can be wrapped tightly and kept in the fridge for a day.
Freezing
You can freeze the marinated steak before grilling if you want to save time later. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to three months. Avoid freezing the cooked corn elote mixture or tortillas, as their texture can degrade upon thawing.
Reheating
To reheat the steak, warm it gently in a skillet over medium-low heat to avoid drying it out. Microwave can also work but use lower power settings. Reheat tortillas and cheese shells quickly in a dry skillet to regain crispness. Add fresh corn salsa and sauce after reheating for the best flavor.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of steak for this recipe?
Absolutely! While flap steak is ideal for tenderness and flavor, skirt or flank steak can work well too. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to avoid overcooking.
Is there a vegetarian alternative to this Grilled Steak Elote Tacos Recipe?
Yes! You can substitute grilled portobello mushrooms or marinated tofu cubes for the steak and follow the rest of the recipe as is. The smoky corn elote and spicy sauce will still shine wonderfully.
Can I make the elote sauce dairy-free?
Definitely. Replace the mayonnaise and sour cream with vegan alternatives or use avocado blended with lime juice and spices for a creamy, dairy-free elote sauce.
How spicy are these tacos? Can I adjust the heat?
The recipe has a moderate spice level thanks to the hot sauce and Tajin seasoning. You can reduce the hot sauce or omit it if you prefer milder tacos or add more if you like a serious kick.
What’s the best way to serve these tacos at a party?
Set up a taco bar with all the components laid out separately so guests can assemble their own. This way everyone can customize to their taste, and it makes for a fun, interactive dining experience.
Final Thoughts
This Grilled Steak Elote Tacos Recipe is truly one of those dishes that brings people together around delicious food and good vibes. The balance of smoky meat, creamy and tangy corn, and crispy, cheesy tortillas creates something you’ll want to make again and again. Don’t hesitate — fire up your grill and get ready to impress your friends and family with these unforgettable tacos!
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Grilled Steak Elote Tacos Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes including marinating time
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Experience the vibrant flavors of Grilled Steak Elote Tacos, combining juicy marinated flap steak, smoky grilled corn salsa, tangy Elote sauce, and melted cheese in crispy tortillas. Perfect for a flavorful Mexican-inspired meal that’s sure to impress.
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 & Salsa
- 2.5 tbsp Mayonnaise
- 1.5 tbsp Sour Cream
- 1 tsp Hot Sauce
- 2 medium Limes, juiced
- 3–4 Corn on the Cob
- 2 tbsp Chopped Cilantro
- 2 tbsp Diced Red Onions
- 1.5 tbsp Mayonnaise
- 1.5 tbsp Cotija Cheese
- 1.5 tsp Tajin Seasoning
- Canola Oil, as needed
Tacos
- Flour Tortillas
- 2 cups Jack Cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, thoroughly mix lime juice, cola, hot sauce, kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and a drizzle of canola oil. This marinade infuses the steak with bold, tangy flavors.
- Marinate the Steak: Submerge the whole flap steak in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the meat to tenderize and absorb the flavors deeply.
- Grill the Steak: Preheat your grill to high heat. Remove the steak from the marinade and grill for 4-5 minutes on each side until medium-rare or desired doneness. Let the steak rest for about 5-10 minutes, then slice into bite-sized cubes suitable for tacos.
- Grill the Corn: Place the corn cobs on the grill and cook until tender and slightly charred, turning occasionally to get an even roast. This smoky flavor is key to authentic elote.
- Prepare the Corn Salsa & Elote Sauce: Cut the grilled corn off the cob and mix with chopped cilantro and diced red onions to create a fresh salsa. Combine mayonnaise, sour cream, additional mayonnaise, lime juice, hot sauce, cotija cheese, and Tajin seasoning to make a creamy, zesty Elote sauce.
- Assemble the Tacos: Warm the flour tortillas in a pan with shredded Jack cheese until the tortillas are crispy and the cheese melts. Fill the tortillas with grilled steak cubes, spoonfuls of the corn salsa, and drizzle generously with the Elote sauce for a perfect balance of smoky, creamy, and tangy flavors.
Notes
- Marinating the steak overnight will yield the best flavor and tenderness.
- Use medium-high heat for grilling to get a nice char without overcooking.
- Adjust the hot sauce quantity in the marinade and Elote sauce to your preferred spice level.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute flour tortillas with corn tortillas.
- Leftover steak and salsa can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican
