Grilled Elote Steak Tacos

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Fire up your grill and get ready to fall in love with these Grilled Elote Steak Tacos! Imagine tender, juicy slices of marinated steak tucked inside warm, charred tortillas, topped with a creamy, zesty Mexican street corn (elote) mix. Every bite is a fiesta of smoky, tangy, and slightly spicy flavors, finished with a sprinkle of salty cotija cheese and fresh cilantro.

Perfect for summer cookouts or any night you want to shake up your taco game, these tacos are all about bringing big flavors with simple ingredients. They’re fast, crowd-pleasing, and surprisingly easy to pull together, making them a standout for weeknight dinners or backyard parties alike.

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What Cut of Steak Should I Use?

For the juiciest and most flavorful tacos, skirt steak or flank steak are your best friends. Both cuts have excellent marbling and soak up marinades beautifully. Skirt steak offers a slightly beefier taste, while flank steak is a bit leaner but still tender when sliced thin across the grain. Whichever you pick, a quick, hot grill sear is key to locking in the flavor.

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Ingredients for the Grilled Elote Steak Tacos

• Skirt or flank steak — Brings the bold, meaty base for these tacos.
• Corn kernels — Sweet and juicy, charred on the grill for that authentic elote flavor.
• Mayonnaise & sour cream — Creamy binders that make the corn topping luscious and tangy.
• Cotija cheese — Salty, crumbly cheese that adds the signature elote finish.
• Fresh cilantro — For a pop of herbal freshness.
• Lime juice — Brightens everything up with citrusy zing.
• Chili powder or Tajín — Adds a smoky-spicy kick to the corn topping.
• Corn tortillas — Soft, charred tortillas are the perfect vessel.
• Jalapeño slices (optional) — For an extra layer of heat if you love spice.

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How To Make the Grilled Elote Steak Tacos

Step 1: Marinate the Steak

Whisk together olive oil, lime juice, minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Coat the steak in the marinade and let it sit for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours) in the fridge for max flavor.

Step 2: Grill the Corn and Steak

Preheat your grill to medium-high. Grill the corn until lightly charred, about 10 minutes, turning occasionally. Grill the steak for about 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare, then let it rest before slicing thinly against the grain.

Step 3: Make the Elote Topping

In a bowl, mix the grilled corn kernels with mayonnaise, sour cream, crumbled cotija cheese, lime juice, chili powder (or Tajín), and chopped cilantro. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Step 4: Warm the Tortillas

Toast corn tortillas on the grill or stovetop until soft with a bit of char for extra flavor.

Step 5: Assemble the Tacos

Layer sliced steak onto each tortilla, top generously with the elote corn mixture, and garnish with extra cotija, cilantro, and jalapeño slices if you like a spicy kick.

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Serving and Storing Grilled Elote Steak Tacos

Serve these tacos hot off the grill, ideally with a squeeze of fresh lime and maybe a side of guacamole or a crunchy salad. They’re best eaten fresh, but if you have leftovers, store the steak and corn mixture separately in airtight containers in the fridge. Reheat the steak gently to avoid overcooking, and assemble fresh tacos when you’re ready to eat.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know when the steak is cooked?

Use a meat thermometer: aim for 130°F (54°C) for medium-rare or 140°F (60°C) for medium. Let the steak rest before slicing.

Can I use frozen corn?

Absolutely! Thaw it first and grill or char it in a skillet for best flavor.

What can I use instead of cotija cheese?

Feta cheese is a great substitute with a similar salty, crumbly texture.

Are flour tortillas okay?

Yes! While corn tortillas are traditional, flour tortillas work just fine if you prefer.

How spicy are these tacos?

The spice level is mild, but you can crank it up with extra jalapeños or a sprinkle of hot sauce.

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Want More Taco and Grilled Recipes Ideas?

If you love these Grilled Elote Steak Tacos, you’ll probably enjoy these other flavorful favorites:

• Flavorful Mediterranean Steak Bowls for a fresh, herby twist on steak.
• Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce if you’re craving creamy indulgence.
• Easy Chicken with Zucchini, Corn & Garlic Sauce for another grill-season star.
• One Skillet Cheesy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak Pasta when you want comfort food with a punch.

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Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it anytime: Life with Nina on Pinterest.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you swap in flank or stick with skirt? Did you add extra chili or lime? I love hearing how you make these tacos your own—let’s keep the taco magic going!

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