The Grilled Steak Elote Tacos combine two beloved elements of Mexican-inspired cuisine—perfectly charred steak and creamy, cheesy elote corn. This dish hits every note: smoky, savory, tangy, and just a touch spicy, making it an irresistible option for taco lovers and grill aficionados alike. Whether you’re serving these tacos at a weekend barbecue, a summer dinner party, or a festive family night, they deliver flavor and fun in every bite. The elote topping brings a cool, creamy contrast to the bold, seasoned ribeye. Add a squeeze of lime and you’re in taco heaven. These tacos aren’t just food—they’re an experience.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 lb ribeye steak, trimmed
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 teaspoon smoked paprika
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1/2 teaspoon chili powder
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1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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1 cup grilled corn kernels (from 2 ears of corn)
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1/4 cup mayonnaise
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1/4 cup sour cream
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1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
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1/2 teaspoon lime juice
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1/3 cup cotija cheese, crumbled
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2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
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6-8 small corn tortillas
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Lime wedges, for serving
Directions:
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Preheat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
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Rub ribeye steak with olive oil, paprika, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
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Grill steak for 4-5 minutes per side or until desired doneness. Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain.
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Grill the corn (if not already grilled), then slice kernels off the cob.
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In a bowl, mix grilled corn, mayonnaise, sour cream, garlic powder, lime juice, cotija cheese, and cilantro.
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Warm tortillas on the grill for about 30 seconds on each side.
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Assemble tacos: place sliced steak onto each tortilla and top with a generous scoop of elote mixture.
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Garnish with extra cilantro, cotija, and lime wedges. Serve immediately.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 410 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
The Story Behind Grilled Steak Elote Tacos
Grilled Steak Elote Tacos are a bold, smoky, and indulgent fusion of two beloved Mexican favorites: carne asada tacos and elote, the iconic Mexican street corn. This mouthwatering combination brings together perfectly grilled steak—juicy, tender, and seasoned to perfection—with a creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy corn topping that’s rich in flavor and texture. The inspiration behind this dish lies in the vibrant and flavorful world of Mexican street food, where ingredients like corn, lime, chili, and cheese are celebrated in creative ways.
Elote, typically served on the cob and slathered in mayonnaise, crema, lime juice, chili powder, and cotija cheese, is a snack deeply rooted in Mexican street culture. It represents comfort food with a festive edge. Marrying it with grilled steak tacos elevates both elements to something new and exciting—ideal for summer grilling, Taco Tuesdays, or when you simply want to impress with something out-of-the-ordinary yet approachable.
Why Grilled Steak Elote Tacos Stand Out
What makes Grilled Steak Elote Tacos truly exceptional is the contrast in flavors and textures. You get the charred, smoky richness of grilled ribeye paired with the creamy, tangy freshness of elote-style corn. The combination of juicy meat, sweet corn, and zesty lime hits all the right notes—umami, sweet, salty, and tangy—creating a multidimensional flavor profile in every bite.
Unlike traditional tacos that rely on simple toppings like onions and cilantro, this version introduces a whole new level of indulgence. The elote topping is creamy but balanced by acidity from lime, earthiness from cotija cheese, and brightness from fresh cilantro. It’s a dish that surprises and delights, making it perfect for both casual meals and special gatherings.
Health Benefits and Nutritional Value
While this dish leans indulgent, it does bring some nutritional benefits. Ribeye steak, when portioned correctly, is a good source of high-quality protein, essential B vitamins, and minerals like zinc and iron. Grilled corn adds natural sweetness and fiber, while the cotija cheese and sour cream contribute calcium and healthy fats. When paired with small corn tortillas and garnished with fresh herbs and lime, the overall dish can be a wholesome meal when enjoyed in moderation.
Another great aspect of this recipe is that it allows you to control your ingredients. Opt for grass-fed beef for a cleaner protein source, use light mayo or Greek yogurt to reduce fat, or even go lighter on the cheese. With a few small tweaks, this dish becomes a more balanced part of a healthy eating plan.
Ideal Occasions to Serve This Dish
Grilled Steak Elote Tacos are incredibly versatile and can be served at various occasions. They shine during outdoor cookouts, backyard parties, and summer BBQs, especially when you’re looking to impress guests with something unique and satisfying. They’re also ideal for casual dinners when you want a flavor-packed meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
These tacos can also be served buffet-style with the steak and elote toppings in separate bowls, allowing guests to build their own. This makes them perfect for gatherings where personalization and variety are appreciated.
Tips for Perfect Execution
To make the most of this dish, quality and preparation matter. Choose a well-marbled ribeye or another cut that grills beautifully, such as skirt or flank steak. Let the meat rest after grilling to keep it juicy, and always slice it against the grain for tenderness. Grilling the corn rather than boiling or steaming it adds another level of smoky flavor that ties the whole dish together.
The elote topping should be prepared shortly before serving to preserve its creamy texture and freshness. You can also lightly char the tortillas for a warm, slightly crispy base that holds up to the juicy filling. Don’t forget a good squeeze of lime just before serving—it brightens everything and makes the flavors pop.
Variations and Customizations
One of the best things about this recipe is how easily it can be customized. For a spicier version, add chopped jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce to the elote mix. For a lighter take, use grilled chicken or even portobello mushrooms instead of steak. You could also swap the cotija cheese for feta or queso fresco, and replace sour cream with plain Greek yogurt.
For vegetarian or vegan adaptations, grilled tofu or seitan works wonderfully with the same spices, and the elote topping can be made with plant-based mayo and cheese. Gluten-free eaters can simply ensure the tortillas are certified gluten-free, making this recipe accessible to a wider audience.
Pairing Suggestions
To complete the meal, serve these tacos with refreshing sides like a citrusy cucumber salad, black bean and mango salsa, or grilled zucchini. A classic Mexican-style rice or cilantro lime rice also pairs well. For drinks, try a cold Mexican lager, a smoky mezcal cocktail, or a tangy agua fresca like watermelon or hibiscus.
If you’re planning a dinner party or weekend barbecue, consider offering a taco bar with toppings like pickled onions, sliced avocados, or extra cotija on the side. A variety of salsas—ranging from mild tomatillo to spicy habanero—can add layers of flavor and heat for guests who like to mix it up.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Some common pitfalls with this recipe include overcooking the steak, using canned corn instead of fresh grilled, or making the elote mixture too far ahead of time. These shortcuts may seem convenient, but they sacrifice the flavor and texture that make the dish special.
Be sure to season your steak generously and give it time to marinate if you’re not cooking it immediately. Also, resist the temptation to pile on too much elote topping—it’s rich and flavorful, so a little goes a long way. Balancing all the components is key to making every bite enjoyable and not overwhelming.
Cultural Significance and Inspiration
Tacos and elote are cornerstone dishes in Mexican street food culture. By combining the two, this recipe pays homage to the richness and creativity of that tradition while bringing a fresh, modern twist. This fusion respects the roots of each element but reimagines them in a way that feels celebratory and new.
The dish also reflects the growing trend of fusion cuisine, where bold, diverse flavors are combined to create something fresh and unexpected. In this case, it’s not about reinventing the taco but enhancing it with an iconic topping that’s already beloved in its own right.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The real beauty of Grilled Steak Elote Tacos is that they feel indulgent and comforting while being easy to prepare and incredibly flavorful. The contrast between the savory steak and the creamy corn, the brightness of lime and cilantro, and the slight crunch of grilled tortillas make this dish a sensory delight.
It’s also one of those meals that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Whether you’re grilling outside on a summer evening or cooking indoors for a cozy night in, the aroma and sizzle of the steak, combined with the vibrant elote topping, create a memorable cooking experience.
Conclusion
Grilled Steak Elote Tacos are more than just a meal—they’re a celebration of flavor, culture, and creativity. They bring together the heartiness of grilled beef with the playful richness of Mexican street corn, creating a dish that’s satisfying, shareable, and impossible to forget. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or a crowd, this taco recipe promises to deliver bold taste and joyful eating every time.
