Grilled Elote Steak Tacos are the bold, flavorful twist your taco night has been missing—juicy grilled steak, smoky corn, and creamy toppings all tucked into warm tortillas.
Hi, I’m Sam, and I’m so glad you’re here! At dishfoody.com, I share flavorful, feel-good recipes made to make life in the kitchen easier and more joyful. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick weeknight meal, a cozy comfort dish, or an impressive dessert—there’s something here for every appetite. These Grilled Elote Steak Tacos were inspired by my love of street corn and summer grilling. I wanted something fast, fun, and layered with texture and flavor—and now this recipe is one of my go-tos for backyard gatherings and Taco Tuesdays alike.
Why This Grilled Elote Steak Tacos Recipe Works
- Uses affordable, easy-to-find cuts of meat
- Marinate in 15 minutes for maximum tenderness
- Perfect for weeknights or weekend feasts
Choosing the Right Meat for Grilled Elote Steak Tacos
Best Cuts for This Recipe
Flank steak and skirt steak are the top picks here. They’re lean, flavorful, and cook quickly on the grill. Their natural grain makes them ideal for slicing thinly against the grain for tender taco strips.
Buying Tips
Choose cuts with visible marbling and deep red color. Ask your butcher for skirt steak if you want a richer beefy flavor.
Substitutions
Swap in chicken thighs or portobello mushrooms for a different protein that still grills beautifully and pairs well with the elote toppings.
Ingredients & Prep for Grilled Elote Steak Tacos
Meat Prep Essentials
1½ lb flank or skirt steak
Trim off excess fat and silver skin
Tenderize lightly with a fork to help marinade soak in
Marinades/Rubs
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp lime juice
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp ground cumin
1 garlic clove, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
Marinate for 15–30 minutes
Pantry Staples
Corn tortillas
Frozen or fresh corn (grilled or charred)
Greek yogurt or sour cream
Crumbled feta or cotija cheese
Cilantro, lime wedges, green onions
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for Grilled Elote Steak Tacos
Pre-Cooking Prep for Grilled Elote Steak Tacos
Remove steak from fridge 20 minutes before cooking. Pat dry, re-season lightly, and preheat grill to medium-high.
Cooking Method for Grilled Elote Steak Tacos
Grill steak 4–5 minutes per side for medium doneness. Let corn grill alongside until lightly charred. Warm tortillas on the grill for 30 seconds per side.
Chop grilled corn off the cob. In a bowl, mix with Greek yogurt, lime juice, feta, and chili powder for a creamy elote topping.
Doneness Check for Grilled Elote Steak Tacos
Use a meat thermometer:
Medium-rare: 130–135°F
Medium: 140–145°F
Let steak rest before slicing.
Resting Grilled Elote Steak Tacos
Let grilled steak rest 5–7 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain. This locks in the juices and ensures tenderness.
Pro Tips for Perfect Grilled Elote Steak Tacos
Avoiding Tough/Dry Steak
Don’t overcook—medium is ideal for flank/skirt steak
Always slice against the grain for a tender bite
Tool Recommendations
Cast-iron grill pan or outdoor grill
Digital meat thermometer
Sharp knife for slicing
Storage & Reheating
Store steak and corn mixture separately. Reheat steak in a skillet over low heat or microwave with a damp towel.
Flavor Variations for Grilled Elote Steak Tacos
| Variation | Description | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Spicy Kick | Add jalapeño or chipotle crema to elote mix | For heat lovers |
| Low-Carb/Keto | Use lettuce wraps or cheese shells | Great for carb-conscious eaters |
| Tropical Fusion | Add grilled pineapple or mango salsa | Sweet + smoky flavor contrast |
| Vegan-Friendly | Swap steak for grilled mushrooms or tofu | Delicious plant-based option |
| Tex-Mex Classic | Top with guac and salsa instead of elote mix | Traditional and satisfying |
Serving Suggestions for Grilled Elote Steak Tacos
Pair with:
Cilantro-lime rice or black beans
Fresh watermelon or avocado salad
Sparkling lime water or agua fresca
FAQs for Grilled Elote Steak Tacos
Can I use frozen steak?
Yes—thaw completely and pat dry before marinating.
How do I fix overcooked steak?
Thinly slice it, warm it briefly in a sauce or elote topping to rehydrate.
Is this recipe safe for pregnant women?
Yes, as long as the meat is fully cooked to safe temperatures and no unpasteurized dairy is used.
Conclusion
Bold, fresh, and bursting with Mexican street-food flair, Grilled Elote Steak Tacos are a guaranteed hit for taco night or your next cookout. They’re simple to prep, big on flavor, and endlessly customizable. Fire up your grill and try this tonight!
Join 5k home cooks who’ve loved this recipe!
Looking for more? Try our Creamy Queso Rice with Juicy Steak Strips or High Protein Grilled Chicken Alfredo Pasta next!
Grilled Elote Steak Tacos – 1 Bold Street-Style Fiesta
Grilled Elote Steak Tacos are packed with smoky grilled steak, creamy street corn topping, and fresh lime all wrapped in warm tortillas. A bold, quick, and unforgettable dinner idea.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Ingredients
- 1½ lb flank or skirt steak,
- 2 tbsp olive oil,
- 1 tbsp lime juice,
- 1 tsp smoked paprika,
- 1 tsp ground cumin,
- 1 garlic clove, minced,
- Salt and pepper to taste,
- 2 ears corn or 1½ cups frozen corn,
- 1/3 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream,
- ¼ cup crumbled feta or cotija,
- 1 tsp chili powder,
- Corn tortillas,
- Cilantro, green onions, lime wedges for garnish
Instructions
- Marinate steak in oil, lime juice, and spices for 15–30 minutes.
- Grill steak 4–5 minutes per side. Let rest before slicing.
- Grill corn until charred. Mix with yogurt, cheese, and chili powder.
- Warm tortillas and fill with steak slices and elote topping.
- Garnish with cilantro, green onions, and a squeeze of lime.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Per Serving
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 380 mg
- Fat: 21 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 31 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg