Name: Grilled Elote Steak Tacos
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 450 g flank or skirt steak; 2 ears corn on the cob; 3 tbsp mayonnaise; 50 g cotija cheese, crumbled; 2 tbsp lime juice; 2 tbsp chopped cilantro; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp chili powder; 2 tbsp olive oil; 8 small corn or flour tortillas; salt and pepper to taste

If you’re looking for a taco that bursts with bold flavors, smoky grilled steak, and a creamy, tangy corn topping, these Grilled Elote Steak Tacos are about to become your new favorite. This recipe takes inspiration from classic Mexican elote (grilled street corn) and marries it with juicy, marinated steak to create an irresistible handheld feast. Perfect for summer cookouts or a lively weeknight dinner, every bite delivers a perfect balance of spice, char, and creaminess.

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With tender slices of steak tucked into warm tortillas and crowned with a bright, creamy corn salad, these tacos feel both indulgent and fresh. The elote topping of charred sweet corn mixed with mayo, cotija cheese, lime juice, and cilantro elevates each taco with creamy and tangy notes that contrast beautifully with the smoky steak. They’re easy to prep ahead and assemble just before serving, making them a crowd-pleasing dish you’ll turn to again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Grilled Elote Steak Tacos Recipe

You’ll love how these tacos turn humble ingredients into a flavor-packed experience that tastes like it came straight from your favorite taco stand. The steak is simply marinated yet full of flavor, the corn topping is creamy and zesty, and the whole dish comes together in under an hour. It’s also versatile — you can swap in chicken, shrimp, or even roasted vegetables for a different spin while keeping the star elote topping. Whether you’re cooking for a party or just spicing up taco Tuesday, this recipe delivers.

What Kind of Steak Should I Use?

For the best flavor and texture, use flank steak or skirt steak. Both cuts are ideal for grilling and have just the right amount of marbling to stay juicy and tender when sliced thin. If you prefer, you can also use ribeye for a richer bite or sirloin for something leaner. Just remember to marinate well and slice against the grain to ensure your steak stays tender and flavorful.

Ingredients for the Grilled Elote Steak Tacos

Flank or Skirt Steak: This is the heart of the recipe, providing a juicy, flavorful protein that grills beautifully and slices perfectly for tacos.

Corn on the Cob: Fresh ears of corn bring natural sweetness and charred smokiness to the elote topping, making every bite irresistible.

Mayonnaise: This creamy base is essential for binding the elote mixture and lending it a rich, tangy flavor.

Cotija Cheese: Crumbled cotija adds a salty, savory bite and creamy texture to the elote topping.

Lime Juice: Bright and citrusy, lime juice balances the creaminess of the topping and enhances the steak’s flavors.

Cilantro: Fresh chopped cilantro gives a pop of color and herbal freshness that brightens up the dish.

Garlic & Chili Powder: These spices deepen the marinade for the steak with a warm, smoky kick.

Olive Oil: Used in the marinade, it helps keep the steak tender and juicy while grilling.

Tortillas: Soft, warm corn or flour tortillas are the perfect vehicle for your steak and elote, holding everything together.

How To Make the Grilled Elote Steak Tacos

Step 1: Marinate the Steak

In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, minced garlic, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Coat the steak well with this marinade and let it sit for at least 30 minutes at room temperature, or up to 4 hours in the fridge.

Step 2: Grill the Corn and Steak

Preheat your grill to medium-high. Place the corn and steak on the grates. Grill the corn until charred and tender, about 10 minutes, turning occasionally. Grill the steak for about 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or longer depending on your preference. Let the steak rest for 5 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain.

Step 3: Prepare the Elote Topping

Cut the kernels off the grilled corn and place in a bowl. Mix in mayonnaise, crumbled cotija cheese, chopped cilantro, lime juice, and a pinch of chili powder. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 4: Assemble the Tacos

Warm the tortillas on the grill for 30 seconds each side. Layer slices of steak on each tortilla, then spoon a generous helping of the elote topping over the steak. Garnish with extra cilantro and a squeeze of lime if desired. Serve immediately.

Serving and Storing Grilled Elote Steak Tacos

These Grilled Elote Steak Tacos are best served hot off the grill for maximum flavor and texture. The recipe feeds about 4 hungry people, making it ideal for a family dinner or small gathering. You can keep the steak warm under foil while you prepare the toppings and tortillas. If you have leftovers, store the steak and elote topping separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the steak gently in a skillet or microwave and assemble fresh tacos when ready to eat.

What to Serve With Grilled Elote Steak Tacos?

Mexican Rice

Fluffy, tomato-infused Mexican rice is a classic side that complements the smoky flavors of the tacos.

Refried Beans

Creamy refried beans add a comforting, hearty element to your plate and are perfect for scooping up with leftover tortillas.

Pico de Gallo

Fresh and zesty, pico de gallo offers a burst of freshness that balances the richness of the elote topping.

Guacamole

Cool and creamy guacamole with a hint of lime rounds out your taco spread beautifully.

Pickled Red Onions

These tangy, vibrant onions add a pop of acidity and crunch that pairs well with both the steak and corn.

Grilled Vegetables

Charred peppers, zucchini, or onions make a colorful and healthy addition to your meal.

Margarita or Agua Fresca

For a festive touch, pair your tacos with a refreshing margarita or a chilled glass of agua fresca for a non-alcoholic option.

Want More Taco Ideas?

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

• Sheet Pan Steak Fajitas Recipe for an easy, oven-baked option with bold flavors.
• Skirt Steak Rice Bowls with Chimichurri if you want to try steak in a hearty bowl format.
• Crockpot Loaded Steak and Potato Bake for a cozy, slow-cooked steak dish.
• Creamy Mushroom Sauce for Steak to pair with steak dinners on any occasion.
• Flavorful Mediterranean Steak Bowls for a lighter, veggie-packed take.

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Conclusion

Grilled Elote Steak Tacos combine smoky, tender steak with creamy, tangy corn topping to create a taco that feels festive yet easy enough for any night of the week. With just a little prep and a quick grill, you can enjoy tacos that deliver bold flavors and plenty of compliments at the table. Give them a try — they just might become your new taco night tradition.

Grilled Elote Steak Tacos