Grilled Elote Steak Tacos Recipe | Cheesy Elote Twist

When I first made these Grilled Elote Steak Tacos, I couldn’t believe how effortlessly the flavors came together. The smoky, tender steak paired with creamy, charred elote corn is a match made in taco heaven.

Every bite feels like a celebration, and it’s so easy to whip up that it’s become my go-to for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll be making them on repeat. They’re that good!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather everything you need for these irresistible tacos!

For the Steak Marinade:

1.5 lbs flap steak: Perfectly tender and ideal for grilling.
1/4 cup lime juice: Adds a bright, zesty kick to the marinade.
1/2 cup cola: Tenderizes the steak and adds a subtle sweetness.
1 tablespoon hot sauce: Brings just the right amount of heat.
1 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances the steak’s natural flavors.
1 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a touch of spice.
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses the meat with a savory depth.

For the Elote Corn Topping:

2 ears fresh corn on the cob: Fresh corn gives the best texture and sweetness.
1 tablespoon canola oil: Helps achieve that perfect char on the grill.
3 tablespoons mayonnaise: Creamy and rich, the base for the elote topping.
2 tablespoons sour cream: Adds tanginess and balances the mayo.
2 tablespoons crumbled cotija cheese: Salty and crumbly for authentic elote flavor.
1 teaspoon Tajin seasoning: A chili-lime spice blend that makes the flavors pop.
1/4 cup chopped cilantro: Adds freshness and a vibrant green color.
2 tablespoons diced red onion: Provides crunch and a sharp bite.

For the Tacos:

10 small tortillas: Corn or flour, lightly toasted for the best texture.
1 cup shredded Jack cheese: Melts beautifully for gooey, cheesy tacos.

Note: This recipe makes 8–10 tacos, serving 4–5 people. Adjust quantities as needed for larger gatherings.

Variations to Try

Here are some fun ways to customize these tacos to suit your taste or dietary needs:

Vegetarian: Swap the steak for grilled portobello mushrooms or zucchini.
Cheese Options: Try feta or Monterey Jack for a fresh twist.
Spice It Up: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne to the elote mix.
Healthier Version: Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and opt for whole-grain tortillas.

Cooking Time

You’ll have these tacos ready in no time!

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Equipment You’ll Need

Having the right tools makes this recipe a breeze:

Large bowl: For mixing the steak marinade.
Grill: To achieve that smoky char on the steak and corn.
Knife: For slicing the steak and cutting corn kernels.
Cast iron skillet: Perfect for toasting tortillas evenly.

How to Make Grilled Elote Steak Tacos?

With just a few simple steps, you’ll have tacos that taste like they came from a gourmet food truck.

Marinate the Steak

Start by whisking together lime juice, cola, hot sauce, kosher salt, black pepper, and garlic powder in a large bowl. Add the flap steak, ensuring it’s fully coated in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or leave it overnight for maximum flavor. This step tenderizes the meat and infuses it with bold, zesty flavors.

Grill the Steak

Preheat your grill to high heat. Sear the marinated steak for 4–5 minutes per side, aiming for a medium-rare center. Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 125°F. Once done, let the steak rest for 10 minutes to lock in the juices before slicing.

Char the Corn

Set your grill to medium-high heat. Brush the fresh corn with canola oil and grill for 6–8 minutes, turning occasionally, until evenly charred. Once cooled, cut the kernels off the cob and mix them with mayonnaise, sour cream, Tajin, cotija cheese, cilantro, and red onion. This creamy, smoky topping is the star of the tacos!

Prepare the Tortillas

Heat a cast iron skillet over medium heat. Toast one side of a tortilla, flip it, sprinkle shredded Jack cheese, and fold it in half. Cook until the cheese melts and the tortilla is crispy. Repeat for all tortillas.

Assemble the Tacos

Fill each cheesy tortilla with sliced steak and a generous scoop of the elote corn topping. Drizzle the creamy elote sauce over the top and garnish with extra cilantro and Tajin. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better

Here are some personal tips to make these tacos even more amazing:

Marinate Overnight: The longer the steak marinates, the more flavorful it becomes.
Use a Grill Pan: If you don’t have an outdoor grill, a grill pan works just as well.
Warm the Tortillas: Toasting the tortillas enhances their texture and flavor.
Slice Against the Grain: This keeps the steak tender and easy to chew.

How to Serve Grilled Elote Steak Tacos?

Serve these tacos family-style on a large platter for a fun, interactive meal. Garnish with extra cotija cheese and a sprinkle of chili powder for a pop of color. Pair them with sides like cilantro-lime rice, refried beans, or guacamole. For drinks, a chilled margarita or an ice-cold cerveza is the perfect match!

Nutritional Information

Here’s what you can expect per serving:

Calories: 526 kcal
Protein: 31g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fat: 34g

Make Ahead and Storage

Planning ahead? Here’s how to store and reheat your tacos:

Prepare in Advance: Marinate the steak and grill the corn a day ahead. Store in the fridge until ready to use.
Leftovers: Keep cooked steak and elote topping in separate airtight containers. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Warm the steak in a skillet over low heat or in the oven to keep it tender.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

Here’s why these tacos are a must-try:

Bold Flavors: Smoky steak, sweet corn, and creamy elote sauce make every bite unforgettable.
Simple Yet Impressive: Easy to make but feels like a gourmet dish.
Flexible Ingredients: Customize with your favorite proteins, cheeses, or spices.
Perfect for Sharing: Great for family dinners, barbecues, or casual parties.
Authentically Mexican: Brings the vibrant flavors of Mexico to your table.

These Grilled Elote Steak Tacos are more than just a meal—they’re an experience. Whether it’s taco night or a summer gathering, this recipe is sure to impress every time!

Ash Tyrrell