Street Corn Steak Tacos Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Steak

• 1 ½ lbs skirt steak or flank steak
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Juice of 2 limes
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp cumin
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper

For the Street Corn (Elote)

• 3 cups corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
• 2 tbsp butter
• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup sour cream or Mexican crema
• ½ cup cotija cheese, crumbled (or feta if unavailable)
• Juice of 1 lime
• ½ tsp chili powder
• 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped

For Serving

• Warm flour or corn tortillas
• Extra cotija cheese
• Fresh cilantro
• Lime wedges
• Diced jalapeños or pickled onions (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Marinate the Steak

In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, lime juice, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Coat the steak with the marinade, cover, and let it rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (up to 2 hours). This locks in flavor and helps tenderize the meat.

2. Make the Street Corn

In a skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter and add the corn. Cook until slightly charred, about 5–7 minutes. Remove from heat, then stir in mayonnaise, sour cream, cotija cheese, lime juice, chili powder, and cilantro. Set aside.

3. Grill or Cook the Steak

Heat a grill pan or outdoor grill to medium-high heat. Cook the steak for about 3–4 minutes per side for medium-rare, or longer if you prefer. Let the steak rest for 5 minutes before slicing it thinly against the grain.

4. Assemble the Tacos

Warm the tortillas in a skillet or directly over the flame for a few seconds until soft and slightly charred. Add slices of steak, top generously with street corn, and sprinkle with extra cotija, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.

Tips for the Best Street Corn Steak Tacos

• Don’t skip the marinade – it makes the steak juicy and flavorful.
• Char the corn – that smoky flavor is what makes elote irresistible.
• Use warm tortillas – heating them makes them soft and pliable.
• Customize toppings – add avocado slices, hot sauce, or pickled onions for extra flair.

What to Serve with Street Corn Steak Tacos

These tacos are hearty on their own, but you can turn dinner into a fiesta with sides like:

• Mexican rice
• Refried beans or black beans
• Chips and fresh guacamole
• A simple cucumber-tomato salad
• Margaritas or agua fresca for a refreshing drink

Storage and Meal Prep Tips

• Steak: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet.
• Street Corn: Keep in the fridge for 2–3 days. It’s delicious as a topping for nachos or baked potatoes too!
• Tortillas: Wrap them in foil and reheat in the oven to keep them soft.

Pro tip: Make extra steak and street corn to enjoy for quick lunches throughout the week!