Irresistible Street Corn Steak Tacos

Craving a taco recipe that bursts with flavor and will impress everyone at the table? These Irresistible Street Corn Steak Tacos are exactly what you need! Picture tender, perfectly grilled steak paired with smoky charred corn, topped with creamy lime crema, and finished with a sprinkle of cotija cheese. It’s a bite of Mexican street food heaven in every taco. Whether it’s a vibrant dinner or a crowd-pleaser at your next gathering, these tacos bring together bold, delicious flavors. Ready to experience the ultimate taco feast? Let’s dive in!

Ingredients for Irresistible Street Corn Steak Tacos

To create these irresistible tacos, you’ll need a few fresh ingredients that bring out the bold, vibrant flavors of Mexican street food. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:

For the Tacos:

• 1 lb steak (flank, skirt, or sirloin work best)
• 2 tbsp taco seasoning (or make your own with cumin, paprika, chili powder, and garlic powder)
• 1 tbsp olive oil (for grilling)
• 8 small corn tortillas (soft and pliable)

For the Street Corn:

• 2 cups fresh corn kernels (about 2 ears of corn, or frozen corn works too)
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
• 1/4 cup crumbled cotija cheese (or feta if you can’t find cotija)
• 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tbsp fresh cilantro (finely chopped)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Toppings:

• 1/2 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt for a tangy twist)
• 1 lime (cut into wedges for serving)
• Fresh cilantro (for garnish)
• Thinly sliced jalapeños (optional, for some heat)

Substitutions & Variations:

• Steak Options: If you don’t have flank or skirt steak, feel free to use ribeye or even chicken breast for a different protein option.
• Corn: Fresh corn is ideal, but if it’s not in season, you can use canned or frozen corn. Grilled corn, though, adds the best smoky flavor!
• Taco Seasoning: For an interesting twist, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or smoked paprika to the taco seasoning mix for extra depth.

With everything prepped, you’re ready to assemble these tacos! Trust me, the combination of juicy steak, sweet charred corn, and creamy lime crema will have everyone coming back for seconds!

Step-by-Step Instructions for Irresistible Street Corn Steak Tacos

Now that we have everything ready, it’s time to bring this delicious recipe to life! Don’t worry—this process is simple and totally worth it. Follow these steps, and you’ll be enjoying Irresistible Street Corn Steak Tacos in no time!

1. Marinate the Steak

Start by marinating your steak. This step is key to achieving a juicy, flavorful taco filling.

• In a bowl, combine the taco seasoning with a little olive oil to make a paste.
• Rub the seasoning mixture all over the steak, ensuring it’s evenly coated.
• Cover the steak and let it marinate for at least 15-20 minutes. If you have extra time, marinate it for an hour or overnight in the fridge for even more flavor.

2. Grill the Steak

Next, fire up your grill (or heat a grill pan) to medium-high heat. Here’s how to get that perfect grill on your steak:

• Place the steak on the grill and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side for a medium-rare steak. Adjust the time based on your preferred level of doneness.
• Once cooked, remove the steak from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, making it even juicier.

3. Prepare the Street Corn

While the steak is grilling, let’s make the street corn. This is what really sets these tacos apart!

• If you’re using fresh corn, grill the corn cobs directly on the grill for about 3-4 minutes per side or until they’re slightly charred. If you’re using frozen or canned corn, just sauté it in a pan until it’s heated through.
• In a bowl, combine the corn, mayonnaise, cotija cheese, lime juice, chili powder, and cilantro. Stir until the corn is well coated and the flavors are blended. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Assemble the Tacos

Now it’s time to bring everything together and assemble your tacos!

• Warm your corn tortillas on the grill or in a dry pan for about 30 seconds on each side.
• Slice the rested steak into thin strips.
• For each taco, add a generous spoonful of street corn onto the tortilla, followed by a few slices of steak.
• Top with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, and garnish with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and jalapeño slices (if you like it spicy!).

5. Serve & Enjoy!

Squeeze some fresh lime wedges over your tacos for an extra burst of flavor, and you’re ready to enjoy! These tacos are perfect for a casual dinner, taco night, or even as a fun meal for guests.

With the combination of grilled steak, charred corn, and all the vibrant toppings, these tacos are sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy the delicious flavors of Mexican street food from the comfort of your home!

Additional Tips & Recipe Variations for Irresistible Street Corn Steak Tacos

While this recipe is already packed with flavor, there are always ways to tweak it to suit your taste or make it even more exciting. Here are some helpful tips and fun variations to try:

Tips for Perfect Tacos

• Resting the steak: After grilling, always let the steak rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, making the steak more tender and juicy when you slice it.
• Tortilla warmth: For the best texture, warm your tortillas just before serving. You can do this by briefly heating them in a dry skillet or on the grill for about 30 seconds on each side. This ensures they stay soft and pliable for folding.
• Customize the heat: If you like things spicy, feel free to add a pinch of cayenne pepper or toss in some finely diced jalapeños directly into the street corn mixture. You can also switch up the chili powder with a spicier variety like chipotle for a smoky kick.

Recipe Variations to Try

• Grilled Chicken Option: If you prefer chicken, swap out the steak for grilled chicken thighs. The marinated chicken will provide a slightly different but equally delicious flavor, and it pairs wonderfully with the street corn.
• Vegetarian Version: For a meat-free alternative, try using grilled portobello mushrooms or grilled zucchini instead of steak. Their rich texture and smoky flavor make them great taco fillings.
• Cheese Swap: While cotija cheese is a classic for street corn, you can switch it up with feta cheese for a milder, tangier flavor or try queso fresco for a more authentic Mexican touch.
• Creamy Sauce Twist: Want to amp up the creaminess? Try swapping the sour cream for Mexican crema for a more traditional and slightly tangier flavor. Alternatively, add a drizzle of avocado crema for a smooth, creamy texture.

Make-Ahead Options

• You can prep the marinade for the steak and the street corn mixture ahead of time. Marinate the steak overnight in the fridge for more flavor, and store the street corn in an airtight container until ready to serve. This makes assembly quicker when you’re ready to eat.

Serving Suggestions

• These tacos are perfect on their own, but if you’re looking to complete the meal, consider pairing them with Mexican rice, refried beans, or even a simple side salad with a tangy vinaigrette.
• Serve some extra lime wedges on the side to enhance the flavor with a fresh, zesty kick.

With these tips and variations, you can make Irresistible Street Corn Steak Tacos your own. Whether you prefer to stick to the classic recipe or get creative with different ingredients, there’s no wrong way to enjoy these flavorful tacos!

Nutritional Information & Health Benefits for Irresistible Street Corn Steak Tacos

Not only are these Irresistible Street Corn Steak Tacos packed with flavor, but they also offer some key nutritional benefits. Let’s break down what makes this dish a great option for a satisfying meal.

Nutritional Breakdown

Here’s a general idea of the nutritional content per taco (based on 1 serving):

• Calories: 300-350 calories (depending on steak cut and toppings)
• Protein: 20-25g (from the steak and cheese)
• Carbs: 25-30g (mostly from the corn and tortillas)
• Fat: 15-20g (from the steak, cheese, and dressing)
• Fiber: 3-5g (mainly from the corn and cilantro)

These tacos offer a balanced mix of protein, carbs, and healthy fats, making them a great choice for a well-rounded meal. The steak provides a significant source of protein to fuel your day, while the street corn adds a nice touch of fiber and healthy fats from the avocado crema or sour cream. The tortillas provide complex carbs, and the addition of lime juice offers an extra hit of vitamin C.

Health Benefits

• Protein-Packed: The steak in these tacos is an excellent source of high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function.
• Fiber-Rich: The inclusion of corn, cilantro, and optional vegetables like avocado adds fiber to your meal, which aids digestion and promotes a feeling of fullness.
• Healthy Fats: If you add avocado or use Greek yogurt as a topping, you’ll also be adding healthy fats that are good for heart health.
• Rich in Antioxidants: The cilantro, lime, and chili powder provide antioxidants that help protect your cells from damage. These ingredients also add fresh, vibrant flavors, which make this dish even more refreshing.
• Calcium Boost: The cotija cheese or queso fresco not only adds a delightful salty flavor but also provides calcium for bone health.

Ways to Make it Healthier

• Lean Protein: To reduce fat content, use a leaner cut of steak like sirloin or opt for grilled chicken instead of beef.
• Low-Fat Toppings: Swap sour cream for Greek yogurt to lower the fat content while still keeping that creamy texture.
• Gluten-Free Option: If you’re avoiding gluten, simply swap regular tortillas for corn tortillas, which are naturally gluten-free.

These Irresistible Street Corn Steak Tacos strike the perfect balance between flavor and nutrition. Whether you’re looking for a healthy option or simply craving something delicious, these tacos are a satisfying choice that won’t leave you feeling guilty.

FAQ for Irresistible Street Corn Steak Tacos

What is the best meat for tacos with steak?

The best steak for tacos is typically a tender, flavorful cut that cooks quickly and is easy to slice thinly. Common choices include skirt steak, flank steak, and sirloin steak. These cuts offer great flavor and tenderness when marinated properly and grilled to perfection, making them ideal for tacos.

How do you cut skirt steak for street tacos?

To cut skirt steak for tacos, ensure you slice it against the grain (the direction of the muscle fibers). This helps break down the tough fibers, making the steak more tender and easier to chew. Cut the steak into thin strips or small chunks to fit neatly into your taco tortillas.

How many calories are in a steak corn taco?

On average, a steak corn taco contains around 300-350 calories, depending on the type of steak, the size of the tortilla, and the toppings used. Opting for leaner cuts of steak and lighter toppings can help reduce the calorie count while still keeping the taco delicious and satisfying.

Is picanha steak good for tacos?

Yes! Picanha steak, a popular Brazilian cut, is excellent for tacos. It has a rich, beefy flavor and a nice, fat cap that enhances the taste when grilled. While it’s not the most traditional cut for tacos, it works beautifully when sliced thin and paired with the other flavorful taco fillings.