When I first made these Grilled Elote Steak Tacos Recipe, I was blown away by the incredible mix of flavors and textures. The charred, smoky steak pairs perfectly with elote-style grilled corn, and it all comes together in a cheesy warm tortilla.

This dish makes an everyday dinner feel special and turns any gathering into a fiesta. It’s unbelievably easy to make but tastes like something straight out of a gourmet food truck. Trust me, after one bite, you’ll be hooked!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Get everything ready for these mouthwatering tacos!

For the Steak Marinade:

1.5 lbs flap steak: Tender and flavorful, perfect for grilling.
1/4 cup lime juice: Adds zesty brightness to the marinade.
1/2 cup cola: Helps tenderize the steak while adding a hint of sweetness.
1 tablespoon hot sauce: Brings just the right amount of heat.
1 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the steak.
1 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a touch of spice.
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses the meat with a savory kick.

For the Elote Corn Topping:

2 ears fresh corn on the cob: Use fresh corn for 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, it’s a must 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 a bit of crunch and sharpness.

For the Tacos:

10 small tortillas: Either corn or flour, lightly toasted.
1 cup shredded Jack cheese: Melts beautifully for gooey, cheesy tacos.

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

Easy Variations for Every Palate

Here are some ways to tweak this recipe to your taste and dietary preferences!

Vegetarian: Replace the steak with grilled portobello mushrooms or zucchini for a veggie twist.
Cheese Options: Swap cotija for feta or Monterey Jack for a fresh take on flavors.
Heat It Up: Add diced jalapeños or cayenne to the elote mix for extra spice.
Healthier Version: Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and whole-grain tortillas for a nutritious spin.

Cooking Time Breakdown

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 cooking this recipe a breeze.

Large bowl: Perfect for mixing your steak marinade.
Grill: Ensures a smoky char on both the steak and corn.
Knife: Ideal for slicing the steak and cutting fresh corn kernels.
Cast iron skillet: Great for toasting tortillas evenly.

How to Make Grilled Elote Steak Tacos?

With just a few steps, you’ll have tacos that rival your favorite taqueria.

Marinate the Steak

Start by whisking lime juice, cola, hot sauce, kosher salt, black pepper, and garlic powder in a large bowl. Place your flap steak in the marinade, ensuring it’s completely coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or leave it overnight for enhanced flavor. The marinade works its magic by tenderizing the meat while infusing it with deep, bold flavors.

Grill the Steak

Preheat your grill to high heat. Sear the marinated steak for 4–5 minutes per side, aiming for a perfectly medium-rare center. Use a meat thermometer to confirm an internal temperature of 125°F. Once done, remove the steak from the grill and allow it to rest for 10 minutes. This step locks in the juices and makes slicing easier.

Char the Corn

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

Make the Elote Sauce

Whisk mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, and a dash of hot sauce in a small bowl. This creamy elote sauce is perfect for drizzling over the finished tacos.

Prepare the Tortillas

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

Assemble the Tacos

Fill your cheesy tortillas with sliced steak and a generous helping of corn topping. Drizzle the elote sauce over the top and garnish with extra cilantro and Tajin. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Pro Tips to Perfect These Tacos

Take these tacos to the next level with these handy tips!

Marinate Overnight: The longer the steak marinates, the more tender and flavorful it becomes.
Use a Grill Pan: If you don’t have an outdoor grill, a grill pan works just as well for charring steak and corn indoors.
Warm the Tortillas: This step might seem minor, but it greatly improves the texture and taste of your tacos.

How to Serve Grilled Elote Steak Tacos?

Serve these tacos family-style on a big platter. Garnish with extra cotija cheese and a sprinkle of chili powder for a vibrant touch. Pair them with classic Mexican sides like cilantro-lime rice, refried beans, or guacamole. A chilled margarita or an ice-cold cerveza is the perfect drink companion to this flavorful meal.

Nutritional Information

Here’s what you can expect per serving of these indulgent tacos.

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

Make Ahead and Storage Guidelines

Planning for leftovers or prepping ahead? Here’s how to do it!

Prepare in Advance: Marinate the steak and grill the corn the day before. Refrigerate until ready to use.
Leftovers: Store cooked steak and elote topping in separate airtight containers. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days in the fridge.
Reheating: Warm the steak in a skillet over low heat or in the oven to retain its tenderness. Reassemble the tacos fresh for the best texture.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

Once you try these tacos, you’ll understand why they’re so special!

Bold Flavors: Smoky steak, sweet corn, and creamy elote sauce make each bite unforgettable.
Simple Yet Impressive: Easy to make but feels like a restaurant-quality dish.
Flexible Ingredients: Swap proteins, cheese, or spices to suit your cravings.
Perfect for Sharing: Great for family dinners, backyard barbecues, or casual parties.
Authentically Mexican: Brings the vibrant flavors of Mexico straight to your table.

These Grilled Elote Steak Tacos are more than just dinner; they’re an experience. Whether it’s taco night or a summer gathering, this recipe delivers unforgettable flavor every time.