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Grilled Skirt Steak and Elote Tacos

Grilled Skirt Steak and Elote Tacos

Experience the vibrant flavors of summer with Grilled Skirt Steak and Elote Tacos. Juicy, grilled steak meets sweet corn and zesty toppings for an easy weeknight dinner or a delightful gathering. Impress your guests with this simple yet mouthwatering recipe that makes any occasion special!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 480

Ingredients
  

  • 2 medium ears of corn husks removed
  • 2 tablespoons light mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro plus more for garnish
  • 1/2 teaspoon ancho chili powder
  • 1/2 lime juice of
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 pound skirt steak trimmed of fat
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • 8 corn tortillas corn tortillas
  • 1/2 cup finely crumbled Cotija queso fresco or feta cheese
  • 1 lime cut into wedges for serving

Equipment

  • Chef's Knife
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Grater

Method
 

  1. Season the steaks on both sides with kosher salt and cumin. Make sure to rub the seasoning in well to enhance the flavor. This will create a savory crust when grilled.
  2. Next, heat your grill over medium-high heat. Once it's hot, clean and oil the grates to prevent sticking. This step is crucial for achieving those beautiful grill marks.
  3. Now it’s time to grill the corn. Place the ears of corn on the grill, turning occasionally until they are slightly charred, about 10 minutes. The grilling process brings out the natural sweetness of the corn.
  4. Once the corn is grilled, transfer it to a cutting board. Allow it to cool slightly, then cut the kernels off the cob and place them in a medium bowl.
  5. In the bowl with the cut corn, mix in the light mayonnaise, cilantro, ancho chili powder, lime juice, and kosher salt. Stir until well combined and set aside. This mixture is the elote that will top your tacos.
  6. Next, increase the flame on the grill to high. Place the seasoned steaks on the grill and cook for about 1 and a half to 2 minutes on each side for medium rare. Adjust the cooking time to achieve your desired doneness.
  7. Once cooked to your liking, set the steaks aside on a cutting board to rest. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a juicy bite every time you slice.
  8. While the steaks rest, grill the corn tortillas until the edges become charred, about 30 to 60 seconds on each side. This step adds a nice smoky flavor and warms them up.
  9. Now it’s time to slice the rested steak thinly across the grain. This technique helps to keep the meat tender and easy to chew.
  10. To assemble your tacos, place slices of the grilled steak over the warm corn tortillas. Top generously with the elote mixture, sprinkle with Cotija cheese, and garnish with additional cilantro. Serve with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the tacos.

Notes

  • Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to avoid overcooking the steak.
  • Freezing: While it's best to enjoy these tacos fresh, you can freeze the grilled steak for up to a month. Just make sure to cool it completely before freezing.
  • Pairing: These tacos are perfect with a side of Mexican rice or a refreshing corn salad. They make for a complete meal!
  • Variations: Consider swapping the steak for grilled chicken or shrimp for a different flavor experience.
  • Serving suggestion: Serve the tacos with a side of pico de gallo or a spicy salsa for an added kick.