Mexican Street Corn Tacos Recipe – Quick Delicious Meals

When it comes to street food, few things can rival the delightful experience of Mexican street corn tacos. I often find myself longing for a delicious, vibrant dish that truly captures the essence of summer gatherings with friends. 

And as an aficionado of flavorful bites, I've discovered that these tacos pair perfectly with a crisp, refreshing drink like hibiscus tea. It’s light, slightly tangy, and perfectly complements the rich, savory notes of the tacos. The harmony of flavors is a thing of beauty.

What Are Mexican Street Corn Tacos?

Mexican street corn tacos, or "Elote Tacos," are a culinary fusion that takes the traditional flavors of elote (Mexican street corn) and wraps them in a warm, soft tortilla. 

The combination of sweet corn, zesty lime, creamy elements, and spicy seasoning creates a dish you'll crave again and again. It's the kind of food that feels like a celebration, encapsulating the spirit of street vendors bustling with energy and creativity.

The Ingredients

Before we dive into the cooking, let’s line up the ingredients that will make these tacos something special.

For the Mexican Crema (Optional)

• 1 cup sour cream
• 3 tablespoons taco sauce (spice it up according to your preference)
• 1 teaspoon lime zest (for a refreshing zing)

For the Street Corn

• 2 cups cooked corn (you can use fresh corn or frozen)
• 1 to 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/4 cup freshly chopped cilantro
• 1/2 jalapeño, finely chopped
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
• 1 tablespoon fresh crumbled queso fresco

For the Chicken

• 2 lbs chicken breasts (or tenderloins or thighs)
• 1/3 to 1/2 cup canola oil (or extra virgin olive oil)
• 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice (about 2 to 3 limes)
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For Garnish

• 6 to 12 soft corn tortillas
• 1 to 2 avocados, sliced
• 1/2 cup crumbled Cotija cheese
• Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish

How to Make Mexican Street Corn Tacos

Now that you have your ingredients ready, let's take a step into the kitchen and whip up some tacos that will knock your socks off.

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Start by marinating the chicken. In a large bowl, combine the chicken, canola oil, lime juice, chili powder, ground cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Make sure each piece is evenly coated. Cover and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes. This is where the magic begins—allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 2: Prepare the Street Corn

While the chicken is marinating, let's make that delicious street corn mixture. In a bowl, combine the cooked corn, mayonnaise, lime juice, chili powder, cilantro, jalapeño, green onions, and garlic salt. Mix gently until everything is well incorporated. Set it aside while you cook the chicken.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Heat a grill or a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken. Cook each side for about 5-7 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). The goal is juicy, tender chicken with a slight char. Once done, remove the chicken and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.

Step 4: Warm the Tortillas

You can’t forget the tortillas! Warm them in a dry skillet for about 30 seconds on each side or until pliable. If you're feeling fancy, keep them in a towel-lined basket to maintain warmth while you finish up.

Step 5: Assemble the Tacos

Now comes the fun part! Take a warm tortilla, layer a generous amount of the sliced chicken, then top it with the street corn mixture. Sprinkle on the Cotija cheese, and if you're feeling adventurous, add some sliced avocado. Finish with a handful of fresh cilantro for that herbal freshness.

Notes

Here are a few tips to elevate your taco experience:

• Use fresh corn when in season. It makes a noticeable difference in flavor.
• Grill the corn before mixing it into the street corn blend for a smoky flavor.
• Add lime wedges on the side. A squeeze of lime just before eating enhances everything.
• For a vegetarian option, simply skip the chicken and pile on more street corn.
• Experiment with different cheeses. Try feta or a spicy pepper jack for a twist.

Storage Tips

If you find yourself with leftovers (which is unlikely), here's how to store them:

• Store the chicken and street corn mixture separately to maintain texture. Both can last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
• Reheat chicken in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.
• For the tacos, warm tortillas on the stove to bring them back to life.

Nutrition Information

For those keeping track, here’s a quick nutritional breakdown per taco:

• Calories: Approximately 350
• Protein: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fat: 15g
• Fiber: 3g

Serving Suggestions

These tacos are wonderfully versatile. Here are a few ideas to serve them:

1. Side of Mexican Rice
A fluffy helping of seasoned Mexican rice makes for a stellar pairing. The combination is classic, balancing flavors and textures beautifully.

2. Black Bean Salad
This adds a refreshing element. The beans are protein-packed and flavor-rich, serving as a nutrition boost on your plate.

3. Pickled Red Onions
They provide a tangy crunch. Their bright color and flavor create a beautiful contrast against the creamy tacos.

4. Corn Salsa
Chop up some tomatoes, corn, red onion, cilantro, and lime juice for a fresh topping. It’s lively and vibrant, just like the tacos themselves.

5. Chips and Guacamole
You can’t go wrong with this classic pairing. The crunch of the chips and the creaminess of guacamole adds a snacking element to your meal.

What Other Substitutes Can I Use in Mexican Street Corn Tacos?

If you're feeling adventurous, you can swap out a few ingredients for something different. Here are five substitutes to consider:

• Shrimp instead of chicken.
  Marinated shrimp provide a delightful twist, bringing a sweet and slightly briny flavor that dances beautifully with the corn.
• Cauliflower for a vegetarian option.
  Roasted cauliflower brings a hearty texture, making it a great substitute. Toss it with the same spices for maximum flavor.
• Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
  This adds protein and a slightly tangy flavor, giving your tacos a bit of a health boost.
• Grilled zucchini can replace some or all of the corn.
  The squash brings a subtle sweetness that pairs well with lime and spices.
• Tortilla chips can be used as a crunchy base instead of soft tortillas.
  Crush them up and pile on the chicken and corn for a fun twist. You'll have a taco salad that’s equally satisfying.

Conclusion

Mexican street corn tacos are more than just food; they’re an experience. Each bite is a celebration of flavor, texture, and the joy of cooking. Whether you enjoy them at a bustling street market or whip them up at home, they remind us why we love good food. As someone who believes that cooking should be both fun and rewarding, I can't recommend these tacos enough. They’re easy to make, packed with flavor, and bring an air of festivity to any meal. So gather your ingredients, rally your friends, and enjoy the exquisite concoction of flavors that is Mexican street corn tacos!

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