Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos are a culinary joyride, blending the smoky sweetness of street corn with the juicy essence of a smash burger, all wrapped lovingly in a taco shell. Imagine biting into this beauty—the crunch of fresh toppings, the warmth of spices, and the savory finish that dances on your palate.
Whenever I whip up these tacos, I feel like I’m hosting a fiesta in my kitchen. It reminds me of summers spent at local fairs where street vendors served up grilled corn slathered in creamy goodness. This dish is perfect for taco night or when you want to impress guests without breaking a sweat. Get ready for an explosion of flavors that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos combine simplicity and bold flavors for a delightful meal
- You can customize toppings based on your mood or what’s in your fridge
- Their vibrant colors and textures make them eye-catching at any gathering
- Perfect for casual dinners but impressive enough for entertaining friends and family
Ingredients for Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Ground Beef: I recommend using 80/20 ground beef for the perfect balance of flavor and juiciness.
Fresh Corn: Use sweet corn on the cob for grilling; it adds that irresistible charred flavor.
Taco Shells: Choose soft or hard shells based on your preference; both will cradle these flavors beautifully.
Cotija Cheese: This crumbly cheese adds a salty kick; sprinkle generously for maximum flavor.
Spices: A mix of chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika enhances each bite with depth and warmth.
Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice brightens up the dish, balancing richness with zesty freshness.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro brings brightness and an herbal note that complements the other ingredients perfectly.
For the Sauce:
Sour Cream: Mix with lime zest and juice to create a tangy sauce that adds creaminess to each taco.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos
Getting started is half the fun! Let’s break down this process into easy-to-follow steps.
Prepare the Corn: Start by shucking the fresh corn and cutting it off the cob. Grill it over medium heat until you see those delightful char marks—it should smell heavenly while cooking.
Make the Beef Mixture: While your corn is grilling, combine ground beef with chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika in a bowl. Really get your hands in there—this is where flavor magic happens!
Cook the Beef: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Form patties from your beef mixture and smash them down onto the hot pan. Cook until they develop a beautiful crust—about three minutes should suffice.
Add Grilled Corn: Once your patties are flipped, sprinkle grilled corn over them just before they’re finished cooking, allowing it to warm through while absorbing all those savory juices.
Assemble Your Tacos: Grab your taco shells—whether soft or crunchy—and layer them with smashed burger patties topped with grilled corn. Don’t skimp; pile it high!
Dress It Up: Drizzle sour cream sauce over everything and sprinkle with cotija cheese and fresh cilantro for that extra zing—trust me, it’s worth it!
Serve & Enjoy: Present these beauties on a platter at your next gathering or family dinner. Watch as everyone dives in with excitement—you’ll be crowned Taco King or Queen!
Cleanup Tips: Don’t forget to let leftover beef mixture cool before storing it away—it makes great tacos later in the week too! Plus, cleaning up after such a delicious meal won’t feel like a chore.
And there you have it! Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos—an unforgettable combination that captures summer festivities while keeping dinner simple yet flavorful. Enjoy every bite as you reminisce about those sunny days at street fairs!
You Must Know
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by grilling the burger patties to get that perfect sear. While they’re cooking, prepare your corn mixture. Finally, warm your taco shells just before assembling to ensure everything is fresh and hot!
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap in different cheeses like feta or pepper jack for a kick. You can also substitute grilled veggies for a vegetarian option or add sriracha for extra heat. Customize these tacos to suit your taste buds!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, warm the taco shells in the oven and heat the filling in a skillet until warmed through.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfectly juicy burgers, avoid pressing down on them while cooking; this keeps all those tasty juices inside
- Use fresh corn for the best flavor and texture in your street corn mix
- If you’re short on time, pre-made taco shells work just fine!
Sometimes I recall when my friends devoured these Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos at a backyard barbecue. The laughter and compliments were endless, proving that food really does bring people together!
FAQs
What are Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos?
Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos combine the flavors of classic smash burgers with the vibrant taste of Mexican street corn. This dish features a juicy beef patty topped with creamy, zesty street corn salsa and wrapped in a soft tortilla. The combination creates a unique blend of textures and flavors that delight the palate. Enjoy these tacos as a fun twist on traditional burgers, perfect for summer cookouts or casual dinners with friends.
How do I make the street corn topping for these tacos?
To create the delicious street corn topping, start by grilling sweet corn until it’s slightly charred. Then, mix it with mayonnaise, lime juice, cotija cheese, cilantro, and chili powder. This mixture will add creaminess and a burst of flavor to your Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos. Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your preference for a personalized touch.
Can I make Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare some components of Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos ahead of time. Cook the beef patties in advance and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can also prepare the street corn topping ahead of time; just keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to serve. When you’re ready to enjoy these tacos, simply reheat the patties and assemble them with tortillas and toppings for a quick meal.
What sides pair well with Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos?
Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos pair wonderfully with side dishes like Mexican rice, black beans, or a fresh cucumber salad. For those who love extra crunch, tortilla chips served with guacamole or salsa make excellent companions. You can also serve grilled vegetables for added flavor and nutrition that complements this flavorful taco dish perfectly.
Conclusion for Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos
Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos offer an exciting fusion of two beloved foods: burgers and tacos. Using juicy beef patties topped with zesty street corn salsa creates an unforgettable flavor experience. Preparing key components in advance can simplify mealtime while still delivering delicious results. These tacos not only satisfy cravings but also bring fun to any gathering or weeknight dinner. Enjoy this unique recipe that celebrates bold flavors and culinary creativity!
Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4 (8 tacos) 1x
Description
Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos are a delicious fusion of juicy smash burgers and vibrant Mexican street corn. Each taco features perfectly grilled corn, seasoned beef patties, and zesty toppings, all nestled in your choice of soft or crunchy taco shells. Perfect for casual dinners or entertaining guests, these tacos deliver an explosion of flavors that will leave everyone wanting more.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
- 2 ears sweet corn, grilled
- 8 taco shells (soft or hard)
- 1 cup Cotija cheese, crumbled
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- ½ cup sour cream
- Zest and juice of 1 lime
Instructions
- 1. Grill the corn until charred and cut it off the cob.
- 2. In a bowl, mix ground beef with chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika.
- 3. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Form patties from the beef mixture and smash them down on the hot pan, cooking until browned (about 3 minutes).
- 4. Flip patties and sprinkle grilled corn on top to warm through.
- 5. Assemble tacos by layering smashed patties and grilled corn in taco shells.
- 6. Drizzle with sour cream sauce and top with Cotija cheese and cilantro.
- 7. Serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tacos (140g)
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
