Name: Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs ground hamburger (80/20); 6 flour taco-sized tortillas; Salt and pepper to taste; 5-6 ears of corn (husked and removed from the cob); 1/3 cup mayonnaise; 1 garlic clove, minced; 1 lime, juiced and zested; 1/3 cup sliced scallions; 1/3 cup grated cojita cheese; 1/4 cup cilantro, minced (large stems removed); 1 jalapeno, diced; 1/2-1 tsp chili powder; 1/2-1 tsp Tajin; 1/4 tsp salt; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 3/4 cup mayonnaise; 3/4 cup sour cream; 1/2 cup pickled Jalapenos; 2 tablespoons juice from pickled Jalapenos; 1 heaping tablespoon dry ranch seasoning (Hidden Valley or similar); 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 tablespoon lime juice, fresh; 1/4 cup buttermilk, optional; 3/4 cup cilantro leaves (large stems removed)

Jump to Recipe

If you want to shake up your taco night with something totally unforgettable, these Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos need to be on your radar. Imagine the juiciest, crusty-edge smash burger fused with street-style elote, dotted with creamy, tangy sauce, all wrapped up in a soft tortilla—it’s the best parts of taco bliss and burger heaven coming together in every messy, satisfying bite. It’s colorful, festive, and downright irresistible—trust me, the flavors and textures are so bold you’ll be tempted to put this recipe on repeat!

Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos is how the simple, easy-to-find ingredients layer up for major wow factor. Each piece—be it the juicy beef, the sweet charred corn, that zippy jalapeno sauce, or the final shower of cheese—plays a crucial role in creating a taco night like never before.

Ground hamburger (1.5 lbs 80/20 blend): This ratio keeps the burgers juicy and full-flavored, perfect for smashing onto tortillas.
Flour taco-sized tortillas (6): Soft, flexible tortillas that hold the fillings beautifully and crisp up just right on the griddle.
Salt and pepper: The simplest way to season your burger and let the beefy flavor shine.
Cilantro leaves (3/4 cup + 1/4 cup, large stems removed): Freshness and herbal pop in both the sauce and the corn topping.
Pickled jalapenos (1/2 cup) & juice (2 tablespoons): Adds tang, heat, and a little punch to the jalapeno cream sauce.
Mayonnaise (3/4 cup + 1/3 cup): The creamy base for both jalapeno sauce and street corn dressing.
Sour cream (3/4 cup): Adds tang and smoothness to the jalapeno sauce.
Dry ranch seasoning (1 heaping tbsp): Your shortcut to instant flavor in the dreamy jalapeno sauce.
Garlic powder (1/2 tsp) & fresh garlic (1 clove): Layered garlicky depth in sauce and corn topping.
Salt (1/2 tsp + 1/4 tsp): Season to taste; don’t skip this for perfect balance.
Lime juice (1 tbsp + juice from 1 lime) and zest: Makes everything in these tacos zingy and bright.
Buttermilk (1/4 cup, optional): Optional, to loosen the jalapeno sauce if needed for drizzling.
Corn (5-6 ears, husked and cut from cob): The star of the street corn topping, sweet and charred for smoky depth.
Sliced scallions (1/3 cup): Adds color and a gentle oniony crunch to the mix.
Cojita cheese (1/3 cup grated): Salty and crumbly, this Mexican cheese is essential for street corn vibes.
Jalapeno (1, diced): For that fresh, spicy lift in the street corn topping.
Chili powder (1/2-1 tsp): A sprinkle brings warmth and smoky chili notes.
Tajin (1/2-1 tsp): This chile-lime seasoning amplifies the street corn flavor with zest and a little heat.
Olive oil (2 tbsp): For crisping and charring the corn perfectly in the skillet.
Hot sauce: For drizzling at the end—totally optional, but highly recommended!
Queso fresco or extra cojita (for garnish): A final flourish of creamy, salty cheese over the top.

How to Make Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos

Step 1: Prepare the Street Corn Topping

First up: we’re building that irresistible street corn mixture. Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add your kernels in an even layer and watch as the magic happens—the corn will start to char and caramelize after about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring frequently for even color. Let this beautiful, golden corn cool so it doesn’t wilt the other ingredients in the next step.

Step 2: Mix the Street Corn Caesar

In a big bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, fresh lime juice with zest, minced garlic, Tajin, chili powder, and some salt. This is your punchy, creamy street corn sauce. Fold in your cooled corn, scallions, both minced and larger cilantro, diced jalapeno, and the grated cojita. Give it a gentle mix—you want everything coated and inviting. Don’t forget a little extra sprinkling of cojita and another touch of Tajin right before serving!

Step 3: Whip Up the Creamy Jalapeno Sauce

This sauce is what takes Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos totally over the top. Blend the cilantro leaves, pickled jalapenos, and their tangy juice in a food processor or blender until they’re as finely minced as possible. In a separate mixing bowl, whisk your mayo and sour cream with ranch seasoning, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. Scrape the cilantro-jalapeno blend into the creamy base, stir, and then add lime juice and—if you want a thinner sauce—just a splash or two of buttermilk. This stuff is dynamite for drizzling.

Step 4: Smash and Cook the Burgers

Portion your ground beef into about 3.5-ounce balls and press each onto the center of a flour tortilla, spreading to the edges so you have an even (but thin) layer. Season generously with salt and pepper. Heat a griddle or large skillet over high, and lay the burger-tortilla combos beef side down. Smash them flat with a spatula and let them sear, undisturbed, for 2 to 3 minutes. Flip using a sturdy spatula and let the tortilla sizzle for another minute or two so it’s golden and slightly crisp.

Step 5: Assemble the Tacos

Now comes the really fun part! Top each smash burger taco with a big spoonful of the cozy, flavorful street corn. Add a generous drizzle of your creamy jalapeno ranch, a shake of hot sauce if you’re feeling bold, and finish with more cojita or queso fresco. Serve these hot, fresh, and ready to wow!

How to Serve Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos

Garnishes

A shower of extra cojita cheese, a flurry of fresh cilantro, and an extra dusting of Tajin on top makes these Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos look irresistible and feel extra festive. If you like, add thinly sliced radishes, a few more pickled or fresh jalapeno rings, and a wedge of lime on each plate for a fresh, citrusy pop.

Side Dishes

Go classic with a side of smoky charro beans or a bright, simple avocado salad. Crispy fries or tortilla chips pair perfectly too—the crunch contrasts all that creamy, juicy richness. If you’re feeling ambitious, serve up a Mexican street corn salad on the side for double the elote joy!

Creative Ways to Present

Want to bring the street food experience home? Try serving each element—burger tortillas, street corn, and sauces—on a big platter, letting guests build their own tacos at the table. For parties, mini “slider” versions of the Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos are a hit: use smaller tortillas and cut the burgers in half for two-bite treats. Don’t be shy with colorful napkins and a DIY toppings bar for crowd-pleasing fun!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos keep surprisingly well if you store the components separately. Place cooked smash burgers and tortillas in one airtight container, the street corn topping in another, and the jalapeno sauce in a third. They’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days—just wait until serving to assemble so each bite stays lively.

Freezing

The cooked smash burgers (without tortillas) can be frozen for up to 2 months in a tightly wrapped, freezer-safe container. Both the street corn topping and creamy jalapeno sauce are best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze the corn mixture separately for about one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge, and give everything a good stir before using.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the burger-tortilla bases in a hot skillet or low oven until the tortilla’s edges crisp back up and the beef is hot. Give the corn topping and sauce a quick stir and let them come to room temperature before assembling your Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos. Avoid microwaving assembled tacos to keep them from turning mushy!

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! While ground beef gives traditional burger richness, ground turkey or chicken works wonderfully for a lighter version. Just remember to add a splash of oil to keep the burgers juicy, as leaner meats can dry out when smashed hot.

What can I substitute for cojita cheese?

If you can’t find cojita, use queso fresco, feta, or even grated Parmesan for a salty, crumbly finish. Each brings its own punch; just avoid super-melty cheeses that will change the street corn vibe.

Do I have to char the corn fresh, or can I use frozen or canned?

Fresh corn is best for authentic flavor and texture, but thawed frozen corn (drained well and patted dry) works, too. If using canned, drain and dry the corn first; then char in the hot skillet just like fresh.

How spicy is the jalapeno sauce?

The heat is totally customizable! For a mild version, use fewer pickled jalapenos or deseed your fresh ones. Add a little, taste, and blend in more to reach your perfect level of spice.

Can these be made gluten free?

Yes! Swap in your favorite gluten-free tortillas instead of flour, and double-check your seasonings like ranch and Tajin for hidden gluten. The rest of Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos are naturally gluten free.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to take that first bite of these Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos—they’re vibrant, textural, and downright fun to make and eat. Whether you’re planning a taco night, a backyard bash, or just craving something new, this recipe is sure to wow. Let your tastebuds go wild and enjoy every messy, delicious moment!

Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 6 reviews

Author: anna
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos are a delicious fusion of flavors, combining juicy smash burgers with creamy street corn topping and zesty jalapeno sauce, all wrapped in a warm tortilla. Perfect for a fun and flavorful meal!

Instructions

Street Corn Topping: Add olive oil to a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook corn until charred, about 5-7 minutes. In a bowl, mix mayo, lime juice, lime zest, garlic, tajin, chili powder, salt, pepper, corn, cilantro, green onions, jalapeno, and cojita cheese. Top with additional cheese, tajin, and chili powder.
Creamy Jalapeno Sauce: Purée cilantro and pickled jalapenos. Mix mayo, sour cream, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, salt. Add cilantro mixture, lime juice, and buttermilk if needed.
Cook the Smash Burgers: Press burger meat into tortillas, season, and cook in a skillet. Press firmly, flip, and cook.
Add Toppings: Top smash burgers with street corn, creamy jalapeno sauce, hot sauce, and cheese.

Notes

You can customize these tacos by adding your favorite toppings like avocado, salsa, or extra hot sauce.
Feel free to adjust the spice level by adding more or less jalapenos and chili powder to suit your taste.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Grilling, Stovetop
Cuisine: Mexican, American