Description
These Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos are a brilliant fusion of crispy, savory smash burgers and zesty Mexican-style street corn. By pressing seasoned ground beef onto thin flour tortillas and searing them to perfection, you achieve a caramelized crust that pairs beautifully with crunchy, charred corn and a cool, tangy jalapeno sauce. Ideal for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that delivers high-impact flavor with simple techniques, offering a refreshing and sophisticated twist on classic comfort food.
Ingredients
1.5 lbs lean ground beef
6 small soft flour tortillas
1 cup corn kernels (fresh or canned, drained)
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup crumbled cotija cheese
1 fresh jalapeno, finely diced
1/2 tsp chili powder
1/4 tsp smoked paprika
1 tbsp lime juice
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 tbsp vegetable oil
Instructions
In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, lime juice, half of the diced jalapeno, and a pinch of salt to create the sauce.
In a separate medium bowl, combine corn, remaining jalapeno, chili powder, smoked paprika, and cilantro; mix well.
Divide ground beef into 6 equal balls and lightly season with salt and pepper.
Place a tortilla on a clean surface, add a meatball to the center, and press down firmly to flatten the meat into a thin patty covering most of the tortilla.
Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat with a little oil.
Place the tortilla meat-side down into the hot skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until the meat is crispy and charred.
Flip the taco and cook the tortilla side for 1-2 minutes until toasted.
Top the cooked tacos with the street corn mixture, a drizzle of the jalapeno sauce, and a sprinkle of cotija cheese before serving.
Notes
Ensure the pan is very hot before placing the beef-covered side down to achieve the signature smash burger crust. You can substitute feta cheese if cotija is unavailable. Store leftover street corn mixture in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Meals
- Method: Pan-searing
- Cuisine: Fusion