These Easy Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos bring together juicy burgers and tasty street corn in a fun taco form! It’s a tasty mix of flavors, with sweet corn and zesty spices.
Who knew tacos could be this exciting? I love piling on all my favorite toppings to make each bite special. Trust me, you won’t want to share these tasty treats!
Making these is a breeze! Just smash the burgers, warm the tortillas, and throw it all together. Perfect for a quick dinner or a weekend treat with friends!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: 80/20 blend is best for juicy burgers, but you can use leaner beef if you prefer. Turkey or chicken can be good substitutes if you’re looking for lighter options!
Corn: Fresh corn gives the best flavor when grilled, but frozen corn works well too. If corn is out of season, try canned corn, just be sure to drain it well.
Cotija Cheese: This adds a nice salty touch. If you can’t find it, feta or even shredded parmesan can work as tasty substitutions.
Tortillas: I love using flour tortillas for a soft bite, but corn tortillas are gluten-free and bring a nice flavor too!
How Can I Make Perfect Smash Burgers?
Making successful smash burgers is all about technique. You want them to be crispy on the outside while staying juicy inside. Here’s how to get it right:
- Start with cold ground beef; this makes it easier to handle.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan. Give each patty space to form a nice crust!
- Use a sturdy spatula to press down firmly. Just a few seconds of smashing will give great texture.
- Don’t flip too soon! Let them sear for a few minutes before you turn them, which locks in the juices.
Easy Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos
Ingredients:
For Smash Burgers:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 slices cheddar cheese
For Street Corn Salad:
- 2 ears fresh corn (or 1.5 cups frozen corn, thawed)
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup crumbled cotija cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tsp hot sauce (optional)
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
Additional:
- 8 small soft taco-sized flour or corn tortillas
- Pickle slices
- Shredded lettuce
Time Needed:
This recipe takes a total of about 30 minutes. You’ll spend around 10-15 minutes preparing the ingredients and cooking, plus a couple of minutes to gather everything for assembly. A quick and delicious meal for any day of the week!
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Street Corn Salad:
Start by grilling or charring the corn on high heat until it is slightly blackened, which should take about 5-7 minutes. If using frozen corn, sauté it in a hot skillet until it’s lightly charred. Once cooked, cut the kernels off the cob and transfer them to a bowl. Mix in mayonnaise, lime juice, chili powder, chopped cilantro, and cotija cheese. Add salt and pepper to taste, and set this delicious mixture aside.
2. Make the Sauce:
In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, ketchup, hot sauce (if you like a little heat), and smoked paprika. Mix everything together until it’s well combined. Set this sauce aside, too.
3. Cook the Smash Burgers:
Take your ground beef and divide it into 4 equal portions, roughly 4 oz each. Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat and add a little oil. Place the beef portions evenly spaced apart on the skillet. Use a spatula to firmly smash each portion into a thin patty. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes until the edges are crispy and brown, seasoning with salt and pepper. Flip the patties, add a slice of cheddar cheese on each, and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the cheese is melted and gooey.
4. Warm the Tortillas:
To warm the tortillas, heat them briefly on the skillet or in a dry pan. Just a short time until they are flexible will do!
5. Assemble the Tacos:
Now comes the fun part! Take each tortilla and spread a spoonful of your delicious sauce onto it. Place a cheese-smothered smash burger patty on top. Then, add a generous scoop of street corn salad, some shredded lettuce, and a few pickle slices for that perfect crunch.
6. Serve Immediately:
These tacos are best enjoyed fresh. Serve them up right away and enjoy your flavorful, juicy Easy Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos!
FAQ for Easy Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! If you’re looking for a lighter option, ground turkey or chicken can be great substitutes. Just ensure you season them well for flavor, as they can be less fatty than beef.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the burgers and street corn in a skillet over low heat. You can warm the tortillas separately to keep them fresh!
Can I Make the Street Corn Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the street corn salad in advance! It will taste even better after the flavors meld together. Just keep it refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 days before serving.
What Other Toppings Can I Use?
Feel free to customize your tacos! Some tasty alternatives include avocado slices, diced tomatoes, jalapeños for a kick, or different types of cheese like pepper jack or queso fresco. Get creative!
