Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos Recipe

If you are craving a bold, irresistible blend of smoky, spicy, and fresh flavors wrapped in a warm tortilla, the Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos are about to become your new go-to delight. This fusion recipe takes juicy smash-style burgers and tops them with a vibrant, tangy street corn salad and a creamy jalapeno sauce that delivers a perfect balance of zest and creaminess in every bite. Easy to assemble yet packed with layers of flavor, these tacos are a true crowd-pleaser that brings the lively spirit of street food right to your kitchen table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos lies in their simple but carefully chosen ingredients. Each component plays a critical role—from the perfectly seasoned ground beef packed into a crispy tortilla “bun” to the fresh cilantro and tangy lime that brighten the corn topping. Let’s dive into the essentials that build this sensational taco experience.

• Ground hamburger (80/20): The ideal fat ratio for juicy, flavorful smash burgers that get crisp on the outside.
• Flour taco-sized tortillas: Serve as the thin, crispy base for the smash patties, holding all the delicious toppings together.
• Cilantro leaves: Adds fresh herbaceous notes to both the creamy jalapeno sauce and the street corn salad.
• Pickled jalapenos and their juice: Bring just the right amount of tang and heat, enhancing complexity in the sauce.
• Mayonnaise and sour cream: Combined for a rich, smooth base that mellows the heat and ties the flavors beautifully.
• Dry ranch seasoning: Adds a subtle, savory depth with familiar herbal notes.
• Garlic powder and salt: Essential seasonings that boost everything else without overwhelming.
• Lime juice: Provides a bright citrus zing that balances the richness.
• Buttermilk (optional): Used to adjust the sauce consistency if needed, adding a slight tang.
• Fresh ears of corn: Charred to smoky perfection and folded into the lively street corn topping with cheese and spices.
• Grated cotija cheese: A salty, crumbly finish that brings authentic Mexican flavor and texture.
• Sliced scallions and diced jalapeno: Introduce fresh, crisp, and slightly spicy bursts throughout the corn salad.
• Chili powder and Tajin: Add warmth, mild heat, and a touch of smoky acidity to the corn, making every bite exciting.
• Olive oil: For cooking the corn to a sweet, caramelized char without drying it out.

How to Make Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos

Step 1: Prepare the Street Corn Topping

Begin by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the fresh corn kernels and cook, stirring often, until they develop a beautiful golden char, about 5 to 7 minutes. This slight charring adds a smoky depth that’s essential for authentic street corn flavor. Let the corn cool slightly before mixing it with the other ingredients.

Step 2: Mix the Street Corn Salad

In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, fresh lime juice, lime zest, minced garlic, Tajin, chili powder, salt, and pepper to create a creamy, tangy sauce base. Stir in the cooled charred corn, minced cilantro, sliced scallions, diced jalapeno, and cotija cheese until everything is combined. This topping bursts with layers of texture and freshness that perfectly complement the juicy smash burgers.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Jalapeno Sauce

Using a food processor or blender, purée the fresh cilantro leaves with pickled jalapenos and their juice until finely minced. Transfer this vibrant green paste into a bowl with mayonnaise, sour cream, dry ranch seasoning, garlic powder, and salt. Mix to combine thoroughly, then stir in fresh lime juice. If the sauce feels too thick, thin it out gradually with buttermilk until it reaches a smooth, drizzling consistency. This sauce offers a cool, zesty contrast to the smoky corn and savory meat.

Step 4: Cook the Smash Burgers

Divide the ground beef into 3.5-ounce portions and press each portion thinly and evenly into 6-inch flour tortillas. Season the meat with salt and pepper. Using a griddle or a large skillet over high heat, place the tortillas burger-side down and firmly press them with a spatula or burger press. Allow them to cook undisturbed for 2 to 3 minutes to develop a crisp crust. Flip carefully, cooking for another 1 to 2 minutes until browned and cooked through. The result is a crispy, flavorful burger that doubles as the taco shell.

Step 5: Assemble Your Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos

Remove the cooked smash burger tortillas onto a plate. Top each with a generous scoop of the smoky street corn mixture, followed by a drizzle of the creamy jalapeno sauce. Finish with an optional sprinkle of extra cotija or queso fresco cheese for tangy, salty bursts. These tacos are best enjoyed immediately when the textures and temperatures are at their peak.

How to Serve Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos

Garnishes

Add bright, fresh garnishes like extra fresh cilantro leaves, a wedge of lime for squeezing, and a few pickled jalapeno slices for those who like an extra kick of heat. These simple additions enhance both the presentation and flavor profile, making each taco irresistibly vibrant and inviting.

Side Dishes

Serve your Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos alongside crunchy tortilla chips with salsa or guacamole, a fresh cabbage slaw, or even crispy fries for a satisfying, well-rounded meal. The coolness and crunch of slaw or the creamy richness of guac beautifully balance the smoky, savory boldness of the tacos themselves.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun party platter, arrange the tacos open-faced on a wooden board, spoon the toppings liberally, and offer bowls of additional sauce and street corn salad for guests to customize. Or wrap each taco individually in parchment paper for handheld street food vibes. These ideas turn the Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos into a festive, shareable feast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos fresh, store any leftover burger patties, sauces, and toppings separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Assemble the tacos just before serving to preserve the crispy texture of the burger “shells” and prevent sogginess.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked burger patties by placing them flat in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transferring to freezer bags for up to 3 months. Avoid freezing the tortillas once cooked to maintain crispness. The sauces and street corn topping are best fresh and don’t freeze well as their texture changes significantly.

Reheating

Gently reheat burger patties in a skillet over medium heat to regain their crispy exterior. Reheat corn topping briefly in the microwave or on the stovetop until just warm, and stir sauces well before serving. Then reassemble your tacos fresh to enjoy flavors bursting as intended.

FAQs

Can I use beef with a different fat content for these tacos?

For the best juicy and flavorful smash burgers, an 80/20 (fat to lean) beef blend is highly recommended because it crisps up nicely while staying tender. Using leaner beef may result in drier burgers and less flavorful tacos.

Are flour tortillas necessary?

Flour tortillas work perfectly for these tacos because they hold up well when pressed with the burger meat and get nicely crisped. However, if you prefer corn tortillas, make sure to handle them gently to avoid tearing, as they tend to be less flexible.

Can I make the creamy jalapeno sauce milder?

Absolutely! Simply reduce the amount of pickled jalapenos or remove the seeds to tone down the heat. The sauce will still be creamy and flavorful with a gentler kick.

What can I substitute for cotija cheese?

If cotija is unavailable, queso fresco or even a mild feta cheese can be great alternatives to add that nice salty tang and crumbly texture to the street corn topping.

Is it okay to prepare any parts of this recipe ahead of time for a party?

Yes, you can prepare the street corn salad and the creamy jalapeno sauce a few hours in advance and refrigerate them. Just cook and press the burgers fresh before serving to ensure the best texture and experience.

Final Thoughts

Once you make these Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos, you’ll find it hard to turn back to ordinary tacos. The combination of textures and bold, fresh flavors creates a truly memorable meal that’s both fun to make and eat. Gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and prepare for a taco night that will impress everyone at your table!

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