Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos Recipe

Get ready for a flavor explosion with Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos! This crave-worthy mashup combines the smoky, creamy bite of Mexican street corn with juicy smash burgers, all wrapped up in warm tortillas. Every layer is packed with zesty, tangy, and spicy goodness, creating a taco that’s anything but ordinary. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or spicing up your next cookout, these Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos are guaranteed to impress.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos is how a handful of bold ingredients can pack such a punch. Each element not only brings its own deliciousness but also balances the others—think creamy, tangy, smoky, cheesy, and fresh all at once.

• Ground Hamburger (1.5 lbs, 80/20): Delivers juicy, flavorful smash burger taste with the perfect amount of fat for crisp edges.
• Flour Taco-Sized Tortillas (6): A soft, pillowy base that holds everything together—don’t be tempted by anything too thick!
• Salt & Pepper (to taste): Simple but vital for seasoning the beef just right.
• Cilantro Leaves (3/4 cup, large stems removed): Provides that fresh, herby pop—save some for garnish!
• Pickled Jalapenos (1/2 cup) + Juice (2 tbsp): Adds a vinegary, spicy kick to the creamy jalapeño sauce.
• Mayonnaise (3/4 cup + 1/3 cup): Creates the creamy bases for both the street corn topping and the jalapeño sauce.
• Sour Cream (3/4 cup): Adds tang and richness to the jalapeño sauce.
• Dry Ranch Seasoning (1 heaping tbsp): A quick way to build deep, savory flavor into the sauce.
• Garlic Powder (1/2 tsp) & Garlic Clove (1, minced): The powder amps up the sauce, while fresh garlic infuses the street corn topping.
• Lime Juice (1 tbsp, fresh) + 1 Lime (juiced & zested): Brightens everything with citrusy zing.
• Buttermilk (up to 1/4 cup, optional): Lightens and thins the creamy sauce if you prefer a drizzle consistency.
• Corn (5-6 ears, husked & cut from the cob): Sweet, fresh kernels are the star of the street corn topping.
• Scallions (1/3 cup, sliced): A mild oniony crunch that keeps the corn topping lively.
• Cojita Cheese (1/3 cup, grated): Savory, crumbly, and the classic touch for authentic street corn vibes.
• Additional Cilantro (1/4 cup, minced): Blends in more herby freshness to the corn topping.
• Fresh Jalapeño (1, diced): Adjust the heat to your liking with this kick of green.
• Chili Powder (1/2-1 tsp): Gives warmth and rich color—add more if you love spice!
• Tajin (1/2-1 tsp): This citrus-chili salt makes the topping pop with zesty flavor.
• Olive Oil (2 tbsp): Helps char those corn kernels to perfection.

How to Make Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos

Step 1: Char the Corn for Street Corn Topping

Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then toss in the fresh corn kernels. Stir frequently so the corn gets beautifully blistered and lightly charred without burning. The aroma as those kernels caramelize will make your kitchen smell absolutely amazing! After about 5-7 minutes, let the corn cool a bit while you prep the other parts of your Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos.

Step 2: Mix Up the Creamy Street Corn Topping

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lime juice and zest, minced garlic, chili powder, Tajin, and salt. This zesty, creamy sauce sets the Mexican street corn flavor base. Add in your freshly charred corn, sliced scallions, jalapeños, cilantro, and crumbled cojita cheese. Mix thoroughly until everything’s well combined and coated in flavor. Finish with an extra sprinkle of cheese, Tajin, and chili powder for that signature street corn finish!

Step 3: Whirl Together the Creamy Jalapeño Sauce

In a food processor or blender, combine cilantro leaves, pickled jalapeños, and a splash of pickled jalapeño juice. Blitz until finely minced. In a separate bowl, stir mayonnaise, sour cream, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, and salt until fully blended. Add the cilantro-jalapeño mixture, then squeeze in some fresh lime juice. If the sauce feels too thick, gradually add a bit of buttermilk, mixing until you reach the perfect drizzling consistency for your Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos.

Step 4: Smash and Cook the Burgers

Divide your ground beef into six equal 3.5-ounce portions. Lay each portion flat on a flour tortilla, pressing the meat all the way to the edges (it’ll shrink as it cooks). Sprinkle with salt and pepper for that perfect savory crust. On a very hot griddle or skillet, cook each tortilla, burger-side down first. Use a spatula (or burger press) to smash the burger into the tortilla, letting it sear undisturbed for 2–3 minutes until caramelized and crispy. Flip and cook tortilla-side down for another minute or two until the beef is just cooked through and the tortilla is golden.

Step 5: Top and Assemble!

Lay your hot-from-the-pan smash burger tortillas on a serving board. Pile each one with a generous scoop of your creamy street corn, a drizzle (or dollop) of jalapeño sauce, another sprinkle of cheese, and an extra hit of hot sauce if you love the heat. Each bite is smoky, juicy, spicy, and ultra-creamy—this is the magic of Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos!

How to Serve Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos

Garnishes

Don’t hold back with the garnishes! A final flourish of cilantro leaves, extra cojita cheese, sliced scallions, and a squeeze of fresh lime will make every taco look irresistible and add layers of bright, fresh flavor. For an extra kick, dust the tops with chili powder or Tajin before serving.

Side Dishes

Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos pair wonderfully with sides that keep things summery and fun. Try classic tortilla chips and chunky guacamole, a simple black bean salad, or a tangy cucumber slaw. Even grilled veggies or seasoned rice will let these tacos take center stage without overpowering their star flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Get playful with platters by serving the tacos open-faced, letting everyone top their own, or even make a mini taco bar at your next gathering. For a party spin, slice each taco into quarters and serve as hand-held sliders—Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos are sure to be the talk of the night, whatever form they take!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos keep well! If you expect extras, store the components separately—the cooked tortilla burgers in one container, the street corn topping, and the sauces each in their own. This keeps everything fresh and lets you assemble just before eating for the best quality.

Freezing

While the creamy jalapeño sauce and street corn topping are best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the cooked burger-tortilla bases for future taco nights. Stack cooled pieces with waxed paper between each and seal in a freezer-safe bag. Reheat straight from frozen as needed and build your fresh toppings right on top.

Reheating

To bring back that just-cooked magic, reheat the burger-tortilla bases on a dry skillet over medium heat until warmed through and crisp around the edges. The street corn and jalapeño sauce are best added cold—right before serving—so every bite tastes just as vibrant as the first time around.

FAQs

Can I use frozen or canned corn instead of fresh?

Absolutely! While fresh corn gives the best char and natural sweetness, high-quality frozen corn will work nicely—just make sure to thaw and pat it dry before charring. Canned corn is also an option in a pinch, though drain and dry it for the best results.

What’s the best way to smash the burgers onto the tortillas?

A sturdy, flat spatula or an actual burger press works wonders here. Press the beef firmly so it bonds with the tortilla and chars against the hot skillet. That crispy edge is part of what makes Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos so mouthwatering.

How spicy are these tacos?

You control the heat! The pickled jalapeños and chili powders add zing, but you can skip or reduce them for a milder version—or go all-in with extra! The creamy sauces help mellow out any spice if you prefer things on the tamer side.

What if I can’t find cojita cheese?

No worries—queso fresco or even feta make great substitutes. The key is that crumbly, salty bite to balance the creamy and spicy flavors whooshing through each Street Corn Smash Burger Taco.

Can I make these tacos ahead for a party?

Absolutely! Prep all your toppings, sauces, and burger-tortilla bases ahead of time, and then assemble just before serving. You can even set up a DIY taco station and let guests build their own Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos for extra fun.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to wow your friends and family with something new, give these Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos a try! They’re packed with unexpected flavor, easy to make, and endlessly customizable. Dive in, have fun, and savor every incredibly delicious bite!

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