Name: Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Fusion
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20 blend); 6 flour tortillas (6-inch size); Salt and pepper to taste; 5-6 ears of corn, husked and kernels removed; 1/3 cup mayonnaise; 1 garlic clove, minced; Juice and zest of 1 lime; 1/3 cup sliced scallions; 1/3 cup grated cotija cheese; 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro; 1 jalapeño, diced; 1/2 to 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1/2 to 1 teaspoon Tajín seasoning; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 3/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves (large stems removed); 1/2 cup pickled jalapeños; 2 tablespoons pickled jalapeño juice; 3/4 cup mayonnaise; 3/4 cup sour cream; 1 heaping tablespoon dry ranch seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice; 1/4 cup buttermilk (optional)

Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos are a mouthwatering fusion of two beloved dishes: juicy smash burgers and flavorful Mexican street corn, all wrapped in a warm tortilla. This innovative combination delivers a delightful mix of textures and tastes, making it a standout choice for any meal.

Why I Love This Recipe

I find this recipe irresistible because it brings together the best elements of burgers and tacos. The crispy, caramelized beef paired with the creamy, tangy street corn topping creates a harmonious blend of flavors. It's also a quick and fun dish to prepare, perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

(Here's a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20 blend)
6 flour tortillas (6-inch size)
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Street Corn Topping:

5-6 ears of corn, husked and kernels removed
⅓ cup mayonnaise
1 garlic clove, minced
Juice and zest of 1 lime
⅓ cup sliced scallions
⅓ cup grated cotija cheese
¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
1 jalapeño, diced
½ to 1 teaspoon chili powder
½ to 1 teaspoon Tajín seasoning
¼ teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Creamy Jalapeño Sauce:

¾ cup fresh cilantro leaves (large stems removed)
½ cup pickled jalapeños
2 tablespoons pickled jalapeño juice
¾ cup mayonnaise
¾ cup sour cream
1 heaping tablespoon dry ranch seasoning
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
¼ cup buttermilk (optional)

Directions

Prepare the Street Corn Topping:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add corn kernels and cook, stirring frequently, until they start to char and develop color, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.
- In a large bowl, combine mayonnaise, lime juice and zest, minced garlic, Tajín, chili powder, and salt. Mix well.
- Add the cooled corn, scallions, cotija cheese, chopped cilantro, and diced jalapeño to the bowl. Stir until everything is well combined. Set aside.
Make the Creamy Jalapeño Sauce:
- In a food processor or blender, purée the cilantro leaves with pickled jalapeños and their juice until finely minced.
- In a mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise and sour cream. Add the ranch seasoning, garlic powder, and salt. Mix well.
- Stir in the cilantro-jalapeño mixture and fresh lime juice. If a thinner consistency is desired, add buttermilk a little at a time until the desired texture is achieved. Set aside.
Cook the Smash Burgers:
- Divide the ground beef into six equal portions (about 3.5 ounces each).
- Place each portion onto a flour tortilla, pressing the meat into a thin, even layer that slightly overlaps the edges of the tortilla. Season with salt and pepper.
- Heat a griddle or large skillet over high heat. Place the tortillas meat-side down onto the hot surface. Use a spatula or burger press to firmly press each tortilla, cooking undisturbed for 2-3 minutes.
- Flip the tortillas and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the meat is cooked through and the tortilla is golden brown.
Assemble the Tacos:
- Remove the smash burgers from the skillet. Top each with a generous scoop of the street corn mixture and a drizzle of the creamy jalapeño sauce. Add hot sauce and extra cotija cheese if desired. Serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields 6 tacos. The preparation time is approximately 30 minutes, with a cooking time of 15 minutes, totaling around 45 minutes from start to finish.

Variations

Big Mac Style: Replace the street corn and jalapeño sauce with shredded lettuce, pickles, American cheese, and a special sauce made from mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, and relish.
Tex-Mex Twist: Top with pico de gallo, guacamole, sour cream, and shredded lettuce for a southwestern flair.
Pizza-Inspired: After flipping the burger, add a spoonful of marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, and pepperoni slices. Cover to melt the cheese before serving.

Storage and Reheating

If I have leftovers, I store the components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I place the meat-tortilla base in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through and the tortilla is crisp. I then add the street corn topping and sauce just before serving to maintain their fresh flavors and textures.

FAQs

Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?

Yes, I can use corn tortillas, but I find that flour tortillas hold up better during the smashing and cooking process due to their flexibility and strength.

What type of ground beef works best?

I prefer using an 80/20 ground beef blend. The higher fat content ensures a juicy and flavorful burger that crisps up nicely when cooked.

Can I prepare the toppings in advance?

Absolutely. I often make the street corn topping and creamy jalapeño sauce a day ahead. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, which helps save time when preparing the tacos.

Is there a vegetarian alternative?

Yes, I can substitute the ground beef with plant-based ground meat alternatives. The cooking process remains the same, and I still achieve a delicious and satisfying taco.

How can I make the dish spicier?

To increase the heat, I add extra diced jalapeños to the street corn topping or include a spicier hot sauce when assembling the tacos.

Conclusion

Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos are a delightful and inventive dish that combines the savory goodness of a burger with the vibrant flavors of Mexican street corn. I enjoy making them for their unique taste and the fun twist they bring to traditional taco nights. Whether I'm cooking for family, friends, or just myself, these tacos are always a hit and a joy to prepare.