Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos

If you’re looking for a fun and delicious way to elevate your weeknight dinners, let me introduce you to my beloved Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos! This recipe is a delightful mashup that combines the best of both worlds: juicy smash burgers nestled in warm flour tortillas, topped with vibrant street corn and a creamy jalapeno ranch sauce. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience that brings everyone together around the table.

These tacos are perfect for busy evenings or family gatherings when you want something quick yet satisfying. Plus, they carry the irresistible flavors of summer right into your kitchen. Trust me, once you give these a try, they’ll become a staple in your dinner rotation!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy: With just 30 minutes of prep time, you can whip up these tacos in no time!
• Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the combination of flavors and textures.
• Make-ahead convenience: Prepare the street corn and creamy jalapeno sauce a day or two ahead to save time.
• Flavor explosion: The combination of juicy burgers and zesty toppings will leave your taste buds dancing.
• Versatile: Customize these tacos to suit your family’s preferences with simple variations.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our ingredients! You’ll find that these are simple, wholesome items that pack plenty of flavor. Here’s what you need for your Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos:

For the Smash Burger Tacos

• 1.5 lbs ground hamburger (80/20)
• 6 flour taco-sized tortillas
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Creamy Jalapeno Ranch Sauce

• 3/4 cup cilantro leaves (large stems removed)
• 1/2 cup pickled Jalapenos
• 2 tablespoons juice from pickled Jalapenos
• 3/4 cup mayonnaise
• 3/4 cup sour cream
• 1 heaping tablespoon dry ranch seasoning (Hidden Valley or similar)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon lime juice, fresh
• (Optional: 1/4 cup buttermilk)

For the Street Corn Topping

• 5-6 ears of corn (husked and removed from the cob)
• 1/3 cup mayonnaise
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 lime, juiced and zested
• 1/3 cup sliced scallions
• 1/3 cup grated cojita cheese
• 1/4 cup cilantro, minced (large stems removed)
• 1 jalapeno, diced
• 1/2-1 tsp chili powder
• 1/2-1 tsp Tajin
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to customize it according to your tastes or what you have on hand. Here are some fun ideas:

• Swap the protein: Try using ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
• Go vegetarian: Replace the meat with black beans or grilled vegetables for a hearty veggie taco.
• Add extra crunch: Toss in some shredded lettuce or crispy tortilla strips for added texture.
• Experiment with spices: Adjust the heat by adding more jalapenos or experimenting with different spices in the ranch sauce.

How to Make Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

Start by making the creamy jalapeno ranch sauce. In a bowl, mix together mayo, sour cream, cilantro leaves, pickled jalapenos, their juice, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and lime juice. This sauce is key because it adds tanginess that perfectly balances the richness of the burgers.

Step 2: Make the Street Corn

Next up is the street corn! Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add in your corn kernels along with garlic and sauté until they’re tender and slightly charred. Once done cooking, remove from heat and stir in mayo, lime juice and zest, scallions, cojita cheese, minced cilantro, diced jalapeno, chili powder, Tajin, and salt. Set this flavorful topping aside while you cook your burgers.

Step 3: Cook the Smash Burgers

Now comes the fun part! Preheat a large skillet over high heat. Form your ground hamburger into loose balls (about 6 patties). Place each ball onto the hot skillet and immediately smash down with a spatula until they’re thin. Season lightly with salt and pepper as they cook for about 3-4 minutes on one side before flipping them to cook for another 2-3 minutes until juicy yet crusted.

Step 4: Assemble Your Tacos

Warm your flour tortillas in another skillet or microwave until they’re soft. Now it’s time to build your tacos! Place one smash burger on each tortilla then generously spoon on that delicious street corn mixture followed by drizzling some creamy jalapeno ranch sauce on top.

Step 5: Enjoy!

Dig in while everything is warm! These Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos are best enjoyed fresh but don’t worry if you have leftovers; they’re just as tasty reheated!

I truly hope you love making these tacos as much as I do! They’re sure to become a cherished dish at your table too.

Pro Tips for Making Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos

These tips will help you nail the perfect Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos and impress your family or guests!

• Prep Ahead: Preparing the street corn and creamy jalapeno ranch sauce a day or two ahead not only saves time but also allows the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing the overall taste of your tacos.
• Use High-Quality Meat: Choosing a good quality ground hamburger (80/20) ensures that your patties are juicy and flavorful. The fat content helps to keep the burgers moist while cooking.
• Don’t Skip the Smash: Pressing down on the patties when they hit the pan helps create that delicious crust. This technique locks in juices and adds a satisfying texture to each bite.
• Get Creative with Toppings: While this recipe features street corn and jalapeno ranch, feel free to add other toppings like avocado slices or fresh lime wedges for an extra burst of flavor!
• Cook on High Heat: Cooking on high heat gives you that beautiful sear on the outside while keeping the inside juicy. Just make sure to monitor them closely to avoid burning!

How to Serve Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos

Serving these tacos is all about presentation and creating a vibrant meal experience. You can pile them high with toppings or arrange them neatly on a platter for a casual gathering.

Garnishes

• Fresh Cilantro: A sprinkle of fresh cilantro adds brightness and enhances the flavor profile of your tacos.
• Lime Wedges: Offering lime wedges encourages everyone to squeeze some fresh juice over their tacos, adding a zesty kick.
• Sliced Avocado: Creamy avocado slices serve as a rich contrast to the spice of the jalapenos, balancing out the flavors perfectly.

Side Dishes

• Mexican Street Corn Salad: This refreshing salad combines corn, lime, cilantro, and spices, making it a perfect complement to your tacos.
• Chips with Salsa Verde: Crispy tortilla chips paired with zesty salsa verde provide a crunchy contrast and are always a crowd-pleaser.
• Black Bean Salad: A simple black bean salad with bell peppers, red onion, and lime dressing not only adds color but also boosts fiber content.
• Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal grilled veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus bring a smoky flavor that pairs wonderfully with the savory tacos.

With these tips and serving suggestions, your Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos will be an unforgettable hit at any mealtime! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This recipe is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy delicious Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos throughout the week. By preparing certain elements in advance, you can save time and make your weeknight dinners a breeze!

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover tacos in an airtight container in the fridge.
• Keep the street corn and creamy jalapeno ranch sauce separate to maintain freshness.
• Consume leftovers within 3-4 days for the best flavor.

Freezing

• To freeze, individually wrap each taco in plastic wrap or foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• The street corn and sauce can also be frozen; store them in airtight containers.
• Use within 2-3 months for optimal quality.

Reheating

• For the best results, reheat tacos on a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.
• The street corn can be reheated in the microwave or sautéed on the stovetop.
• If using frozen ingredients, allow them to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos.

Can I use different types of tortillas for Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos?

Absolutely! While flour tortillas give a soft, chewy texture, you can also use corn tortillas for a gluten-free option. Just be aware that they may require more careful handling as they can break more easily.

How can I customize the toppings for my Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos?

You can personalize these tacos by adding your favorite toppings such as diced tomatoes, avocado, or even a sprinkle of hot sauce. Get creative with what you love!

Is there a way to make this recipe healthier?

Yes! You can use leaner ground beef or substitute with ground turkey. Additionally, consider using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter alternative.

Final Thoughts

These Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos are not just a meal; they’re an experience! With their delightful combination of flavors and textures, they’re sure to become a family favorite. I hope you enjoy making them as much as I do! Don’t hesitate to share your own twists on this recipe—happy cooking!