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Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos Recipe

Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos Recipe

5.1 from 25 reviews

These Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos combine juicy, flavorful smashed hamburger patties cooked right inside flour tortillas with a zesty, creamy jalapeno sauce and a smoky, tangy street corn topping. Inspired by the classic Mexican street corn, the sweet and slightly charred corn salad pairs perfectly with the spiced meat and cool, tangy sauces, creating a vibrant and satisfying taco experience that’s perfect for a casual dinner or game day gathering.

Ingredients

Scale

Smash Burgers and Tortillas

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

Chuy’s Cream Jalapeno 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 fresh lime juice
  • 1/4 cup buttermilk (optional, for thinning)

Street Corn Topping

  • 56 ears of corn, husked and kernels 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 to 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 to 1 teaspoon Tajin seasoning
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

  1. Prepare Street Corn Topping: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add corn kernels and cook, stirring frequently, until the corn starts to char and brown, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly. In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lime juice, lime zest, minced garlic, Tajin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Add the charred corn, cilantro, scallions, diced jalapeno, and grated cojita cheese. Mix thoroughly to combine. Set aside and sprinkle additional cojita, Tajin, and chili powder on top if desired.
  2. Make Creamy Jalapeno Sauce: In a food processor or blender, purée cilantro leaves with pickled jalapenos and their juice until finely minced, scraping down sides as needed. In a separate bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, and salt. Add the cilantro-jalapeno purée to this mixture and stir until combined. Mix in fresh lime juice and, if needed, add buttermilk a splash at a time to reach your preferred sauce consistency. Refrigerate until serving.
  3. Cook the Smash Burgers: Divide the ground beef into 3.5-ounce portions. Place each portion onto a 6-inch flour tortilla and press thinly and evenly, slightly overlapping edges of the tortilla as the meat will shrink while cooking. Season with salt and pepper. Heat a griddle or large skillet over high heat. Place each tortilla with meat-side down on the griddle. Use a spatula or burger press to firmly press down each burger. Cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until meat is well seared. Carefully flip the tortilla and cook for another 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat.
  4. Assemble the Tacos: Place the cooked smash burger tacos on serving plates. Top each with a generous scoop of the street corn topping, add a dollop of creamy jalapeno sauce, and drizzle with your favorite hot sauce if desired. Sprinkle extra cojita or queso fresco cheese on top to finish. Serve immediately while warm.

Notes

  • Using 80/20 ground beef ensures the burgers are juicy and flavorful while cooking.
  • Char the corn well for maximum smoky flavor in the street corn topping.
  • The creamy jalapeno sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days.
  • Pressing the burgers onto the tortillas creates a crispy, flavorful crust and seals the tortilla edges for easy handling.
  • Adjust the amount of chili powder, Tajin, and jalapenos to control the spiciness according to your preference.
  • For a dairy-free version, substitute mayonnaise and sour cream with vegan alternatives and omit the cheese or use a vegan cheese.
  • Serve with lime wedges and fresh cilantro for added brightness.

Nutrition

Keywords: smash burger tacos, street corn topping, creamy jalapeno sauce, Mexican tacos, easy dinner, flavorful tacos