Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos

If you’re looking for a fun and flavorful twist on dinner, you’ve come to the right place! These Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos are a delightful mashup that brings together juicy burgers and the vibrant flavors of street corn. It’s an easy and delicious way to shake up your weeknight meals or impress guests at family gatherings. Trust me, once you try these tacos, they’ll become a regular on your dinner rotation!

What makes this recipe extra special is how versatile it is. You can whip it up in no time, making it perfect for busy evenings or lazy weekends. Plus, the street corn and creamy jalapeno ranch sauce can be prepared ahead of time, so you can enjoy stress-free cooking when it’s time to serve.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to prepare: With just 30 minutes of prep and 15 minutes of cook time, dinner will be ready before you know it!
• Family-friendly: These tacos are a hit with both kids and adults, making them a great choice for family meals.
• Make-ahead convenience: Prep the street corn and sauce ahead of time—this recipe is all about saving you time!
• Bursting with flavor: The combination of juicy burgers, fresh corn, and zesty sauce will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our ingredients! This recipe calls for simple, wholesome items that are easy to find at your local grocery store. With fresh flavors and hearty components, you’ll love what goes into these Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos!

For the Smash Burgers

• 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
• 1/4 cup buttermilk (optional)

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 make it your own with these fun variations:

• Swap the protein: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option.
• Go vegetarian: Replace the meat with black beans or lentils for a hearty plant-based version.
• Change up the toppings: Add avocado slices or your favorite salsa for an extra kick.
• Spice it up: If you love heat, toss in some diced serrano peppers or increase the amount of jalapeños.

How to Make Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos

Step 1: Prepare the Street Corn

Start by prepping your street corn topping. In a large bowl, combine the corn kernels with mayonnaise, minced garlic, lime juice, lime zest, scallions, cojita cheese, minced cilantro, diced jalapeno, chili powder, Tajin, salt, and olive oil. This mix adds a burst of flavor that pairs perfectly with your smash burgers!

Step 2: Make the Creamy Jalapeno Ranch Sauce

In another bowl, mix together cilantro leaves (stems removed), pickled jalapenos with their juice, mayonnaise, sour cream, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, salt, lime juice, and buttermilk if using. This creamy sauce brings everything together with its zesty kick!

Step 3: Form and Cook Your Smash Burgers

Now it’s time for those juicy burgers! Take your ground hamburger and season it with salt and pepper. Divide it into six equal portions. On a hot grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat, press each portion flat in a tortilla until they’re thin. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they develop a beautiful crust.

Step 4: Assemble Your Tacos

Once your burgers are cooked through and golden brown on both sides, it’s assembly time! Place each burger in a warm tortilla and generously top with street corn mixture followed by drizzling on creamy jalapeno ranch sauce.

Enjoy every bite of these delicious Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos! They’re sure to become a family favorite!

Pro Tips for Making Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos

Making delicious Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos is a breeze with a few handy tips up your sleeve!

• Prep Ahead: Prepare the street corn and creamy jalapeno ranch sauce a day or two in advance. This not only enhances the flavors but also allows you to save time on cooking day.
• Use High Heat: When grilling, make sure your pan is hot enough before adding the tortillas. This gives you that perfect crispy crust while keeping the burgers juicy inside.
• Don’t Overcrowd: If you’re making multiple tacos, cook them in batches. Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of grilling, which affects that delectable crunch.
• Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to mix and match toppings based on your preferences! Fresh avocado slices, diced tomatoes, or even a sprinkle of lime zest can elevate your tacos even further.
• Experiment with Spices: Adjust the chili powder and Tajin levels to suit your spice tolerance. A little tweak can turn these tacos into your new favorite dish!

How to Serve Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos

Serving up these tasty tacos can be as fun as eating them! Here are some delightful ideas to present this mouthwatering dish.

Garnishes

• Fresh Cilantro: A sprinkle of fresh cilantro adds a burst of flavor and color that complements the richness of the burger.
• Lime Wedges: Serve with lime wedges on the side for an extra zesty kick that brightens every bite.
• Sliced Radishes: Thinly sliced radishes not only add crunch but also a refreshing contrast to the warm tacos.

Side Dishes

• Mexican Street Corn Salad: This refreshing salad made with corn, lime juice, and spices mirrors the flavors in your tacos while adding a crunchy twist.
• Black Bean Salsa: A hearty and protein-packed side that pairs perfectly with these tacos; simply mix black beans with diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice for an easy yet satisfying addition.
• Chips with Guacamole: Crispy tortilla chips served alongside creamy guacamole offer a classic pairing that everyone loves!
• Cilantro Lime Rice: Fluffy rice tossed with cilantro and lime juice serves as a great base or side dish, soaking up all those delicious taco juices.

With these tips and serving suggestions in hand, you’re all set to impress friends and family at dinner! Enjoy crafting these delightful Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos are a fantastic option for meal prep! You can prepare the street corn and creamy jalapeno ranch sauce in advance, making it easy to whip up this delicious dish whenever you’re craving it.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover tacos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Keep the street corn and jalapeno ranch sauce stored separately to maintain freshness.
• Reheat tacos on a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until warmed through.

Freezing

• For best results, freeze the cooked hamburger patties by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer bag.
• You can also freeze the street corn mixture in an airtight container, just be sure to leave some space for expansion.
• When ready to use, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

• To reheat frozen patties or street corn, place them in a skillet over low heat until warmed through.
• For tortillas, lightly toast them on a skillet or grill for added texture before assembling your tacos.

FAQs

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

Can I use other types of meat for Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos?

Absolutely! You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives for a different flavor profile.

How do I make Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos spicier?

To add more heat to your Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos, consider using fresh diced jalapenos instead of pickled ones or adding more chili powder to the street corn mix!

Can I make these Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos gluten-free?

Yes! Simply swap out the flour tortillas for gluten-free tortillas. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free as well.

How long do leftovers of Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos last?

Leftover tacos can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The street corn and ranch sauce should be kept separate for best freshness!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these delightful Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos as much as I do! They’re perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings with friends and family. With their unique flavors and fun presentation, they truly stand out. Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out!