Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos

If you’re looking for a fun and delicious twist on dinner, you’ve come to the right place! These Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos are not only mouthwatering but also incredibly easy to whip up. Imagine juicy hamburger patties pressed into warm flour tortillas, grilled to perfection, and topped with zesty street corn and a creamy jalapeno ranch sauce. It’s a delightful blend of flavors that makes for an unforgettable meal!

This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you need something quick yet satisfying, or for family gatherings where everyone is sure to gather around the table for seconds. Trust me, once you try these smash burger tacos, they will become a regular go-to in your kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and fast cooking times, you’ll be enjoying this dish in no time.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Kids and adults alike will love the fun burger-taco combination!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare the street corn and creamy jalapeno ranch ahead of time to save even more effort on busy nights.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of juicy burgers with vibrant toppings creates a flavor profile that’s simply irresistible.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make these delightful Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos, you’ll need some simple and wholesome ingredients that pack a punch of flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

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
• (Optional: 1/4 cup buttermilk)

For the Street Corn:

• 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

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! You can easily customize it to suit your tastes or what you have on hand. Here are a few ideas:

• Swap the Protein: Try ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option.
• Go Vegetarian: Use black beans or lentils as a protein base for a hearty vegetarian version.
• Change Up the Cheese: If you’re not a fan of cojita cheese, feel free to use feta or even shredded cheddar.
• Add Extra Veggies: Toss in diced bell peppers or avocado for added freshness and crunch.

How to Make Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos

Step 1: Prepare the Creamy Jalapeno Ranch Sauce

Start by making your creamy jalapeno ranch sauce. In a mixing bowl, combine the cilantro leaves, pickled jalapenos, juice from pickled jalapenos, mayonnaise, sour cream, dry ranch seasoning, garlic powder, salt, lime juice, and buttermilk if you’re using it. Whisk everything together until smooth. This sauce adds a delicious kick to your tacos!

Step 2: Make the Street Corn

Next up is our vibrant street corn topping! In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté your corn until it’s tender and slightly charred—about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in mayonnaise, minced garlic, lime juice and zest, scallions, cojita cheese, minced cilantro, diced jalapeno, chili powder, Tajin, and salt. This mix brings such bold flavors that perfectly complement your burgers.

Step 3: Cook the Smash Burgers

Now comes the fun part! Preheat your skillet over high heat. While it’s heating up, form your ground hamburger into thin patties—about 6 ounces each. Season with salt and pepper on both sides. Once hot enough (you want it sizzling!), place one patty onto your skillet at a time. Smash down firmly using a spatula until they are nice and thin. Cook for about 3 minutes on each side until they get that beautiful crust!

Step 4: Assemble Your Tacos

With everything cooked and ready to go! Take one tortilla at a time; layer it with your smash burger patty first. Then generously top with that amazing street corn mixture followed by drizzling some creamy jalapeno ranch sauce on top. Wrap it all up tightly like a burrito or fold like traditional tacos.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!

Serve these delightful Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos immediately while they’re warm and fresh! They’re perfect for sharing with family or friends—everyone will want in on this tasty treat!

Pro Tips for Making Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos

Creating the perfect Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos is a delightful adventure, and these tips will help you nail it every time!

• Prep Ahead: Making the street corn and creamy jalapeno ranch sauce a day or two in advance not only enhances their flavors but also saves you time on the day of serving. This means less stress and more enjoyment during your meal prep.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh corn off the cob makes a world of difference in flavor and texture. If fresh corn isn’t available, opt for high-quality frozen corn as a reliable alternative.
• Don’t Rush the Smash: When pressing down on your burger patties, be patient! This helps create that coveted crust while keeping the meat juicy inside.
• Customize Your Heat: If you enjoy spice, feel free to add more diced jalapenos or increase the chili powder in your street corn mix. Adjusting heat levels allows everyone to find their perfect balance.
• Warm Your Tortillas: Slightly warming your tortillas before assembling helps them stay pliable and prevents tearing. A quick minute on a hot pan does wonders!

How to Serve Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos

Presenting your Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos can elevate the dining experience! Here are some ideas to make your meal visually appealing and delicious.

Garnishes

• Fresh cilantro: A sprinkle of chopped cilantro adds vibrant color and enhances the flavor profile.
• Lime wedges: Offering lime wedges on the side allows everyone to add a zesty kick just before digging in.
• Extra jalapenos: For those who love an extra kick, provide sliced pickled jalapenos as an optional topping!

Side Dishes

• Mexican Street Rice: This flavorful rice dish, made with tomatoes, bell peppers, and spices, complements the tacos perfectly while adding a heartier element to your meal.
• Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus tossed in olive oil and grilled can add a colorful crunch alongside your tacos.
• Black Bean Salad: A refreshing black bean salad with corn, red onion, cilantro, and lime dressing is nutritious and balances out the richness of the tacos wonderfully.
• Chips with Salsa or Guacamole: Serve crispy tortilla chips with fresh salsa or creamy guacamole for an easy-to-make appetizer that everyone loves.

With these tips and serving suggestions, your Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos will not only be delicious but also beautifully presented! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos are perfect for meal prep! By preparing certain components in advance, you can make this delicious dish even faster on a busy weeknight or for a gathering with friends.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover tacos in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Keep the street corn and creamy jalapeno ranch sauce separate to maintain freshness.
• Leftover components should be consumed within 4 days for the best taste.

Freezing

• You can freeze the cooked hamburger patties (without tortillas) for up to 3 months.
• Wrap each patty tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag.
• Avoid freezing the street corn and sauce, as their texture may change when thawed.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen patties overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• To reheat, warm patties in a skillet over medium heat until heated through (about 5 minutes).
• You can also microwave them for quick reheating; just cover with a damp paper towel to keep moisture.

FAQs

If you have questions about making these tacos, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries that might help you out.

Can I make Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos vegetarian?

Absolutely! Substitute the ground hamburger with plant-based ground meat or black beans for a delicious vegetarian option. Just ensure your toppings are also vegetarian-friendly.

How do I spice up my Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos?

You can add more diced jalapenos or sprinkle extra chili powder on top for an added kick. Fresh cilantro and lime juice can also enhance the flavor!

What can I serve with Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos?

Consider pairing these tacos with a fresh salad, tortilla chips with salsa, or a refreshing drink like iced tea or lemonade to complement your meal.

How long does it take to make Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos from scratch?

This recipe takes about 45 minutes total, including preparation and cooking time. If you prepare some ingredients ahead of time, it can be even quicker!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos as much as I do! They’re not only easy to prepare but also bring together wonderful flavors that everyone will love. Whether it’s for a casual dinner or a fun gathering, they’re sure to impress. Happy cooking, and don’t forget to share your taco creations—I’d love to hear how they turned out!