South Central Grilled Steak Tacos with Charred Corn Salsa
Juicy grilled steak tacos topped with a smoky charred corn salsa, reflecting the vibrant flavors of the South Central region. This mexican-inspired tacos & burritos ready in about 40 minutes blends flank steak, olive oil, ground cumin into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 lb flank steak
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 1 small, diced red bell pepper
- 1/4 cup, finely chopped red onion
- 2 tbsp, chopped cilantro
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 8 small corn tortillas
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, combine 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Rub this marinade all over 1 lb flank steak and let rest at room temperature for 15 minutes.
- Step 2: Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill the seasoned flank steak for 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, then transfer to a cutting board and let rest for 10 minutes.
- Step 3: While steak rests, heat a dry skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 cup corn kernels. Cook, stirring often, until the corn is blackened and charred in spots, about 5-7 minutes.
- Step 4: Transfer charred corn to a bowl and add 1 small diced red bell pepper, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, 2 tbsp chopped cilantro, and 2 tbsp lime juice. Stir to combine and season with salt to taste.
- Step 5: Thinly slice the rested flank steak against the grain.
- Step 6: Warm 8 small corn tortillas on the grill or in a dry skillet for 30 seconds each side.
- Step 7: Assemble tacos by layering sliced steak and a generous spoonful of charred corn salsa on each tortilla. Serve immediately.
Frequently asked questions
How long does South Central Grilled Steak Tacos with Charred Corn Salsa take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (20 min prep + 20 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover South Central Grilled Steak Tacos with Charred Corn Salsa?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in South Central Grilled Steak Tacos with Charred Corn Salsa?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale South Central Grilled Steak Tacos with Charred Corn Salsa for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with South Central Grilled Steak Tacos with Charred Corn Salsa?
Mexican tacos & burritos like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
