Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos: A Perfect Beginner Recipe for Flavor and Fun!

Sometimes, the best meals are the ones that are a little out of the box. Imagine the crispy edges of a smash burger, combined with the smoky flavor of street corn and the creamy zing of a jalapeño ranch sauce—all wrapped up in a soft flour tortilla. That’s exactly what these Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos deliver: a flavor-packed twist on two favorite dishes in one.

Print

As someone who loves experimenting in the kitchen, I stumbled upon this recipe while craving both a smash burger and the irresistible taste of street corn. What better way to satisfy both than to combine them into a taco? Not only is this dish mouthwatering, but it’s also easy to prepare, making it perfect for beginner cooks who want to impress their friends or family without feeling overwhelmed in the kitchen.

This recipe is especially ideal for beginners because it’s made with simple ingredients, and the cooking process is straightforward yet offers plenty of opportunities to get creative. Plus, you can prepare the street corn and the creamy jalapeño sauce ahead of time, cutting down your prep time when it’s taco night. So, if you’re looking for a fun, delicious, and beginner-friendly recipe, these smash burger tacos are calling your name!

Ingredients and Preparation

The key to a successful Street Corn Smash Burger Taco lies in the balance of flavors. With juicy hamburger patties, tangy street corn, and creamy jalapeño ranch sauce, this recipe has it all. Let’s take a look at the ingredients and a few alternatives for flexibility:

For the Smash Burgers:

• 1.5 lbs ground hamburger (80/20) – The fattier blend gives the burgers a juicy texture. If you want a leaner option, you can substitute with ground chicken or turkey.
• 6 flour taco-sized tortillas – You can also use corn tortillas if you prefer a more traditional taco flavor.
• Salt and pepper to taste – Simple seasoning, but don’t skimp; the seasoning is key to bringing out the flavors in the meat.

For the Creamy Jalapeño Sauce:

• 3/4 cup cilantro leaves (large stems removed)
• 1/2 cup pickled jalapeños
• 2 tablespoons juice from pickled jalapeños
• 3/4 cup mayonnaise
• 3/4 cup sour cream
• 1 heaping tablespoon dry ranch seasoning – A store-bought packet works great here, but you can also make your own.
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon lime juice, fresh
• 1/4 cup buttermilk (optional) – Buttermilk adds a nice tang to the sauce, but you can skip it for a thicker consistency.

For the Street Corn:

• 5-6 ears of corn (husked and removed from the cob) – Fresh corn is ideal, but frozen or canned corn can work in a pinch.
• 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 jalapeño, diced
• 1/2-1 tsp chili powder
• 1/2-1 tsp Tajín
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil – For frying the corn.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Street Corn Topping:

• Step 1.1: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the corn to the skillet and cook, stirring frequently, until the corn starts to get a nice char, about 5-7 minutes.
• Step 1.2: Once the corn is charred, set it aside to cool.
• Step 1.3: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, lime juice, lime zest, garlic, chili powder, Tajín, salt, and pepper to make a flavorful sauce.
• Step 1.4: Add the cooled corn to the bowl, followed by the cilantro, green onions, diced jalapeño, and grated cojita cheese. Mix everything together until it’s evenly combined. Sprinkle with a little more cojita cheese, Tajín, and chili powder for an extra burst of flavor.

2. Make the Creamy Jalapeño Sauce:

• Step 2.1: In a food processor or blender, purée the cilantro leaves with the pickled jalapeños and their juice. Continue blending until the mixture is as minced as possible.
• Step 2.2: In a separate mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise and sour cream. Add the ranch seasoning, garlic powder, and salt, and mix well.
• Step 2.3: Pour the cilantro and jalapeño mixture into the mayo-sour cream mixture and stir until everything is fully combined. Add fresh lime juice to taste. If you want a thinner sauce, slowly add buttermilk, a little at a time, until you achieve your desired consistency.

3. Cook the Smash Burgers:

• Step 3.1: Divide the ground hamburger into six even portions (about 3.5 ounces each). Place each portion in the center of a flour tortilla and press the meat into a thin, even layer, allowing the edges to overlap slightly (it will shrink as it cooks).
• Step 3.2: Season the patties with salt and pepper on both sides.
• Step 3.3: Heat a griddle or large skillet over high heat. Place the tortilla with the burger side down on the hot surface. Press firmly on each tortilla using a spatula or burger press, cooking the burger undisturbed for about 2-3 minutes to form a crispy crust.
• Step 3.4: After 2-3 minutes, scrape underneath the burger and flip it over, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes to ensure it’s cooked through.

4. Assemble the Tacos:

• Step 4.1: Remove the smash burgers from the skillet and place them on a serving plate.
• Step 4.2: Scoop some of the street corn mixture onto each burger. Top with a generous amount of creamy jalapeño sauce and a sprinkle of cojita cheese or queso fresco if desired.
• Step 4.3: Serve immediately while they’re hot, and enjoy the perfect combination of crispy burger, tangy corn, and creamy sauce.

Beginner Tips and Notes

Troubleshooting Tips:

• If your burgers brown too quickly: This could be due to the heat being too high. Try lowering it slightly to allow the burgers to cook evenly without burning.
• If your veggies overcook: Keep a close eye on them, especially when cooking the corn. Stir frequently to avoid burning, and remember that a little char is great, but you don’t want the corn to become too soft.

Helpful Kitchen Tips:

• Prep ahead: Making the street corn and creamy jalapeño sauce a day or two in advance will save you time when you’re ready to assemble the tacos. Both will keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Use a burger press: If you have a burger press, it will help you create evenly shaped patties, which will cook more evenly and fit better inside the tortillas.

Serving Suggestions

While these Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos are a meal on their own, you can elevate the experience by pairing them with some fresh sides. Try serving them with:

• Mexican Rice: The perfect side to complement the tangy, creamy tacos.
• Crispy Chips and Salsa: For a crunchy, refreshing addition.
• Guacamole: A creamy avocado dip adds richness to balance the flavors of the tacos.

Storage Tips:

• Leftover street corn and creamy jalapeño sauce can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze the burgers if you want to make a double batch for later use. Just reheat them on a hot skillet when you’re ready to serve!

Conclusion

These Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos are a fun, flavorful twist on classic favorites, combining juicy burgers, smoky corn, and a creamy kick of jalapeño. As a beginner cook, you’ll enjoy the simplicity of the recipe while still impressing your guests with big flavors. Whether you’re cooking for family or hosting a taco night with friends, these tacos are sure to be a hit. Don’t forget to leave a comment and share your experience—you’ll want to try this one again and again!