Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos

The aroma of sizzling burgers with a hint of lime blends with the smoky sweetness of charred corn, creating a scene that’s hard to resist. These Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos combine juicy, flavorful burgers with the vibrant tastes of street corn, taking only about 30 minutes to prepare. The best part? The fusion of flavors and textures in each bite makes for an unforgettable meal.

This recipe is perfect for gatherings, summer cookouts, or a fun weeknight dinner. You can make the creamy jalapeno sauce and street corn topping ahead of time for a quicker assembly when serving.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• The smash burgers are impeccably juicy and have a perfect crispy edge.
• The vibrant street corn topping adds a sweet, smoky crunch.
• The creamy jalapeno sauce perfectly balances the spices and flavors.
• It’s a fun twist on tacos that everyone will love.

What You’ll Need

Gather all the ingredients for a delicious meal.

For the Burger

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

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

For the Creamy Jalapeno Sauce

• 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
• 1/2 cup pickled jalapenos
• 2 tablespoons juice from pickled jalapenos
• 3/4 cup cilantro leaves (large stems removed)

Buttermilk is optional for added creaminess.

Substitutions & Swaps

• Ground turkey or chicken for beef
• Corn from a can if fresh isn’t available
• Greek yogurt for sour cream
• Any cheese for cojita cheese

How to Make It

Start by preparing the street corn topping and creamy jalapeno sauce, then assemble the burgers.

Prepare the street corn topping

In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and corn kernels. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the corn begins to char slightly.

Mix corn ingredients

In a bowl, combine charred corn, mayonnaise, garlic, lime zest, lime juice, scallions, cojita cheese, cilantro, diced jalapeno, chili powder, Tajin, and salt. Mix well until everything is coated and combined.

Make the creamy jalapeno sauce

In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, salt, lime juice, pickled jalapenos, jalapeno juice, and cilantro until smooth. Adjust seasoning as necessary.

Cook the smash burgers

Shape ground hamburger into balls and heat a cast-iron skillet over high heat. Once hot, place balls into the skillet, then smash them with a spatula or burger press. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes on one side, flip, and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until desired doneness is reached.

Assemble the tacos

Place each smash burger on a tortilla, top with street corn mixture and drizzle with creamy jalapeno sauce. Serve immediately.

How to Store It

Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: No, due to the toppings’ texture.
Reheat: Microwave for 1-2 minutes until heated through.

Tips for Best Results

• Use fresh, in-season corn for the best flavor.
• Allow burgers to rest a minute after cooking for juiciness.
• Customize the spiciness by adjusting jalapeno amounts.
• Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with fresh lime wedges for extra zest.
• Complement with a side of tortilla chips and salsa.
• Enjoy with a cold beverage for a perfect meal.