These Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Beef Tacos are a tasty treat! Tender beef is cooked with a savory garlic butter sauce and a sweet BBQ twist. It’s a flavor party in every bite!
Making these tacos is so much fun! Toss the beef in the mix, grab some tortillas, and go wild with toppings. I love adding fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime—yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef: Flank steak and skirt steak are great options for these tacos as they are flavorful and tender. If you’re looking for a leaner choice, try sirloin or ground beef. For a plant-based option, consider using jackfruit or a meat substitute.
Butter: Unsalted butter adds richness. If you’re dairy-free, substitute with olive oil or vegan butter to keep the flavor similar without the dairy.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives a wonderful aroma and taste. If you’re in a pinch, garlic powder can work too, but start with half the amount as it’s more concentrated.
BBQ Sauce: Your favorite brand makes a big difference! If you’re looking for a healthier option, try a low-sugar sauce or make a simple homemade version with ketchup, vinegar, and spices.
Honey: This adds a nice sweetness. Maple syrup makes a great substitute if you’re avoiding honey.
How Do You Get the Beef Perfectly Cooked?
Getting the beef just right is key for tasty tacos! Here’s how to ensure it cooks perfectly:
- Slice the beef thinly against the grain to help with tenderness.
- Do not overcrowd the skillet; cook in batches if necessary for even browning.
- Keep an eye on it; beef cooks quickly, so 3-5 minutes should be enough.
With practice, you’ll get the hang of it and enjoy juicy, flavorful beef in every taco!
What’s the Best Way to Heat Tortillas?
Warming tortillas is key for softer tacos. Here’s the best method:
- For corn tortillas, heat them on a dry skillet for about 30 seconds on each side until soft.
- If using flour tortillas, they can be microwaved for 15-20 seconds wrapped in a damp paper towel to keep them moist.
- Keep warmed tortillas in a clean kitchen towel to keep them warm as you prepare the tacos.
Warm tortillas make a big difference in the overall taste and texture! Enjoy!
Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Beef Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Beef:
- 1 lb (450g) beef flank steak or skirt steak, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- Salt, to taste
For the Tacos:
- 8 small corn or flour tortillas
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 small red onion, finely diced
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
- Optional toppings: sliced jalapeños, shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado slices
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and around 15 minutes of cooking time. In total, you’ll need about 25 minutes to enjoy these delicious tacos!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Beef:
In a medium bowl, mix the sliced beef with the olive oil, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and black pepper. Toss everything together to make sure the beef is well-coated, then set the bowl aside while you get your skillet ready.
2. Sauté the Garlic:
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add the butter and let it melt. Then, add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute. You want the garlic to be fragrant but be careful not to let it brown; we just want to release those yummy flavors!
3. Cook the Beef:
Now it’s time to add the seasoned beef to the skillet. Cooking for about 3-5 minutes, stir occasionally to ensure it browns evenly. Keep an eye on it until the beef is fully cooked through.
4. Mix in the Sauces:
Reduce the heat to medium-low. Stir in the BBQ sauce and honey, mixing well to coat the beef evenly. Let it simmer for another 2 minutes so the sauce can thicken just a bit, creating that perfect layer of flavor!
5. Warm the Tortillas:
While the beef is simmering, warm up your tortillas. You can do this in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds per side or in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds wrapped in a damp paper towel.
6. Assemble Your Tacos:
Now, it’s time to assemble those delicious tacos! Place a generous portion of the garlic butter honey BBQ beef on each tortilla. Top with diced red onion, fresh cilantro, and any other toppings you love, like jalapeños or avocado slices.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your tacos with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the top. Enjoy every flavorful bite of these Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Beef Tacos!
FAQ for Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Beef Tacos
Can I Use Different Cuts of Beef?
Absolutely! While flank and skirt steak work great, you can also use sirloin or ribeye if you prefer. Just ensure any cut you choose is thinly sliced for a tender texture.
Can I Make This Recipe Spicy?
Yes! If you like some heat, add sliced jalapeños to the beef while cooking or sprinkle them on top when assembling the tacos. You can also mix in some hot sauce with the BBQ sauce for an extra kick.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover beef in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or microwave, and serve on fresh tortillas for the best texture!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the beef mixture in advance! Just cook it as directed and then refrigerate it, covered, for up to 2 days. Reheat before serving and assemble your tacos fresh!
