Your taste buds are in for a treat with these Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Beef Tacos! Tender beef is cooked with yummy garlic and sweet honey BBQ sauce, wrapped in soft tortillas.
These tacos are perfect for any night of the week. I love adding fresh toppings like crunchy lettuce and juicy tomatoes. Trust me, you’ll want to make these again and again! 🌮
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef: Flank steak or skirt steak works best for tacos due to their tenderness. If you prefer or need a leaner option, try chicken thighs or even tofu for a vegetarian version – both cook well with the same seasoning.
Butter: Unsalted butter adds a nice richness. However, you can use olive oil or ghee if you’re looking for a dairy-free option. I’ve even tried coconut oil for a unique twist!
Honey: The honey gives a lovely sweetness and helps balance the BBQ sauce. If you’re vegan, agave nectar is a great substitute! For a lower sugar option, consider a sugar-free maple syrup.
Barbecue Sauce: Use your favorite store-bought kind, or make your own! If you want to cut down on additives, a homemade sauce with ketchup, vinegar, and spices works just as well.
How Do I Ensure Perfectly Cooked Beef?
Cooking the beef correctly is essential for great tacos. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Slice Thin: Make sure to slice the beef against the grain into thin strips. This ensures tenderness.
- High Heat: Use medium-high heat in the skillet. This helps sear the beef quickly for better flavor.
- Don’t Overcrowd: If you have a lot of beef, cook it in batches so it browns nicely. Overcrowding can steam rather than sear the meat.
- Timing is Key: Cook the beef for just 3-4 minutes on each side. It cooks fast! You want it cooked through but still juicy.
Following these tips will help you serve up delicious, tender beef tacos every time!
Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Beef Tacos
Ingredients List:
For the Beef:
- 1 lb (450g) beef flank steak or skirt steak, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
For the Sauce:
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/3 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand)
For Cooking:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For Serving:
- 8 small soft taco tortillas
- Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 medium tomato, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- Optional: lime wedges for serving
Time Estimate:
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and another 10 minutes to cook. In total, you’ll need around 25 minutes before you can dig into these amazing tacos!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Beef:
Start by placing the thinly sliced beef in a mixing bowl. Add the smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Toss everything together until the beef is well coated with the seasonings. This gives your beef an irresistible flavor!
2. Cook the Beef:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned beef. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the beef is browned and cooked through. When done, remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:
In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the unsalted butter. Let it melt, then add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute, just until the garlic is fragrant and slightly golden. Be careful not to burn it!
4. Combine the Sauce:
Pour in the honey and barbecue sauce, stirring well to mix everything together. Allow the sauce to simmer for about 2-3 minutes, letting it thicken slightly. This sweet and savory mix will bring your tacos to life!
5. Toss in the Beef:
Now, return the cooked beef to the skillet and toss it into the garlic butter honey BBQ sauce. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, allowing the beef to soak up all the delicious flavors.
6. Warm the Tortillas:
To make the tortillas soft and pliable, warm them in a dry pan for a few seconds on each side, or pop them in the microwave for about 30 seconds. Choose your method but make sure they’re nice and warm!
7. Assemble the Tacos:
Grab a tortilla, place a generous portion of the sauced beef right in the middle, and top it off with shredded lettuce, diced tomato, red onion, and fresh cilantro. Doesn’t that look great?
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Your tacos are ready to be served! Place lime wedges on the side for people to squeeze a little zesty citrus over their tacos if they like. Enjoy every bite of these flavorful Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Beef Tacos!
FAQ About Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Beef Tacos
Can I Use Different Cuts of Beef?
Absolutely! While flank steak and skirt steak are great choices, you can also use sirloin or ribeye for more marbling and flavor. If you prefer a leaner option, consider using chicken or even mushrooms for a vegetarian twist!
How Can I Make These Tacos Spicier?
If you’re looking to add some heat, try incorporating jalapeños or diced serrano peppers into the filling. You can also mix in some chili powder or cayenne pepper into the beef seasoning for an extra kick!
Can I Make the Sauce Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the garlic butter honey BBQ sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a week. When you’re ready to use it, just gently reheat it on the stove before tossing in your cooked beef.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Tacos?
Store any leftover beef and toppings separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The beef will last for about 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat the beef and assemble fresh tacos to maintain the tortilla’s texture.
