These Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Beef Tacos bring a fun twist to taco night! Tender beef smothered in a mix of garlic, butter, and sweet BBQ sauce is simply delicious.
Let’s be real, who can resist that flavor combo? I love piling all my favorite toppings on and making a feast. It’s a taco party on a plate! 🌮😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Steak: Flank or sirloin both work well, but if you’re looking for something leaner, consider using chicken breast or even mushrooms for a vegetarian twist.
Unsalted Butter: Butter adds a lovely richness, but you can substitute it with olive oil for a healthier option. Coconut oil is another choice that adds a different flavor profile.
Garlic: Always fresh garlic for the best flavor! If you don’t have fresh garlic, use 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder instead, but be aware it won’t have the same depth of taste.
Honey: Besides traditional honey, you could use maple syrup for sweetness or agave syrup for a vegan option. Just adjust to taste as these can be sweeter.
BBQ Sauce: Feel free to use your favorite store-bought or homemade BBQ sauce. If you want a bit more kick, a spicy BBQ sauce works great. You can even make a quick version with ketchup and hot sauce.
How Do I Ensure My Beef Is Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking beef just right can make or break your tacos. Here’s how to make sure it’s perfectly cooked:
- Start with a pre-heated skillet on medium heat—you want that vibrant sizzle when the beef hits the pan.
- Season the beef as it cooks to enhance flavor. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s browned on the outside and just cooked through.
- Use a meat thermometer if you’re unsure: 135°F is medium-rare, while 145°F is medium.
- Let the meat rest for a minute after cooking before assembling the tacos; this helps keep it juicy.
How to Make Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Beef Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Beef Filling:
- 1 lb beef steak (flank or sirloin), cut into small pieces
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup BBQ sauce (your choice)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
For Serving:
- 1/4 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack)
- 4-6 small flour or corn tortillas
- 2 green onions, sliced, for garnish
- Optional: hot sauce, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe will take about 15 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes of cooking time, for a total of around 30 minutes. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal that’s packed with flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Melt the Butter and Sauté Garlic:
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the unsalted butter and let it melt. Once the butter is melted, add in the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1-2 minutes until it becomes fragrant, but be careful not to burn it.
2. Cook the Beef:
Next, add the beef steak pieces to the skillet. Sprinkle the smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper over the beef. Cook the beef, stirring occasionally, until it’s browned and cooked through, which should take around 5-7 minutes. You want it nice and tender!
3. Add Honey and BBQ Sauce:
Once the beef is cooked, pour in the honey and BBQ sauce. Stir everything together so the beef is well coated in the sticky and flavorful sauce. Let it cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to mix and the sauce to thicken slightly.
4. Warm the Tortillas:
While the beef is cooking, you can warm the tortillas. You can do this in a separate pan on low heat or in the microwave for about 30 seconds until they are soft and easy to handle.
5. Assemble the Tacos:
Now it’s time to make the tacos! Take a tortilla and place a generous portion of the garlic butter honey BBQ beef in the center. Top it off with a sprinkle of shredded cheese and, if you wish, a little extra BBQ sauce for added flavor.
6. Garnish and Serve:
Finish off your tacos by garnishing them with sliced green onions. If you like a little kick, drizzle some hot sauce on top as well. Serve these delicious tacos warm and enjoy every bite!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Beef?
Absolutely! While flank or sirloin work best for tenderness and flavor, you can also use cuts like ribeye or even ground beef if preferred. Just adjust the cooking time: ground beef will cook faster (about 4-5 minutes) while tougher cuts might need a longer cook time to become tender, so consider braising them first.
What If I Don’t Have BBQ Sauce?
No worries! You can substitute BBQ sauce with a mixture of ketchup, soy sauce, and a bit of apple cider vinegar for a similar sweet and tangy flavor. You can also create a quick marinade using honey, mustard, and spices for a tasty twist!
How to Store Leftover Tacos?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep the tortillas from getting soggy, store the beef and tortillas separately. When you’re ready to eat, reheat the beef in a skillet and warm the tortillas again for the best texture.
Can I Make These Tacos Spicier?
Yes! To add some heat, incorporate diced jalapeños when cooking the beef or serve with a spicy hot sauce. You could also sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes into the sauce for an extra kick. Adjust to your taste preference!
