These garlic butter honey BBQ beef tacos are a mouthwatering treat! The beef is juicy and tender, with a sweet and savory sauce that will have you coming back for more.
My favorite part? The warm tortillas just hug all that tasty filling! You can add your favorite toppings and make it your own—who doesn’t love a taco party? 🌮
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef: Skirt or flank steak are great choices for this recipe. If you’re looking for a leaner option, use chicken or turkey breast. You can also use ground beef if you prefer, just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Butter: Unsalted butter gives the best flavor, but you can substitute with olive oil or ghee if you’re looking for a dairy-free option. Coconut oil is another great alternative if you like a hint of sweetness.
BBQ Sauce: Use your favorite BBQ sauce, or try making your own with ketchup, vinegar, and spices! If you’re avoiding sugar, a sugar-free BBQ sauce works well too.
Tortillas: Flour or corn tortillas both work! If you’re gluten-free, look for corn tortillas or lettuce wraps as a fresh alternative.
How Can I Get The Beef Perfectly Cooked?
The secret to perfectly cooked beef for tacos is in the slicing and cooking time. Here are some tips to make it easy:
- Always slice the beef thinly against the grain for tenderness.
- Cook the beef in a hot skillet so it gets a good sear without overcooking.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet; cook in batches if needed to ensure everything gets evenly browned.
If you want a little more flavor, let the beef marinate with the spices for 30 minutes before cooking. This adds depth to each bite!
Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Beef Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Beef:
- 1 lb (450g) beef skirt steak or flank steak, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Tacos:
- 6 small flour or corn tortillas
Optional Toppings:
- Chopped cilantro
- Diced red onion
- Sliced jalapeños
- Shredded cheese
- Lime wedges
- Sour cream
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes of cooking time, making it a quick and tasty dish that can be ready in around 25 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix the BBQ sauce and honey together until well combined. This sweet and tangy sauce will coat the beef perfectly. Set it aside for later!
2. Season the Beef:
Take your thinly sliced beef and season it with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and chili powder. Give it a good mix so all the pieces are nicely coated with the spices.
3. Sear the Beef:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned beef in a single layer. Let it cook for about 2-3 minutes on one side before flipping it to brown the other side. Cook until it’s browned and cooked through. Then, remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
4. Sauté the Garlic:
In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the butter. Once it’s melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until you can smell that delicious garlic flavor filling the air!
5. Combine Beef and Sauce:
Return the cooked beef to the skillet. Pour the honey BBQ sauce over the beef and toss it all together, ensuring every piece is well-coated. Cook it for another 2 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.
6. Warm the Tortillas:
While the beef is cooking with the sauce, heat the tortillas! You can warm them in a dry skillet for a few seconds on each side or microwave them for about 20 seconds until they’re nice and pliable.
7. Assemble the Tacos:
Grab a warm tortilla and place a generous amount of that flavorful garlic butter honey BBQ beef right in the middle. Top with your choice of optional toppings, like fresh cilantro, diced red onion, jalapeños, cheese, and a squeeze of lime for that zesty boost.
8. Serve and Enjoy!
Dig in right away and savor those amazing flavors! These tacos are best enjoyed fresh, so gather your loved ones around and let the taco feast begin!
FAQ for Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Beef Tacos
Can I Use Other Cuts of Meat?
Absolutely! While skirt or flank steak works best, you can also use ribeye, sirloin, or even ground beef. Just be sure to adjust cooking times as needed for thinner or thicker cuts.
How Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
If you like a kick, add more chili powder or include some cayenne pepper when seasoning the beef. You can also top your tacos with spicy salsa or sliced jalapeños for extra heat!
Can I Prepare the Beef in Advance?
You can marinate the beef with the seasonings up to 24 hours in advance for enhanced flavor. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook!
How Should I Store Leftover Tacos?
Store any leftover beef in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to enjoy, reheat the beef on the stovetop or in the microwave before assembling your tacos with fresh toppings!