These Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Beef Tacos are a tasty treat! Juicy beef meets sweet and savory flavors, all tucked in soft taco shells. Yum!
Honestly, who wouldn’t want garlic butter on their tacos? I like to pile on the toppings—cheese, lettuce, you name it! It’s taco night done right! 🌮
Making these tacos is a breeze! Just mix those yummy sauces, cook the beef, and assemble. Perfect for a fun dinner or game-day munchies!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef: Flank steak and sirloin are great choices for tacos because they cook quickly and absorb flavors well. You can substitute with chicken, turkey, or even tofu for a vegetarian option—just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds a powerful flavor. If you’re in a pinch, you can use garlic powder; just remember that powdered garlic is stronger, so use less—about 1/8 teaspoon per clove.
Honey: Honey balances the flavors in the BBQ sauce. If you need a vegan alternative, maple syrup or agave syrup works wonderfully in this recipe.
BBQ Sauce: Choose your favorite BBQ sauce, but watch out for those with added sugars or preservatives! You can skip it altogether and mix in some chili powder and ketchup as quick substitutes for a tangy kick.
Tortillas: Corn tortillas are traditional, but flour tortillas are softer and often more pliable. You can also try whole wheat or even lettuce wraps for a lower-carb option.
How Can I Ensure Perfectly Cooked Beef?
Cooking beef just right is key to delicious tacos. Start by cutting the beef into small, even cubes to ensure uniform cooking. Searing the beef in a hot skillet gets nice color and locks in flavor.
- Heat your skillet over medium-high heat before adding olive oil. This helps the beef to sear instantly.
- Do not overcrowd the skillet; it can lower the temperature and steam the beef instead of browning it.
- Let the beef sit undisturbed for a few moments before stirring to get that lovely golden crust.
Remember, you don’t want to overcook the beef—keep it tender for the best bite!
How to Make Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Beef Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Beef:
- 1 lb beef (flank steak or sirloin), cut into small cubes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup BBQ sauce (your choice)
For the Toppings:
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 6 small tortillas (corn or flour)
- Sour cream or a creamy sauce for drizzling (optional)
- Lime wedges for serving (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation and cooking. You’ll be able to enjoy these delicious tacos in no time! Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a tasty snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Beef:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season your cubed beef with salt and pepper. Once the oil is hot, add the beef to the skillet and sear it until it’s browned on all sides. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once done, remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside for now.
2. Making the Sauce:
In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the unsalted butter. Let it melt, and then add the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant but not burned—keep an eye on it! Next, stir in the honey and your choice of BBQ sauce. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer.
3. Combining Beef and Sauce:
Now, return the cooked beef to the skillet and toss it in the tasty sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the beef to absorb all those delicious flavors and get heated through.
4. Preparing the Tacos:
While the beef is soaking up the sauce, warm your tortillas. You can do this in a separate pan or quickly in the microwave. Now it’s time to assemble! Take a tortilla and place a generous amount of the BBQ beef mixture on it. Top it off with chopped red onion and fresh cilantro for that extra zing!
5. Serving:
If you like, drizzle some sour cream or your favorite creamy sauce over the top. Finally, serve your tacos with lime wedges on the side for a refreshing squeeze. Enjoy your homemade Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Beef Tacos!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Beef?
Absolutely! You can substitute flank steak or sirloin with cuts like skirt steak, chuck roast, or even ground beef. Just remember that different cuts will have varying cook times, so adjust accordingly to ensure it’s cooked to your desired doneness.
How Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
For a spicy kick, consider adding minced jalapeños or red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic. You can also choose a spicier BBQ sauce to amp up the heat. Adjust the amount based on your preference!
Can I Make These Tacos Ahead of Time?
Sure! You can prepare the beef mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just reheat it in a skillet over medium heat before assembling your tacos. Warm the tortillas separately just before serving for the best texture.
How to Store Leftover Beef Tacos?
Store any leftover beef mixture in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you have extra tortillas, store them separately. Reheat the beef in a skillet or microwave, and you can enjoy the tacos fresh again!
