These Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Beef Tacos are a tasty treat! Imagine juicy beef drenched in a sweet and tangy BBQ sauce, with a hint of garlic. It’s a flavor party in every bite!
Honestly, who can resist tacos? I love piling on my favorite toppings like fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime. They’re perfect for sharing—or not! No judgment here. 🌮
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef: Skirt steak or flank steak works well due to their tenderness and flavor. If you prefer, you can use ground beef or even shredded chicken for a different twist.
Butter: I love using unsalted butter to control the seasoning. If you’re avoiding dairy, olive oil is a great substitute for cooking and flavor.
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds a wonderful depth. You can use garlic powder as a substitute, but fresh is always better if you can.
BBQ Sauce: Your favorite bottled BBQ sauce is great, but feel free to make your own for a fresher taste. Honey is key for balancing the flavors, but maple syrup can be a good alternative if needed.
Tortillas: Go with corn for a traditional taste or flour if you want something softer. You can also opt for whole-wheat or gluten-free tortillas for dietary needs.
How Do I Ensure My Beef is Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking beef perfectly in tacos is all about timing! Start by heating your skillet to medium-high before adding the beef. You want it to sear quickly, locking in juices. Here’s how:
- Don’t overcrowd the pan—cook in batches if needed.
- Season well before cooking, which helps build flavor.
- Once the beef is browned, remove it quickly to avoid overcooking; it will continue cooking slightly when tossed in the sauce.
- Combine beef with the garlic and sauce just until heated through—about 2 minutes.
This method helps keep the beef tender and flavorful while preventing it from becoming tough!
Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Beef Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Beef:
- 1 lb (450g) beef skirt steak or flank steak, thinly sliced
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup BBQ sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp chili powder (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For Assembling:
- 8 small corn or flour tortillas
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
- Optional toppings: diced red onion, sliced jalapeños, shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado slices
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 10 minutes to cook, so you’re looking at approximately 20 minutes total. It’s a quick and easy meal that’s perfect for a busy weeknight or a laid-back weekend gathering!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Sauce:
In a small bowl, combine the BBQ sauce and honey. Stir well until they are fully mixed together. This sweet and tangy sauce will be the star of your tacos, so set it aside for now!
2. Season the Beef:
Take your thinly sliced beef and season it generously with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and chili powder (if you’re feeling a bit spicy!). This will add great flavor to the meat.
3. Cook the Beef:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned beef strips and cook for about 3-4 minutes. You want them browned and nearly cooked through. Remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
4. Sauté the Garlic:
In the same skillet, turn down the heat to medium and add the butter. Let it melt, then sprinkle in the minced garlic. Cook for about 1 minute, or until the garlic is fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn!
5. Combine the Beef and Sauce:
Return the cooked beef to the skillet and pour the honey BBQ sauce over the meat. Toss everything together well so the beef is evenly coated. Let it cook for another 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until everything is heated through and the sauce has thickened a bit.
6. Warm the Tortillas:
While your beef is finishing up, warm the tortillas. You can do this in a dry skillet for about 30 seconds per side or in the microwave for about 30 seconds—just until they’re warm and pliable.
7. Assemble the Tacos:
Now, it’s time for taco assembly! Divide the BBQ beef mixture evenly among the warm tortillas. Top them with fresh cilantro and your favorite extra toppings, like diced red onion, sliced jalapeños, or avocado slices.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the tacos immediately with lime wedges on the side for an extra zesty splash of flavor. Enjoy your delicious Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Beef Tacos!
Bon appétit! 🌮
FAQ for Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Beef Tacos
Can I Use Different Cuts of Beef?
Absolutely! While skirt or flank steak is ideal for tenderness, you can also use sirloin or ribeye. Just remember that cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of your meat cuts.
How Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
If you love heat, consider adding diced jalapeños to the beef while cooking or topping your tacos with spicy salsa. You can also increase the chili powder or add a dash of hot sauce to the BBQ mixture for extra kick!
Can I Prepare the Beef in Advance?
Yes! You can cook the beef and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat it in a skillet before assembling the tacos. This makes for a quick meal option during busy days!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Tacos?
It’s best to store the beef separately from the tortillas to keep them from getting soggy. Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat the beef gently, and warm the tortillas just before serving again.
