These garlic butter honey BBQ beef tacos are a tasty treat! Tender beef is cooked with garlic butter and sweet honey BBQ sauce, making every bite juicy and full of flavor.
I can’t help but smile when I bite into these tacos! 🥳 Serve them with your favorite toppings, and your friends will be asking for seconds—just like mine always do!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef: Flank steak or sirloin are great choices for tenderness. If you’re looking for a leaner option, try using chicken or turkey. These will work well with the same honey BBQ flavors.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is essential for that burst of flavor. For a quicker option, garlic powder can be used, but fresh really shines in this recipe.
Honey: This is the star for sweetness! If you’re avoiding sugar, consider maple syrup or agave nectar. Both offer good sweetness and a slight twist.
BBQ Sauce: Choose your favorite for the best taste. If you’re homemade, try using apple cider vinegar or a spicy ketchup for a unique flavor. Vegan or sugar-free versions work too.
Tortillas: Corn tortillas are traditional and gluten-free, but flour tortillas are softer. If you want something different, try using lettuce leaves for a low-carb option!
How Do I Make the Beef Nice and Tender?
Cooking the beef properly is key for tenderness. Start with high heat to sear the meat quickly, then lower the heat to allow it to cook through without toughening up.
- Heat the skillet well before adding butter; this helps to sear the beef nicely.
- Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Don’t overcook, as it can get chewy.
- Let it rest for a minute after cooking to lock in juices before adding sauces.
How to Make Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Beef Tacos?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Beef Mixture:
- 1 lb beef (flank steak or sirloin), diced
- 2 tbsp garlic, minced
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite kind)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Assembling the Tacos:
- 8 small corn or flour tortillas
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
- 1/4 cup sour cream or crema
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious taco recipe will take about 15 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes of cooking time. In total, you’ll need around 30 minutes from start to finish. Quick and tasty!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Garlic:
Start by melting the butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1-2 minutes until it’s fragrant, but be careful not to burn it. We want that lovely garlic aroma!
2. Cook the Beef:
Now, add the diced beef to the skillet. Season the beef with smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook the beef for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s browned all over. You want it nicely cooked!
3. Mix in the Sauce:
Pour in the honey and BBQ sauce, stirring well to coat all the pieces of beef evenly. Reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. This will help the flavors combine and create a tasty sauce.
4. Warm the Tortillas:
While the beef is simmering, you can warm the tortillas. You can do this in a separate skillet over medium heat for a few seconds on each side, or you can warm them in the microwave for about 30 seconds. They should be soft and pliable, ready to hold all that delicious filling!
5. Assemble the Tacos:
Time to make your tacos! Take a tortilla and spoon a generous amount of the honey BBQ beef mixture onto it. Don’t hold back on that tasty beef!
6. Add Toppings:
Drizzle some sour cream or crema over the beef, then sprinkle shredded cheese and chopped green onions on top. You can add as much as you like to make it your own!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your tacos immediately while they’re warm, garnished with additional green onions if desired. Enjoy your delicious garlic butter honey BBQ beef tacos with family and friends!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Beef?
Absolutely! While flank steak or sirloin are great choices, you can also use skirt steak or ground beef. Just remember that cooking times may vary; for ground beef, cook until browned, which usually takes about 8-10 minutes.
What If I Don’t Have BBQ Sauce?
No worries! You can make a quick substitute by mixing ketchup with a little Worcestershire sauce and a splash of apple cider vinegar. Adjust the measurements to your taste, or use a combination of ketchup and your favorite hot sauce for a spicier kick!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover beef in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until heated through. Just remember to warm the tortillas separately for the best texture!
Can I Make These Tacos Spicier?
Absolutely! For a kick, add diced jalapeños when cooking the beef or mix in some cayenne pepper with your seasonings. If you like a smoky flavor, consider adding a dash of chipotle in adobo sauce to the honey BBQ mixture.
