Get ready for some tasty tacos! These Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Beef Tacos are a delicious mix of sweet and savory flavors. The beef is cooked to perfection, topped with garlic butter, and combined with a yummy BBQ sauce.
Who knew tacos could be this fun? I love wrapping them up and taking a big bite. It’s a messy job, but someone’s got to do it! 🌮😄 You can serve them with your favorite toppings for even more flavor!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef: For this recipe, I recommend using sirloin or flank steak for their tenderness. If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, ground beef also works well! It cooks faster and is super easy to handle.
Butter: Unsalted butter brings great flavor to the dish. If you need a dairy-free option, consider using vegan butter or olive oil for a healthier twist.
BBQ Sauce: Choosing your favorite store-bought BBQ sauce is a great choice! If you want something homemade, mix ketchup, vinegar, and spices. For a spicier kick, look for a hot BBQ sauce or add some chili flakes!
Tortillas: Flour tortillas are soft and chewy, but corn tortillas give a nice crunch. If gluten-free is your goal, opt for corn tortillas or even lettuce wraps for a fresh feel!
How Do You Achieve Perfectly Cooked Beef for Tacos?
Cooking the beef just right is key to delicious tacos. Here’s how you can do it:
- Start with high heat for a good sear. Ensure the skillet is hot before adding beef.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan! Cook in batches if necessary to get that nice browning.
- Keep stirring and flipping so the beef cooks evenly, aiming for about 4-5 minutes until nicely browned and just cooked through.
- Remove from heat promptly to avoid overcooking, as the beef will keep cooking slightly from the residual heat.
Following these steps ensures your beef is juicy and packed with flavor for the tacos. Enjoy the process—it’s all about those happy cooking moments!
Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Beef Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Beef:
- 1 lb (450g) beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Serving:
- 8 small flour or corn tortillas
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
- Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
- Lime wedges, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for prep and 15 minutes for cooking, so you’re looking at around 30 minutes total. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun gathering with friends!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Beef:
In a bowl, toss the thinly sliced beef with smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper until it’s well coated. This is where the flavor starts!
2. Cook the Beef:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned beef and cook for about 4-5 minutes until it’s browned and cooked through. Make sure to stir it around to cook evenly. Once done, remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Prepare the Sauce:
In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the butter. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until it’s fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
4. Combine Ingredients:
Add the BBQ sauce and honey to the skillet, stirring everything together until well combined and warmed. This sweet and savory mix is amazing!
5. Finish the Beef:
Return the cooked beef to the skillet and toss it in the garlic butter honey BBQ sauce until everything is nicely coated and heated through, about 2 minutes.
6. Warm the Tortillas:
Warm up the tortillas in a dry skillet or pop them in the microwave for just a few seconds to make them soft and pliable.
7. Assemble Your Tacos:
Now it’s time to build your tacos! Divide the beef mixture evenly among the warm tortillas.
8. Add the Toppings:
Top your tacos with the sliced red onions and sprinkle fresh cilantro leaves over them. These add an extra layer of flavor and make your tacos look delicious!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your flavorful Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Beef Tacos immediately with lime wedges on the side for squeezing. The lime juice adds a refreshing burst!
Enjoy every bite!
FAQ for Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Beef Tacos
Can I Use Chicken or Pork Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Chicken breast or thighs and pork tenderloin are great alternatives. Adjust the cooking time depending on the meat you choose: chicken usually takes about 6-7 minutes, while pork might take around 5-6 minutes depending on thickness.
How Do I Store Leftover Tacos?
Store any leftover beef mixture in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. However, it’s best to keep the tortillas separate to prevent them from becoming soggy. Reheat the beef on the stove or microwave before assembling your tacos again!
Can I Make the Beef Mixture in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the garlic butter honey BBQ beef mixture a day ahead! Just store it in the fridge in an airtight container. When you’re ready to serve, reheat it on the stove until warmed through and assemble your tacos.
What Toppings Work Best for These Tacos?
Aside from the sliced red onions and cilantro, you can add avocado slices, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, or jalapeños for some spice! Sour cream or a drizzle of hot sauce also make fantastic additions!