These garlic butter honey BBQ beef tacos are a tasty treat! Juicy beef is cooked in a sweet and savory sauce, wrapped in soft tortillas, making every bite a flavor explosion.
Honestly, they’re so good you might just forget your worries and dig right in! I love adding fresh toppings like cilantro for that extra crunch and flavor. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Steak: Flank or sirloin steak works best as they are tender and flavorful. If you’re looking for something leaner, consider using chicken breast or turkey instead, though the cooking times may vary.
Butter: Unsalted butter is preferred for better control of salt levels, but if you have salted butter, just adjust the added salt in the recipe. You can also use olive oil or a plant-based butter for a dairy-free option.
Honey: Honey provides sweetness, but you can swap it with maple syrup or agave nectar if preferred. Stevia or another sugar substitute works well too, just adjust to taste.
BBQ Sauce: Use your favorite barbecue sauce for flavor! If you’re out, a mixture of ketchup with a dash of vinegar and spices can work as a quick substitute.
Tortillas: Flour and corn tortillas both work great. If you’re looking for gluten-free options, corn tortillas are the way to go. Lettuce wraps could be used for a lighter, low-carb alternative.
How Do You Get the Perfect Sear on the Beef?
Getting that perfect sear on your beef is key to locking in flavor. Here’s how to do it right:
- Let the beef sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking – it helps with even cooking.
- Make sure your skillet is hot before adding the beef. You want the oil to shimmer.
- Avoid overcrowding the pan; if needed, cook in batches to ensure a good sear.
- Don’t fuss with the beef – let it cook without flipping until it’s time to turn it over.
- Rest the beef for a few minutes after cooking to let the juices redistribute for tenderness.
How to Make Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Beef Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Beef Tacos:
- 1 lb beef steak (such as flank or sirloin)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 small flour or corn tortillas
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise (optional for drizzling)
- 1 tbsp sriracha (optional for drizzling)
- Chopped green onions for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation, plus around 10 minutes for cooking. Total time is approximately 25 minutes, making it a quick and tasty meal option!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Beef:
Start by seasoning your beef steak with a sprinkle of salt and pepper on both sides. Then, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the steak to the skillet. Sear it for about 3-4 minutes on each side, depending on how thick your steak is and how well done you like it. Once it’s done, take the steak out of the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes to keep it juicy.
2. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:
In the same skillet, turn the heat down to medium. Add the unsalted butter and let it melt in the leftover beef juices. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté it for about 1 minute until it gets fragrant. Then, stir in the honey and BBQ sauce. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens just a bit.
3. Slice the Beef:
After resting, slice the beef thinly against the grain (this helps make it more tender). Add the sliced beef to the skillet with your garlic butter honey BBQ sauce and toss it until all the beef is well-coated.
4. Warm the Tortillas:
In a separate pan, gently warm the tortillas for a minute or so until they are soft and pliable. This makes them easier to fold and eat.
5. Assemble Tacos:
Grab a tortilla and place a generous portion of the garlic butter honey BBQ beef in the center. Don’t forget to sprinkle some shredded cheddar cheese on top for an extra cheesy flavor!
6. Add Drizzle and Garnish:
If you’d like to kick up the flavor, drizzle some mayonnaise and sriracha over your beef. Finally, toss on some chopped green onions for a fresh touch.
7. Serve:
These delicious tacos are ready to go! Serve them warm and enjoy every bite of your Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Beef Tacos!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Beef?
Absolutely! While flank or sirloin works best for tenderness, you can also try ribeye or even ground beef for a different texture. Just remember that cooking times may vary depending on the cut, especially for thicker steaks.
How to Store Leftover Tacos?
To store leftovers, keep the beef and tortillas separate in airtight containers in the fridge. The beef will last for about 3-4 days, while tortillas can be stored for up to a week. Reheat the beef gently on the stove and warm the tortillas in a pan before assembling again!
Can I Make the Sauce Ahead of Time?
Yes! The garlic butter honey BBQ sauce can be prepared a day in advance. Simply store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When ready to use, reheat gently on the stovetop to bring back its flavor, stirring occasionally.
Is There a Vegetarian Option for This Recipe?
Certainly! You can substitute the beef with mushrooms, jackfruit, or even tofu marinated in the sauce for a delicious vegetarian version. Just sauté until tender and well-coated in the garlic butter sauce before assembling your tacos.
