These garlic butter honey BBQ beef tacos are packed with flavor! Tender beef is coated in a sweet and garlicky sauce, then stuffed into warm tortillas. Yum!
Seriously, who can resist tacos? I love how the honey adds a touch of sweetness to the savory beef. Pair these with your favorite toppings, and you’re all set for a feast!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef: Flank steak or sirloin works best, offering great flavor and tenderness. If you’re looking for alternatives, skirt steak or even ground beef can work in a pinch. For a lighter option, try using grilled chicken or tofu!
Honey: This gives the tacos a sweet touch. If you’re avoiding honey, agave syrup or maple syrup can be good substitutes. I sometimes use a little brown sugar mixed with water for a similar sweetness.
BBQ Sauce: Use your favorite kind for the best taste. If you’re making it at home, a mix of ketchup, vinegar, and spices can easily mimic store-bought BBQ sauce. I really enjoy a smoky barbecue sauce for extra flavor.
Tortillas: Flour or corn tortillas are both tasty options. If gluten is a concern, look for gluten-free tortillas, or try lettuce wraps for a fresh twist.
Cheese: While cheddar is a favorite, feel free to switch it up with pepper jack for some heat or a blend of your favorite cheeses. Vegan cheese options are also available for a dairy-free version.
What’s the Best Way to Cook the Beef for Tacos?
Cooking beef to the right texture is crucial for delicious tacos. Here’s how to do it perfectly:
- Use a skillet over medium heat. The key is preheating the oil before adding beef.
- Season the beef with salt and pepper before cooking. This helps enhance the flavor.
- Cook the beef quickly—just 3-4 minutes or until nicely browned. Overcooking can lead to tough meat.
- Set the cooked beef aside to rest briefly. This helps keep it juicy before tossing it in the sauce.
By following these steps, you’ll have perfectly cooked beef for your tacos that’s tender and tasty!
How to Make Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Beef Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Beef:
- 1 lb beef (flank steak or sirloin), thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Sauce:
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/3 cup BBQ sauce (your choice)
For Assembly:
- 8 small flour or corn tortillas
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
- 1/4 cup sour cream or a creamy sauce
- 2 green onions, finely chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and around 10-15 minutes for cooking. Overall, you’re looking at about 20-25 minutes from start to finish for these tasty tacos!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Beef:
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the thinly sliced beef. Season the beef with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and cooked to your preference. When it’s done, remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
2. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:
In the same skillet, lower the heat to low and add the unsalted butter and minced garlic. Stir the mixture gently until the butter melts and the garlic becomes fragrant—this should take about 30 seconds. Be careful not to let the garlic burn!
3. Combine Honey and BBQ Sauce:
Next, pour in the honey and your choice of BBQ sauce into the melted butter and garlic. Stir everything together well, and let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes. This step is where the magic happens, and it’ll smell amazing!
4. Add the Beef Back In:
Now, return the cooked beef back into the skillet with the garlic butter honey BBQ sauce. Toss the beef well to coat it in the sauce. Heat everything together for an additional 1-2 minutes until the beef is warm.
5. Warm the Tortillas:
While your beef is warming, take the tortillas and heat them in another skillet over medium heat for a few seconds on each side or pop them in the microwave for about 20 seconds, until soft and warm.
6. Assemble the Tacos:
It’s time to put your tacos together! On each tortilla, place a generous portion of the BBQ beef mixture. Drizzle some sour cream or your favorite creamy sauce over the top. Finish by sprinkling a handful of shredded cheese and some chopped green onions for garnish.
7. Serve and Enjoy!
Enjoy your delicious Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Beef Tacos while they are warm. Share with friends or keep them all to yourself—they’re too good to resist!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Beef for This Recipe?
Absolutely! If you don’t have flank steak or sirloin, you can use other cuts like ribeye or tenderloin. Just make sure to slice the beef thinly against the grain for the best texture. Cooking times may vary slightly depending on the cut you choose.
What Can I Substitute for Honey?
If you need a substitute for honey, you can use maple syrup, agave nectar, or even brown sugar mixed with a little water. Keep in mind that this may change the flavor slightly, but it will still be delicious!
How to Store Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm the beef in a skillet over low heat until heated through, adding a splash of water if necessary to keep it moist.
Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
Definitely! For an extra kick, you can add some red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the garlic butter mixture. You could also finely chop a jalapeño and sauté it with the garlic for added heat. Adjust the spice level to taste!
