These Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Beef Tacos are a fun twist on taco night! Imagine tender beef cooked in rich garlic butter and sweet honey BBQ sauce, all wrapped in a soft taco shell.
Who doesn’t love a taco that combines sweet and savory flavors? I can’t resist adding extra toppings like fresh cilantro and crunchy onions. They’re just too good to pass up!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef: Flank steak or skirt steak work best here for their tenderness. You can also use sirloin or even ground beef if that’s what you have on hand. Just adjust cooking times accordingly for ground beef.
Olive Oil: While olive oil is a staple for cooking, you can swap it for vegetable oil or canola oil if you prefer. These alternatives have a higher smoke point and can handle the heat well.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds a lovely flavor, but jarred garlic could work. If you’re short on garlic, a pinch of garlic powder can suffice, but fresh is always best for that vibrant taste.
Butter: Unsalted butter is used here for control over the saltiness. You can use salted butter; just cut back on added salt in the dish. If you’re dairy-free, coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute can work in a pinch.
BBQ Sauce: Use your favorite BBQ sauce to customize the taste. If you want a kick, try a spicy BBQ sauce. For a healthier option, look for low-sugar or homemade versions.
How Can I Ensure My Beef is Perfectly Cooked?
Getting the beef just right is key to delicious tacos. Here’s how you can master cooking the beef:
- Season your beef well with salt and pepper. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes for the flavors to absorb.
- Heat your skillet until it’s hot but not smoking. This helps get a nice sear.
- Sear the beef for about 3-4 minutes on each side. Don’t overcrowd the pan; if needed, cook in batches.
- Let the beef rest for at least 5 minutes after cooking. This helps retain juices, making the meat more tender.
- Always slice against the grain – this reduces chewiness and keeps it tender.
How to Make Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Beef Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Beef:
- 1 lb beef (flank steak or skirt steak)
- 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 Assembling Tacos:
- 8 small flour tortillas
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack)
- 1/4 cup sour cream or crema
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 10 minutes for preparation and around 15 minutes for cooking. In total, you’re looking at approximately 25 minutes to enjoy these flavorful tacos!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Beef:
Start by seasoning the beef with salt and pepper on both sides. Once seasoned, allow it to marinate for about 15-30 minutes. This will help enhance the flavors of the beef.
2. Cook the Beef:
In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Carefully add the beef to the pan and sear it for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until it’s cooked to your liking. Once done, remove the beef from the skillet and let it rest on a cutting board. This makes it easier to slice.
3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and sauté it for about 1 minute until it’s fragrant. Next, add the unsalted butter and let it melt completely. Stir in the honey and BBQ sauce until everything is well mixed, then let it simmer for a few minutes to combine the flavors.
4. Combine Beef with Sauce:
After the beef has rested, slice it thinly against the grain. Place the sliced beef back into the skillet with the garlic butter sauce. Toss the beef so it gets evenly coated in that delicious sauce.
5. Assemble the Tacos:
Warm the flour tortillas by placing them in a separate pan or microwave for a few seconds. Once warmed, take each tortilla and fill it generously with the garlic butter honey BBQ beef mixture.
6. Add Toppings:
Top your tacos with sour cream or crema, a sprinkle of shredded cheese, and finish with some chopped green onions for added flavor and a bit of crunch.
7. Serve:
Serve your tacos warm, and if you like, add some lime wedges on the side for an extra zesty kick. Enjoy your flavorful Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Beef Tacos!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Beef for This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can use other cuts like ribeye or sirloin if you prefer. Just remember that cooking times may vary depending on the thickness and cut of the beef. Aim for a nice sear to lock in juices, and adjust cooking times accordingly for tenderness.
What Can I Substitute for Honey in This Recipe?
If you want to substitute honey, maple syrup or agave syrup works well for a similar sweetness. If you’re looking for a sugar-free option, consider using a sugar substitute like erythritol, but adjust the quantity to taste since sweetness levels can vary.
How to Store Leftover Tacos?
Store any leftover beef and toppings separately in airtight containers. The beef will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the beef gently in a skillet or microwave, and warm the tortillas just before serving to maintain their softness.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the beef for grilled portobello mushrooms, tofu, or jackfruit for a delicious vegetarian option. Simply season and cook the substitutes similarly to how you would the beef before adding them to the garlic butter sauce.
