Get ready for these tasty beef tacos that are bursting with flavor! They combine juicy beef, sweet honey, and rich garlic butter with zesty BBQ sauce. Yum!
Making these tacos is a breeze! I love to pile on my favorite toppings like cheese and avocado. Trust me, every bite is a delicious party in your mouth! 🌮🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef: Flank steaks or skirt steaks are ideal for their tenderness. If you’re looking for a leaner option, consider using chicken or turkey. Tofu or tempeh can be great for a plant-based twist!
Garlic: Fresh garlic really makes a difference in flavor, but if you’re in a pinch, garlic powder will work. Use about 1 teaspoon of garlic powder for each clove of fresh garlic.
BBQ Sauce: Pick your favorite variety! If you’re aiming for less sugar, opt for a low-sugar BBQ sauce or make your own by mixing ketchup, vinegar, and spices. For heat, add a bit of hot sauce!
Honey: This adds sweetness, but if you’re avoiding it, maple syrup or agave syrup makes a good substitute. If you don’t want any sweetener, simply skip it!
How Do You Achieve the Best Flavor When Cooking the Beef?
Cooking the beef right is key to great tacos! Here’s how to get the best results:
- Slice the beef thinly against the grain to ensure tenderness.
- Make sure the skillet is hot before adding the beef; this helps to create a nice sear and preserves juiciness.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan! Cook in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking.
- Let the beef just cook through—overcooking will lead to toughness.
Once the beef is back in the skillet with the garlic butter sauce, give it just a minute to soak up those flavors before serving. Enjoy your delicious tacos!
Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Beef Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Beef Mixture:
- 1 lb (450g) beef flank steak or skirt steak, thinly sliced
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ cup BBQ sauce (your favorite variety)
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For Serving:
- 8 small flour or corn tortillas
- Optional toppings: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced avocado, chopped cilantro, shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack), sour cream or crema, lime wedges
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and about 15 minutes of cooking, for a total of about 25 minutes from start to finish. You’ll be enjoying delicious tacos in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Beef:
Start by taking a medium bowl and adding the thinly sliced beef. Sprinkle in the smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together until the beef is well-coated with the spices. This will enhance the flavor of your beef!
2. Sauté the Beef:
Next, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add the seasoned beef. Cook it until it’s browned and just cooked through, which should take about 3-5 minutes. Once done, remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
3. Make the Garlic Butter Mixture:
In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the unsalted butter and minced garlic. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and lightly golden. This is where all that delicious flavor starts to build!
4. Add the BBQ Sauce and Honey:
Stir in the BBQ sauce and honey, mixing well to create a sweet and savory glaze that will perfectly complement the beef. Let it cook for a minute so every flavor blends beautifully.
5. Combine Beef with the Sauce:
Return the cooked beef to the skillet and toss it with the garlic butter honey BBQ sauce. Let it hang out in the sauce for an additional 1-2 minutes, allowing the beef to absorb all that luscious flavor!
6. Warm the Tortillas:
While the beef finishes cooking, warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or you can microwave them for about 20-30 seconds. This makes them soft and pliable for easy folding!
7. Assemble the Tacos:
Now it’s time to put everything together! Take a tortilla and divide the beef mixture evenly among them. Use as much or as little as you like—it’s totally up to you!
8. Add Your Favorite Toppings:
Top the tacos with all your favorites, like shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced avocado, fresh cilantro, shredded cheese, and a dollop of sour cream or crema. Get creative!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your delicious tacos with some lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the top. Each squeeze will add a zesty kick to every bite. Enjoy your Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Beef Tacos—they’re sure to be a hit!
FAQ for Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Beef Tacos
Can I Substitute the Beef with a Different Protein?
Absolutely! Chicken breast or thigh would work well, or you can try ground turkey or pork for a different flavor profile. For a vegetarian option, consider using diced tofu or tempeh marinated in the same spices.
How Can I Make These Tacos Spicier?
If you like a kick, add some diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the beef as it cooks. You can also sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes or chili powder into the BBQ sauce mix for added heat!
Can I Prepare the Beef Mixture Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can marinate the beef in the spices and store it in the fridge for up to a day before cooking. This allows the flavors to really develop. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly upon using.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Tacos?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, just warm them gently in a skillet or microwave, and add a splash of water to keep the tortillas from drying out.
